Family Experiences
The Watercress Line is an ideal day out for the family with so much on offer
• Loco Playground – let the little ones run off steam at our locomotive playground
• Harry Potter footbridge – walk in Harry’s footsteps over the real King’s Cross bridge where Harry received his Hogwarts Express ticket in the film
• Ride our miniature railway – included in your ticket price. Our miniature railway runs during every special event and weekend running days (Subject to volunteer availability)
• Young Engineers trail – Pick up FREE Young Engineer’s activity sheet and look out for the Restoration Route plaques around the railway
• Children’s activity sheets – complete activity sheets with colouring in, puzzles, games and quizzes for different ages
• See restoration in action – visit the Viewing Gallery in the engineer sheds and watch the locomotives being restored from above, get up close to big steam locomotives, seeing preservation in action
• Experience history first hand – visit all the heritage stations and exhibitions to come face to face with Victorian railways
• South-facing picnic areas – with picnic benches nearby so you can enjoy your lunch overlooking the Loco Yard whilst your children play
• Children’s picnic – pick up a children’s picnic box from the West Country Buffet at Alresford station with a selection of delicious treats to enjoy at one of our picnic spots or even on the train!
• Gift shop and toys – pop into our shop at Alresford with a fantastic range of gifts including Thomas the Tank Engine sets, party bag fillers, books, sweets and lots more!
Family Events
We also run a variety of family events throughout the year. Whether it’s Day Out With Thomas, Wizard Week or Steam Illuminations, there is sure to be something to suit your family.
Day Out With Thomas
4 - 9 August 2026
Halloween Witches of Watercress Woods
29 - 31 October 2026
Easter Bunny Train
2 - 6 April 2026
Magic of Locomotion
14 - 22 February 2026
Bluey & Bingo Meet and Greet
22 - 24 August 2025
Father Christmas express
13 - 14 & 20 - 23 December
Steam Illuminations
28 November 2025 - 4 January 2026
27 - 28 September
Hey duggee meet & greet
28 - 29 June 2025
25 October - 2 November
Family Themed Days
To add extra family fun to a day out at The Watercress Line we have themed days, where there are activities around the railway relating to a theme.
Teddy Bears' Picnic
25 - 27 July 2025
Bring your own teddy to the railway because today is a day out for teddies with a ‘Teddy Passport’ to get stamped at each heritage station along the line!
Join in the fun with extra activities around the railway.
Plus, this Loco Bear can be bought on the day.
Princesses and Dragons Weekend
8 - 9 March 2025
Join our trains to meet some fiery friends with our very own dragons and princesses on board! Themed activities at our stations. Dressing up is actively encouraged for all ages! Click here for the day sheet and timetable.
Watercress Bricks
5 - 6 September 2026
Watercress Bricks brings the magic of LEGO trains to The Watercress Line. Join members of LEGO UK Railway, the UK LEGO train club, with LEGO train displays, showcasing models from builders across the country.
This is a chance to see some truly marvellous creations up close – perfect for LEGO and train fans of all ages! It will be held in The Goods Shed at Alresford and entry is included with a standard travel ticket.
Please note, unfortunately the venue does not have step free access.
LEGO is a registered trademark of the LEGO Group. Watercress Bricks, LUKR and The Watercress Line are not authorised or endorsed by the LEGO Group.
Activities run from 10am – 4:30pm
Cracking Hobbies
26 - 27 September 2026
Enjoy a day at The Watercress Line celebrating some fascinating hobbies – you can have a go too!
The hobbies will mainly be located at Ropley. Railways on the Air will be taking place from our Waiting Shelter on Platform 1, meet local amateur radio enthusiasts and see how it all works. We even have our own callsign for the weekend, GB9WCL, to talk to other railways across the country with thanks to Horndean Amateur Radio Club.
Get hand on with visiting Scouts and Guides groups and pop your own popcorn as a snack!
Enjoy our miniature railway and speak to the volunteers whose hobby it is to operate it.
Have a go at our Children’s Trail – can you find all the parts of the locomotive around Ropley to complete the sheet?
Activities run from 10:30am – 4:30pm
Suggested Family Day Out
Visiting us on a non-event day? Why not take a look at our Family Day Out excursion. You can download the leaflet & plan your day to make the most out of your visit to The Watercress Line.
