Sir Nigel Gresley Footplate Ride Experience
Experience an exclusive ride on the footplate of Sir Nigel Gresley
For Two Days Only – Ride History!
Seize a once-in-a-lifetime chance to go beyond the barriers and onto the footplate of the legendary Sir Nigel Gresley.
This is no ordinary visit—guests will be right there with the crew as they fire and drive this record-breaking locomotive along the line.
For a full 20-mile round trip, feel the heat of the firebox, the rhythm of the pistons, and the unmatched thrill of travelling where few ever have. This is your chance to experience the living, breathing power of steam at its most authentic.
With only one guest allowed on the footplate per journey, this is an exceptionally rare opportunity—exclusive, unforgettable, and strictly limited.
Please note this experience does NOT include driving and firing the locomotive.
The experience DOES also include standard travel on the day.
Departure times
Train 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.
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.
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.
