We want to make sure that everyone can visit the railway, see below for more information about our access for those with access requirements.
– Visual story to download
– Dementia friendly information
– Trail resources
‘I can see’ – I can see spotter trail
‘What is it like there?’ – sights and sounds trail of the railway
Can you- master party ‘ – visual story for adults
Can you – education master – visual story for families and schools
If you have any questions in advance of your visit please feel free to contact us at education@watercressline.co.uk
Quiet spaces at the Railway
If you’re looking for a quiet space to seek some time out from stimulation, we have several options:
If you need an indoor space that can be temporarily closed, please contact a member of our team as there are a few rooms we can help you to access based on their availability on the day.
· Committee Room above the shop at Alresford
· The Up Waiting Room or the Disabled/family changing room at Ropley
· Down Waiting Room at Medstead & Four Marks Station
Alternatively, you could head to these areas in the railway that tend to be away from hustle and bustle:
- Cattle dock at Alresford Station
- Picnic area at Alresford Station
- Far end of the picnic area or the pathway to the meadow at Ropley
- The Carriage Workshop Viewing Gallery (although there may be mechanical noise from the workshop).
- At the front of the station at Medstead and Four Marks
- At the far end of the platform ( towards the new bridge) at Alton
If you are visiting on a quiet day, for example outside of school holidays, most of the stations have quiet areas although; you may come across the occasional group of school children. For our Thomas events mid week is quieter than weekends.
For a quieter experience, it is advisable to use the first or last trains of the day.
Queuing for tickets:
Queuing can be tricky for those with additional needs – please let a member of the station staff know if you need assistance on arrival (you can always buy your ticket on the train) and we will do what we can to ensure your entry is as quick as possible.
Areas of the railway that can get busy:
Some areas can get quite busy and noisy during peak times, mostly during school holidays or at special events.
At Alresford:
- Booking office at Alresford
- Gift Shop at Alresford (just after the train service pulls in)
- West Country Buffet at Alresford (12pm – 1.30pm)
At Ropley:
· The platforms just before and whilst a train service is in the station (particularly during Galas and Thomas events).
· Thomas Shop just after train services depart.
· The Picnic area before and after Magic Shows.
At Medstead and Four Marks:
· The Goods Shed display area during train stop-overs.
At Alton:
· Before and after train departures.
We have members of our volunteer team who are happy to advise and help you with your visit if required. Please email education@watercressline.co.uk and we will put you in touch.
We support the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower initiative, which promotes the wearing of a sunflower themed lanyard, badge or ribbon as a discreet sign of a hidden disability. If you’re wearing the Sunflower lanyard our teams are trained to look out for you, in case you need additional support or just a little more time or space.
