Diesel Train Driving Experience
There is nothing quite like the sound and power of a heritage diesel locomotive!
Thanks to our steeply graded line, 1 in 60 at its steepest, you can drive a heritage diesel train in the manner it was designed for.
This really is a thrilling experience! Starting at 9.30am at Alresford Station, you will meet the driver and other participants in the West Country Buffet. Once your briefing has finished, you will be in control of one of our heritage diesel electric locomotives hauling a train of carriages along our steeply graded line!
You will have the opportunity to experience what it feels like to release the brakes, apply power and feel the engine surge forward, under your control.
Under the expert instruction of our highly experienced crew, six of you will take it in turns to be the driver and assist the driver (exchanging tokens and looking out for signals), through the day. During the experience you will also get the chance to see how the locomotive operates.
There is no need for any previous experience – first-timers are welcome!
If not driving or assisting, participants will be required to ride in the carriages with the Guard and their guests. A lunch is provided for the participant in the West Country Buffet at Alresford Station. Guests are welcome to join participants where they will be able to ride behind the loco in a carriage. Lunch for guests can be purchased on the day from the West Country Buffet.Â
Guests accompanying participants on this experience are subject to insurance indemnity requirements and for safety reasons all children must be over 2 years of age and will remain the responsibility of an accompanying adult at all times.
Guests will be required to sign an indemnity form accepting any risk to themselves should an incident occur whilst the train is being driven by a ‘learner driver’. Any children will need to be included on the form signed by an accompanying adult.
This is a ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity and there will be plenty of time to take photos to remember the day.
Locomotives will be used from the current heritage fleet available. They will be listed here for the 2026 dates shortly but may be subject to change in the event of a failure.
Please note, The Watercress Line reserves the right to reschedule a driving experience if the minimum number of six participants booked on a specific day is not reached, or for any other reason.
There are six places on each day so you will be required to share the day with others.
Overalls can be provided to protect clothing, unless you want to bring your own.
Experience will be from 9.30am until 5pm.
Diesel locomotives running
27 June: 47579 James Nightall GC
18 July: Class 20
Outline of the experience
• Meet the driver at Alresford Station
• Enjoy the journey up and down the line between Alresford Station and Alton Station
• Experience the thrill of driving the powerful train through the Hampshire countryside, overlooking the South Downs National Park
• Assist the driver by exchanging tokens and looking out for signals
What's included:
• Coffee and pastry on arrival
• Lunch in the West Country Buffet at Alresford Station
• Bring up to four guests with you to enjoy the train journey in the passenger coaches (lunch can be purchased at a charge for travelling passengers)
• Commemorative certificate
Participants must:
– Be 18 years old or over
– Complete a medical questionnaire once you have booked this experience
– Be physically fit and be able to ascend and descend a ladder
– Must not be under the influence or consume alcohol or drugs prior or during the experience
– Wear appropriate old clothes (could get dirty) and sturdy footwear (no trainers)
– If participants are taking any medication, please check the advice for driving while taking them
– This activity may not be suitable for those with some disabilities, particularly where mobility is affected
Tickets
Adults
Over 18 years
Advanced Booking: £585 per person (full day)
Please note:
Once this experience has been booked, it cannot be cancelled or transferred to another date.
Pets are not permitted to accompany participants on their experience.
Parking
Alresford Station: Pay & display car park, operated by Winchester City Council.
Disabled parking and electric charge points available. Cash or RingGo app location 42519.
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.
