Afternoon Tea Behind Sir Nigel Gresley
Enjoy a delicious afternoon tea riding behind the iconic locomotive, Sir Nigel Gresley
Sir Nigel Gresley will be running the full length of the 10 mile line, from Alresford, for the first time in 19 years!
Experience the thrill of riding behind her in a premium Oliver Bulleid designed carriage, through the glorious Hampshire countryside, while you enjoy an exclusive ‘Master and Apprentice’ Afternoon Tea in a presentation box, including sandwiches, savoury bites, sweet treats and scones.
‘Master and Apprentice’
Sir Nigel Gresley, famed for his innovative LNER locomotive designs, mentored Oliver Bulleid, who absorbed his master’s bold engineering spirit. Under Gresley, Bulleid developed technical expertise and vision, later applying these to his Southern Railway work including the Merchant Navy Class Canadian Pacific. The master-apprentice bond linked the great designers of steam in a tradition of daring innovation, shaping British steam’s golden age.
This experience starts at Alresford Station for one round trip.
departure times
Sir Nigel Gresley will depart from Alresford Station at 11am, 1pm and 3pm.
Behind the Scenes Tour
Our Behind the Scenes Tour is a unique opportunity to get an insight into the craftsmanship and equipment needed to restore and maintain The Watercress Line’s steam locomotives and rolling stock. If you are interested in steam engines, you will benefit from seeing where we carry out specialist machining, locomotive assembly, boiler overhaul and carriage restoration.
Health & Safety
• Our workshops are a heavy engineering environment with uneven surfaces, steps and obstructions to be manoeuvred around. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate wheelchair visitors.
• Visitors must be able to climb steps, walk on rough surfaces and step over objects unaided.
• Robust footwear and clothing must be worn; flip-flops, sandals and open-toed shoes are not permitted.
• Pets, including assistance dogs, are not permitted in the workshops.
• Children must be accompanied by an adult. The route is not suitable for children under the age of 12.
Please note, you need to buy a gala ticket to be able to go on these tours.
FREE
(This can be booked when you book your gala ticket.)
Locomotives
Visiting locos:
• 60007 “Sir Nigel Gresley”, courtesy of the Sir Nigel Gresley Locomotive Preservation Trust and to Locomotive Services. Built in October 1937 at Doncaster works for use on the East Coast main line between Kings Cross and Edinburgh.
• 34059 ‘Sir Archibald Sinclair’, courtesy of the Bluebell Railway, is a rebuilt Battle of Britain class locomotive originally designed for Southern Railway, first launched into preservation service in 2009 by Viscount Thurso. After being withdrawn in 2011 for major firebox repairs, it returned to service in 2023.
Home-fleet Locos:
• 41312 LMS Ivatt, spent much of its working career on Southern region lines.
• 35005 – SR Merchant Navy Class Canadian Pacific, returned the rails on the 19 March 2025, after a 14 year restoration project.
• 30506 – LSWR Urie S15 Class ‘506’ returns to traffic with a repaint and livery change, becoming the first S15 in preservation to wear an early crest.
More to follow!
What's On
• Enjoy FREE guided tours of the Engineering Works at Ropley (need to pre-book with gala tickets).
• Experience unlimited rides on the delightful miniature railway.
• West Country Buffet at Alresford station, T-Junction at Ropley & the Kiosk at Alton will be open for you to enjoy a selection of hot and cold meals, snacks and drinks.
• Visit our gift shops at Alresford & Ropley stations for great gifts or a memento of your day.
What else is going on:
• Enjoy FREE guided tours of the Engineering Works at Ropley (need to pre-book with gala tickets).
• Experience unlimited rides on the delightful miniature railway.
• West Country Buffet at Alresford station, T-Junction at Ropley & the Kiosk at Alton will be open for you to enjoy a selection of hot and cold meals, snacks and drinks.
• Visit our gift shops at Alresford & Ropley stations for great gifts or a memento of your day.
Parking
Alresford Station: Pay & display car park, operated by Winchester City Council.
Disabled parking and electric charge points are available. Cash or RingGo app location 42519.
Arlebury Park, Alresford: FREE parking with shuttle bus provided. What 3 Words: ///voltages.hero.available and ///marsh.ruffle.coaching for entrance road (Arlebury Park Barns)
Photography & Filming
Visitors are permitted to film and/or photograph at The Watercress Line for personal use only. Filming and photography for commercial gain is strictly prohibited unless pre-approved by the Company.
Drones must not be operated on or within 50m of The Watercress Line property.
The Watercress Line only permits lineside access to those with a valid Watercress Line Identity Card and PTS. No other lineside access is permitted, including PTS certification issued by other heritage railways, and is viewed as trespass.
We respectfully ask photographers to respect our neighbour’s private property and remain in publicly accessible areas. Please note that the field and crossing at Wanders Curve between Ropley and Medstead is not publicly accessible land. Thank you.
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.
