Visiting Watercress Line
- Rarars adventures
- Aug 9, 2022
- 3 min read
Hello, thank you for joining us, today we are talking about our visit to The Watercress Line,
(If you love trains you are going to love reading this!)
to share what they offer. We really enjoyed our visit. Don't forget to check out the film after.
On our way, it was well signposted which made it easy to find.
parking
When we arrived there were two disabled car parks that we could use, you had the Alresford and Alton in the South Western Railway car park. (For disabled parking at events please see the specific event page. ) If you have a blue badge the parking is free.
Did you know that Watercress Line is also a Dementia Friendly attraction?
I have quoted this from their website so that I give you the right information.
"The railway has been a dementia-friendly attraction since 2016, and we are proud to be making a positive difference to the quality of life for people with dementia friends and have received dementia awareness training. Our aim is to provide families, carers, and people living with dementia a place where they can come and experience the joy of steam without the worry."
I love this !!! When we arrived we had to ask some questions and all the staff we met were really helpful and friendly.
Trains & Accessibility
The trains are lovely and if you are in a wheelchair or small mobility scooter, then you are able to go on most of the trains, it might be worth contacting them in the busier periods to let them know, so they can make sure there is space for when you arrive. They have, on their website about their accessibility which I have quoted from, so you know what to expect.
"We have two wheelchair-accessible carriages. Our new accessible Bullied Brake S4211 carriage operates on the Alresford set, and can accommodate 5-6 visitors in wheelchairs with room for carers and tables to eat at. Our other wheelchair-accessible carriage can accommodate 2-3 visitors in wheelchairs along with their carers, with two tables to eat at.
On standard travel days the adapted carriage is on the train departing Alresford at 10.30 am and 2 pm, and departing Alton at 10.20 am and 1.25 pm, but please note this will differ on special event days. Please contact us or phone on 01962 733810 for up-to-date information about our accessible carriages.
All of our standard travel services are capable of carrying from 2 to 6 fixed wheelchairs in the brake compartment (via ramps at any of our stations.)
There is also the option for those who are able, to travel in any part of the train with their wheelchair stored in the brake compartment.
Ramps are available at all stations to aid boarding. Please remember that our volunteers/staff are always more than happy to help, so do ask if you have the need!"
We really enjoyed our visit and we also found quite a few interactions on our visit, lots of things to touch and feel, and different activities for all the family.
One thing that I would like to point out though is when booking online you can have a carer free but you do have to book them in as well, I'll leave the link down below to help as I struggled to find it! it might just have been me.
Disabled toilets
There are disabled toilets at Alresford station in the Old Goods Shed, Ropley Station, and Alton station.
Other information
You are allowed to bring your furry friends with you, and they also travel free of charge, there are also water bowls at the cafes as well. another thing I loved, was there were picnic areas so if you want to bring your own food you can sit back and relax in the picnic area.
There are also some fun learning interactions that are good for all ages.
There are many different places to visit from the train station platforms too.
They also have lots of different events throughout the year so worth checking the website to see what's happening before your visit.
Links
home page
opening times
Facilities/accessibility
Contact
Experiences
If you have any questions about your visit just give them a call, they are all friendly and will help as much as they can, so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest.
We had a brilliant day and would like to say a massive thank you to Watercress Railway again,
and thank you to everyone who helps support what we do.
We look forward to seeing you again soon take care.
Rarars Adventures
Don't forget to check out our visit on film with the link below
