Flying Scotsman Photography Experience
Hosted by Nikon
An Exclusive Evening of Photography with Flying Scotsman
For two nights only!
Step into a rare after-hours experience capturing the iconic Flying Scotsman in all its splendour.
This photography experience will give you the opportunity to get up close to 60103 Flying Scotsman in a small group, to capture some incredible shots of this magnificent locomotive. In a second scene, one of our Class 20 diesel locomotives will be on Platform 2, ready for photos alongside railway staff in uniform.
Hosted by Nikon training experts, in partnership with The Watercress Line’s in-house photography team, you will have hands-on expertise for any questions, tips and suggestions.
With the scene set, the guard and driver in period uniforms and other heritage home-fleet locomotives joining in the yard, you’ll have the chance to create dramatic images of this legendary locomotive.
Whether you bring your own camera or wish to explore Nikon’s cutting-edge equipment (available by prior arrangement), you’ll be supported throughout by Nikon’s training experts. Their hands-on guidance will help you refine your skills, experiment with new techniques, and make the very most of this extraordinary subject.
Light refreshments are included, giving you time to pause, connect with fellow enthusiasts, and plan your next shot.
Please note this is not an accessible activity so guests will need to consider their mobility before booking.
This experience will take place from 6.30pm – 9pm.
Please note: Any photographs you take during this photography experience cannot be used for commercial gain, for example on merchandise.
Timetable
Sir Nigel Gresley will depart from Alresford Station at 11am, 1pm and 3pm.
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.
Tickets
£150 per person
Tickets are being sold directly from Nikon.
The BOOK TICKETS link will take you directly to their website.Â
Frequently asked questions
When do I receive the itinerary for my Flying Scotsman experience?
At least four weeks before the event we will email you your itinerary.
When do I receive my e-ticket?
You will receive an email confirmation as soon as you book. Approximately two weeks before your visit we will email you your tickets and a copy of your itinerary.
Do I just need to bring my e-ticket in my email on the day?
Yes, all you need is the e-ticket in your email which will be scanned on arrival. Unfortunately, screenshots cannot be scanned.
You should also make sure you have easy access to your itinerary.
Do you offer any concessions for travelling with Flying Scotsman or for the Static Display Experience?
All of our tickets for these experiences are a fixed price. We do not operate any concessions, with the exception of ‘Family Travel Only’ tickets on our Static Display Days.
Is there accessible access to Flying Scotsman?
Yes, there is limited accessible access so you MUST please contact our Reservations Manager on reservations@watercressline.co.uk, or on 01962 733810, to book tickets to ensure you have the appropriate facilities.
Can I change the day of my Flying Scotsman ticket?
If you have selected Ticket Protect when booking your ticket, you can change the day or time of your Flying Scotsman ticket where there is capacity, however we expect the tickets to sell out quickly so there may not be an option to change your visit.
There are no transfers, exchanges or refunds if you have not selected Ticket Protect when booking your ticket.
Can dogs come on Flying Scotsman?
Bringing dogs is not recommended as the train carriages will be crowded, however assistance dogs are welcome.
Can buggies be taken on to the Flying Scotsman train?
Due to limited space, buggies will need to be left on the platform at the owner’s risk, or left in the car if possible.
If buggies can be folded up, they can be accommodated on our other heritage trains.
Where is the car parking for these experiences?
Parking details will be sent to the email address on your booking in advance of your visit. We intend to spread visitors across multiple car parks where possible to make your arrival as simple as possible.
Please remember to give yourself plenty of time to park your car so you can arrive at the railway no later than 30 minutes prior to your departure time.
You MUST start at the station your experience starts from, as you won’t be able to board at a different station. The car park you need to use will be clear in the pre-travel information sent to you.
Experience | Suggested Car Parking |
Static Display and Footplate Tours – Start from Alresford or Alton | Alresford: Alresford Station Car Park or Arlebury Park (short walk) Alton: Alton Station Car Park |
The Flying Scotsman Experience – Alton | Alton Station Car Park or St Marys Church Car Park (short walk) |
The Flying Scotsman Experience – Ropley | Field adjacent to Ropley Station |
The Flying Scotsman Breakfast / Afternoon Tea Experience | Alresford Station Car Park or Pinglestone Barn (Shuttle Bus available) |
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What is the timetable for Flying Scotsman?
In consideration of our neighbours we are limiting running details to ticket holders only so we can reduce the risk of over-crowding and inconsiderate parking.
Will there be places to buy food and drink at the railway?
Yes, there will be opportunities to purchase food and drinks at Alresford, Ropley and Alton stations during your experience.
Where can I see Flying Scotsman without a ticket?
The best way to see Flying Scotsman is by buying a ticket for one of our experiences.
Access to our stations to see Flying Scotsman is only guaranteed if you have a Flying Scotsman ticket. On running days parking at our stations at Alresford and Ropley will be restricted to ticket holders only.
If you are intending to visit publicly accessible locations near the railway, please consider our neighbours and do not trespass on railway or private property. Trespassing within the boundaries of the railway is a criminal offence.
We reserve the right to close our stations to spectators at any point.
Parking
Ropley Station: Bighton Hill, Ropley, SO24 9SQ.
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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.
