Retro Wheels and Rails

Dates

13 - 14 June 2026

Celebrating the changes of road, rail, music and more through the '40s to the '70s!

Join us for a journey through the decades as you travel through the Hampshire countryside.

All Change! As you step off the train at each station you will be stepping back in time, with each station celebrating a different decade.

Alresford: 1960s Throwback
Feel the beat, the energy, the revolution – live the Swinging Sixties in full sound and colour with 1960s at home in the Goods Shed and retro food options in Alresford’s cafe.

Ropley: 1940s Wartime Britain
Vintage vehicles, authentic atmosphere, and live music that will have you dancing like it’s 1945.

Medstead & Four Marks: 1950s Rock ’n’ Roll
Explore the period station with 1950s’ live music.

Alton: 1970s Throwback Fun
Step into retro gaming, bold colours, 70s’ Sweet Shop and pure nostalgia – welcome to the groovy era.

Enjoy period music, vehicles, activities and more, around the railway over the weekend. 

Vintage attire is welcome but optional.

If you would like to display your vintage vehicle, please fill out the online form.

Activites will run from 10.30am to 4.30pm.

What's happening?

• Talented 50s & 60s singers will be performing at Ropley (duet band Jigsaw on Saturday and Matthew Quillam on Sunday), and at Medstead & Four Marks (Rob Coombes and Josie Derland on both days)

• Vintage vehicles from the era will be on display at Ropley Station

• Crane demonstration in Ropley Yard until 2pm both days, using DS1580

• Interactive telephone activity: Can you find the period phone at each station? Call a different station or pick up if it is ringing! See if you can find and call from all four phones.

• ‘Moving the Goods’ freight demonstrations throughout the day (Saturday only)

• Enjoy heritage train rides throughout the day, with both steam & diesel locomotives operating

• Enjoy unlimited rides on the delightful miniature railway (volunteer dependent)

• Try some 1970s entertainment on one of our period games consoles at Alton station

• Follow the sounds of the 60s up the stairs in the Goods Shed and learn more about music during this decade

Heading

• Get an insight of the behind the scenes work that goes on, from the Loco Shed Viewing Gallery

• Food and drink will be available at Alresford (including a 1960s ‘Throwback Menu’), Ropley and Alton stations (including a 1970s Sweet Shop)

• Browse the Gift Shops at Alresford & Ropley stations for gifts and mementos of your day

• For any younger members of your group…

• Run off steam at the locomotive playground!

• Capture yourself in the selfie station!

Timetable

DOWN
Alton
Dep
10:50
12:00
12:50
14:00
14:50
16:00
Medstead & Four Marks
Arr
11:03
12:15
13:03
14:15
15:03
16:15
Medstead & Four Marks
Dep
11:04
12:16
13:04
14:16
15:04
16:16
Ropley
Arr
11:12
12:24
13:12
14:24
15:12
16:24
Ropley
Dep
11:15
12:26
13:15
14:26
15:15
16:26
Alresford
Arr
11:23
12:34
13:23
14:34
15:23
16:34
UP
Alresford
Dep
11:00
11:45
13:00
13:45
15:00
15:45
Ropley
Arr
11:08
11:53
13:08
13:53
15:08
15:53
Ropley
Dep
11:15
12:00
13:15
14:00
15:15
16:00
Medstead & Four Marks
Arr
11:25
12:10
13:25
14:10
15:25
16:10
Medstead & Four Marks
Dep
11:26
12:18
13:26
14:18
15:26
16:18
Alton
Arr
11:39
12:31
13:39
14:31
15:39
16:31

plan your day

To help plan your day, click here to see the daysheet for this event.

41312 at Alresford - Will Stratford
Retro Wheels and Rails at The Watercress Line - Edward Maton
Red Truck - Matthew Feldwick

Tickets

Children

Age 4 and Under

Advanced Booking: FREE
On the day: FREE

Children

Age 5-16

Advanced Booking: £16
On the day: £19

Adults

Age 17+

Advanced Booking: £29
On the day: £33

Family

2 Adults & 1 Child

Advanced Booking: £66
On the day: £76

Family

1 Adult & up to 3 Children

Advanced Booking: £66
On the day: £76

Family

2 Adults & up to 3 Children

Advanced Booking: £95
On the day: £109

Booking fee of £2.50 may apply.

Parking

Ropley: There will be FREE car parking in the field. Sat nav: Station Hill, Ropley, SO24 0BL.
Disabled drop-off at Ropley station is available before parking in the field.

Alresford: Pay & display car park, operated by Winchester City Council.
Disabled parking and electric charge points are available. Cash or RingGo app location 42519.

Alton: Pay & display car park, operated by South Western Railway. Cash or RingGo app location 77475.

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.