Present-Day Watercress Line
The Watercress Line operates as a popular heritage railway, offering steam and heritage diesel services. It hosts numerous events, including steam galas, themed train rides, and seasonal specials such as the “Santa Specials” and “War on the Line” weekends. The railway has a strong reputation for its educational programs, engineering expertise, and beautifully restored locomotives and carriages.
Preservation and Reopening
After closure, a group of enthusiasts formed the Mid Hants Railway Preservation Society to save and restore the line. Through the efforts of volunteers and supporters, the railway reopened as a heritage line in stages, with the first section operating in 1977. By 1985, the entire 10-mile route between Alton and Alresford was fully restored.
History of the Watercress Line
The line was originally opened in 1865 as the Mid Hants Railway, connecting the towns of Alton and Winchester. It was absorbed into the London and South Western Railway (LSWR) in 1884, providing a vital link between London and Southampton. The line gained its nickname, the “Watercress Line,” because of its role in transporting freshly harvested watercress from local farms to London markets. Following the rise of road transport and declining passenger and freight numbers, the line’s importance diminished. British Rail closed the route in 1973 as part of wider railway cuts.