Father Christmas Express
Father Christmas is back at The Watercress line!
Join Father Christmas as he transports you from Ropley to Medstead on his magical Father Christmas Express.
Have some jolly, festive fun with his helpers as you ride on a steam train to the highest station on our line and back.
Collect a magic token that you can exchange for one of a selection of presents at our special ‘Present Junction’ when you get back to Ropley.
Please note that the Father Christmas Express only departs from Ropley Station.
Activities run from 9:30am – 3:30pm.
What's On
• Take a ride on the Father Christmas Express Train from his Hampshire Hideaway at Ropley.
• Meet Father Christmas onboard the Father Christmas Express!
• Enjoy other free activities before and after your journey on the Father Christmas Express.
• Choose and collect your present from the Present Junction at Ropley.
• Make special reindeer food to take home with you ready for Christmas Eve.
• New for 2026! Bubble Waffles with festive ice cream available from the Hot Chocolate Junction
• Enjoy a range of festive treats from the T-Junction at Ropley!
What's On
Spend time at Father Christmas’ Hampshire Hideaway at Ropley Station, where you can:
• Choose and collect your present from the Present Junction.
• Complete the activity trail to find the Elf Doors and spell out the festive word.
• Take a ride on the Miniature Railway.
• Write a letter to Father Christmas.
• Take a photo as a giant gingerbread man, pose in the festive frame and take a seat on Father Christmas’ throne.
Map of Festive Activities
Click here to find out where the festive activities are in Father Christmas’ Hampshire Hideaway.Â
Tickets
12, 13, 19, 20, 21, 22 & 23 December
Children
Under 1 Year
Advanced Booking: £12.00
(includes a gift but no seat)
Children
Age 1-15
Advanced Booking: £27.50
Adults
Age 16+
Advanced Booking: £22.50
24 December
Children
Under 1 Year
Advanced Booking: £14.50
(includes a gift but no seat)
Children
Age 1-15
Advanced Booking: £34.50
Adults
Age 16+
Advanced Booking: £28.50
A £2.50 booking fee will apply.
Booking tickets in advance is essential.Â
Why not add something special to your booking?
• Hot Chocolate with Cream, Marshmallows & a Gingerbread Man – £6.00
• Sweet Cone – £2.50
• Mince Pie – £2
• Elf Hat – £2.50
(These can be collected at the Festive Chalet at Ropley Station)
Important information about ticket types. Please read before purchasing tickets.
Purchase of Tickets:
All tickets are sold individually. Children under 2, a present only can be purchased, seats will not be allocated so will be required to sit on a parents / guardian’s lap.
Flexibility:
At a slightly higher price, we offer you the option of buying FLEXIBLE tickets that allow cancellation.
FLEXIBLE Tickets
If you book flexible tickets and give us a minimum of 3 working days’ notice before the date of your booking (by email to reservations@watercressline.co.uk), we will endeavour to move the booking to another date, time or starting station as requested.
If you are unable to travel for any reason tickets can be refunded (refund will be a gift card) with flexible cover with a minimum of 5 working days’ notice before the day of travel.
STANDARD Tickets
If you book standard tickets, then we cannot give any refund if you are unable to travel. If you give us a minimum of 3 working days’ notice before the date of your booking (by email reservations@watercressline.co.uk), we will endeavour to move the booking to another date, time or starting station, depending on availability. This change will incur a £20 administration fee to amend your booking. Please note that this may not always be possible.
ACCESSIBLE Carriage
We have a limited number of spaces in our accessible carriage on the trains that run from Alresford only.
If you need a require space in a accessible carriage then please contact our reservations manager on 01962 733810 or email reservations@watercressline.co.uk giving a phone number we can use to call you back.
Festive Picnic Boxes
Add a delightful Festive Picnic Box full of delicious picnic goodies to enhance your experience!
This can be purchased at the time of booking. These will be ready for collection twenty minutes prior to the train departure time.
An example of what the boxes will include:
Festive Picnic Box
Mini fruit & plain scone, jam & clotted cream, macarons, mini mince pie, lemon tart, bite size sausage roll, pork cranberry & stuffing pie, ham hock & pea terrine with rustic bread
£15.95 per person
Kids Festive Picnic Box
Ham, cheese, jam sandwich, apple or orange juice carton, festive gingerbread, raisins, Pom-Bear crisps, Christmas colouring and crayons
£6.25 per person
Also available to pre-order:
Mulled cider & mince pie
(gluten-free option available)
£8.50 per person
If someone is dairy or gluten intolerant, please speak to our Reservations Manager on 01962 733810 or email reservations@watercressline.co.uk
The Watercress Line reserves the right to change or substitute the contents of the Picnic Boxes if required.
