The spirits are gathering and something spooky is brewing on the tracks at The Watercress Line in Hampshire this Halloween, as it prepares to welcome visitors for two spellbindingly spooky experiences.
From 29 to 31 October, the heritage railway will transform into a supernatural setting for two separate Halloween events – a magical, family-friendly adventure by day and a spine-chilling experience for adults over 18 years, after dark.
For families looking for Halloween thrills without the fright, Halloween Witches of Watercress Woods offers an immersive adventure packed with mystery, magic and mischief.
Setting off from Alresford, families will journey by train into the mysterious Watercress Woods, where they’ll encounter Hansel & Gretel, all grown up after years trapped in the woods with the witches.
But the witches have been spotted near the railway – and they need stopping! Young passengers will become part of the story as they help protect the train, with characters appearing along the route and plenty of surprises along the way.
Sweet Sellers will tempt every child with a Halloween goodie bag containing a creepy-crawly colouring activity and edible treat, while hair-raising fancy dress by mini vampires, ghosts and little monsters is positively encouraged.
The family experience runs from 29 to 31 October, with trains departing Alresford at 12.30pm and 3pm. The immersive journey lasts approximately 1 hour 40 minutes, with plenty of photo opportunities and refreshments available.
Then, when darkness falls…the Halloween Horror Train arrives, a separate evening event, offering a darker Halloween experience.
Departing Alresford at 7pm, the Horror Train invites adult passengers aboard a mysterious Séance Train, where a Professor of the Spirit World attempts to pierce the veil between the living and the dead.
As the steam train disappears into the darkness, the lights begin to flicker, whispers fill the carriage and something appears to be pushing back from the ‘other side’.
The exciting experience includes complimentary alcoholic punch on arrival before enjoying a haunting story with ghastly characters along the way, with plenty of ghoulish photo opportunities too! Halloween fancy dress is encouraged – passengers should prepare for an evening of genuine thrills!
The Horror Train also runs from 29 to 31 October, with the experience lasting approximately 1 hour 40 minutes.
Rebecca Dalley, CEO of The Watercress Line, said:
“Halloween is always a spookily atmospheric time of year for the railway, and this year we’ve got something for everyone – although definitely not at the same time!
“Families are welcome to join us during the day for a magical adventure through the Witches of Watercress Woods, while our evening Horror Train is strictly for adults looking for something considerably more chilling.
“Whether you’re dressing up with the children during the day or leaving them safely at home while you brave the spirits after dark, there’s plenty of Halloween mischief waiting at The Watercress Line.
“Just remember – once the train leaves the station, there’s no telling what might be waiting in the woods!”
If you dare…find out more and book at: https://watercressline.co.
