Sunday Lunch Express to Alresford
In collaboration with The Swan Hotel
New dining experience - travel to Alresford on a heritage train to enjoy a Sunday lunch
Your journey begins in Alton, where you will travel through the beautiful Hampshire countryside to the colourful Georgian market town of New Alresford aboard a heritage train.
On arrival in Alresford, you will make your way to The Swan Hotel, who will be serving a delicious Sunday lunch.
Please note: Dining takes place at the hotel, a short walk away from Alresford Station, not onboard the train. Each guest will receive a lunch ticket to exchange at the venue for their meal.
After your lunch, you’ll return to the station to board the train for a scenic journey back to Alton, completing a day of heritage travel and hearty dining.
Sunday Lunch Menu
(One Starter, one Main and one Dessert are included in your Sunday Lunch)
Starters
Homemade Soup – A comforting blend of seasonal ingredients, served piping hot with crusty bread (gfo/v/vgo)
Goat Cheese, Walnut, Beetroot and Watercress Salad, served with a vibrant wild garlic dressing (gf/v)
****
Mains
Tender Roasted Striploin of Beef (gfo) or Nut Roast (vgo), served with traditional trimmings
Local Cumberland Sausages, served with mashed potatoes and a red wine onion jus. Buttered petit pois on the side (vo)
Crispy Beer Battered Cod, accompanied by minted mushy peas and thick-cut chips (gfo)
Swan Gourmet 8oz Beef Burger, topped with melted cheddar cheese and smoked back bacon, layered with sliced tomato, lettuce and burger relish in a toasted floured bap (gfo), served with chips and salad garnish
Moving Mountain Vegetarian Burger, topped with melted cheddar cheese, with sliced tomato, lettuce and burger relish in a toasted floured bap (v/vgo), served with chips and salad garnish
****
Desserts
Lemon Posset, served with shortbread (v)
Cookie Dough Sunday – Creamy vanilla ice cream, with edible cookie dough bites, milk chocolate mousse, cookie dough ice cream, fudge sauce, fresh cream and a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips (gfo/v)
(v) vegetarian (vgo) vegan option (gf) gluten free (gfo) gluten free option available
If you have any dietary requirements, please contact reservations@watercressline.co.uk.
What's included?
• Sunday lunch (one starter, main and dessert), served at The Swan Hotel in New Alresford
• Each visitor will enjoy a return journey through the Hampshire countryside onboard one of our trains
What's On
• Visitors must arrive at Alton Station at least 15 minutes before the selected departure time (10.50am or 12.50pm)
• Visitors can book lunch for either the 11.45am or 1.45pm sitting (this will be pre-booked when you buy your ticket). Collect your ticket to exchange for your Sunday lunch at The Swan Hotel
• Visitors may return to Alton from Alresford Station (departure times: 1.45pm or 3pm)
Partners
The Naked Grape is a proudly independent, family-owned wine merchant dedicated to helping customers find the perfect bottle – regardless of their level of wine knowledge. Their strength lies in genuine, knowledgeable conversation and carefully tailored recommendations.
Every wine on their shelves has been personally tasted and selected by the team. If they don’t love it, they don’t stock it – simple as that. The Naked Grape specialises in wines from small, family-run producers who craft honest, characterful wines with real stories behind them. But above all, it’s about the taste.
They steer clear of mass-market bottles found everywhere else and embrace the joy of discovering wines you won’t find just anywhere. Their curated range spans the globe, offering standout examples and exceptional value across styles and regions.
Enjoy three wines from The Naked Grape on your unique wine tasting journey at The Watercress Line.
Pinglestone Estate – home to Louis Pommery – was established in 2017 by Vranken-Pommery Monopole, becoming the first Champagne House to plant vines in England. Drawing on over 200 years of heritage and expertise, they selected premium chalk-rich land in Hampshire’s downlands for their 35-hectare vineyard.
Set on a unique 360° aspect overlooking the South Downs National Park and the confluence of the River Itchen and the Arle, the estate grows Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Pinot Gris using regenerative farming methods that prioritise biodiversity and sustainability.
Crafted using the traditional method, the wines are elegant, refined, and proudly English.
Will Perkins, a Hampshire native, began his winemaking journey with Hattingley Valley. After five years as Assistant Winemaker, he gained international experience across renowned wine regions including South Africa, Spain, New Zealand, and Australia. Returning home in 2022 to join Pinglestone Estate, Will sees it as a chance to reconnect with the land and community that shaped him.
Tickets
Adults
Price Per Person
£63
Children (12 and under)
Price Per Person
£48.50
Please note:
This is a self-led experience. Guests will board the train at Alton Station, travelling to Alresford Station, where they will then make their own way to The Swan Hotel (a short walk from Alresford Station), returning to Alresford Station on time for the return journey.
You will join the service from Alton to Alresford at 10.50am or 12.50pm, and join the return service from Alresford to Alton at 1.45pm or 3pm.
There is no reserved seating – you’re free to sit anywhere you like on the train.
Booking fee of £2.50 may apply.
Parking
Alton Station:Â Pay & display car park, operated by South Western Railway. Cash or RingGo app location 77475.
The company does not guarantee that the trains will arrive or depart at the times stated and reserves the right to cancel, alter or suspend any train without notice, or to substitute a different train should this be necessary for whatever reason.