Treat Boxes
Add our treat boxes to your booking for an extra special experience!
Add a delightful Treat Box full of yummy goodies to enhance your experience for either two or four people. This can be purchased at the time of booking. These will be ready for collection twenty minutes prior to the train departure time.
An example of what the boxes will include:
• Reindeer gingerbread biscuits • Christmas cake slices  • Mint chocolates • Selection of sweet and savoury treats • 2 x Glow glasses
Treat Box for 4 people will include a larger quantity of similar treats selection and 4 x glow glasses.
If someone is dairy or gluten intolerant, please speak to our Reservations Manager on 01962 733810 or email reservations@watercressline.co.uk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I exchange or cancel tickets?
All tickets are non-transferrable and non-refundable. However you can purchase TicketProtect at the time of booking in order to protect you against cancellations resulting from accidents, travel disruption on the way to the railway and unexpected illnesses preventing you from attending.
Is this service accessible?
Yes! We have limited accessible space in one of our carriages. To book space in our accessible carriage, please contact our Reservations Manager on 01962 733 810 or by emailing reservations@watercressline.co.uk.
Are dogs permitted?
Dogs are not permitted on the train service due to limited space with the exception of assistance dogs. If you have an assistance dog, please contact our Reservations Manager on 01962 733 810.
Do you have any discounts?
No discounts or free carer tickets are available on the Father Christmas train. All visitors will require a ticket to travel.
I have a Watercress Line gift card, how can I book with this?
This card can be used for payment online. Once you get to the payment screen please enter your gift card details.
Will we get our own seating area on the train?
Our tables seat 2 or 4 people, if you are less than a group of 4, then the other seats will be available for further visitors to book.
Our booking system allocates seats automatically. You do not need to select your seats manually. Standard coach seating is in tables of 4. Each booking will be auto allocated to the next available seats. Every effort is made to ensure groups are seated together. You may share a table with other passengers.
How long is the train journey?
You will be onboard the train from Father Christmas’ Hideaway at Ropley Station, to Medstead, and back for approximately 35 minutes.
There will be plenty of time available to enjoy the activities at Ropley either side of the Father Christmas Express.
What if I miss my train?
Please check the details on your booking confirmation carefully to ensure that you arrive at Ropley Station in plenty of time. If you miss your train, we cannot guarantee we will be able to accommodate you on another service due to limited space.
Will we see Father Christmas?
Yes, Father Christmas will make his way up and down the train during your journey.
Presents will not be issued by Father Christmas, but will be available to collect from one of his helpers at the Present Junction, in exchange for the magic token from Father Christmas.
Will there be an opportunity to have my photo taken with Father Christmas?
You may take photos with Father Christmas as he walks through the train after he has given each child a Magic Token.
Are we able to purchase refreshments?
Refreshments will be available to purchase at the Hot Chocolate Junction at Ropley Station, with pre-booked Festive Treats available to collect from the Hot Chocolate Junction.
There will be a limited selection of refreshments available at Medstead Station.
Can I buy refreshments on the train?
Refreshments will not be available to purchase on the train, but you will be able to take refreshments purchased at Ropley onboard with you.
I’ve purchased drinks vouchers that I didn’t exchange, am I able to get a refund or use them on another day?
Festive Treat vouchers for your Father Christmas visit are only valid on the day of your visit and are non-refundable.
Do I have to ride the train at a specific time?
Yes, as we are operating allocated seating, you will be required to board the train at both Father Christmas’ Hampshire Hideaway and Medstead at the time stated on your booking.
What are the ages for the presents?
There will be a selection of presents to choose from at the Present Junction. Parents/carers are asked to please ensure that the chosen present is age appropriate for the child.
What time does the station open and close?
The station will open 30 minutes before the first departure, and remain open for 30 minutes after the last train returns to Ropley.
Can I take my pram / pushchair on the train?
We anticipate that there will be a larger number of young visitors than usual, many with buggies. We ask that you be considerate to all passengers. During your train ride we have very limited space to store your buggy, please fold it wherever possible and store it on the luggage racks. Alternatively, you can leave your buggy at Ropley Station, as you will not need it while meeting Father Christmas.
Have another question?
Please call 01962 733 810 or email reservations@watercressline.co.uk.
Parking
Ropley: Bighton Hill, Ropley, SO24 9SQ.
We do NOT recommend parking at any of our other stations, as you will not be able to get onto any trains from these stations.
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.
Father Christmas Express at The Watercress Line is a family-friendly, fun attraction in Hampshire. If you are looking for things to do in your area or a place to go with kids all your round, we have plenty of kids’ events throughout the year, from weekend events to special events such as Day Out With Thomas, and Steam Illuminations. Find out what’s coming up at the Watercress Line here.
