The Watercress Line

The Watercress Line for a party train ride adventure with Thomas the Tank EngineTM May half-term 2025

All aboard! Don’t miss out on a very special party at The Watercress Line in Hampshire when everyone’s favourite #1 blue engine, Thomas the Tank Engine, celebrates 80 years of Thomas & Friends!
Day Out With Thomas: The Party Tour will be visiting The Watercress Line this May half-term (24 May – 1 June) and families are invited to climb aboard for a trainload of fun.
This year’s event will be packed with railway fun, exciting shows and a Party Zone with Thomas-themed games, decorations, and activities for young fans.
Sodor Station Sweepers Rusty & Dusty return with two brand new outdoor shows featuring Sir Topham Hatt, Percy, Diesel, and Toad.
Young visitors and their families can also enjoy Meet-and-Greet opportunities with Sir Topham Hatt and Rusty & Dusty and have their photos taken with Percy, Diesel, Trevor and Terence.
All visitors can ride behind Thomas the Tank Engine, a REAL steam engine (pre-bookable) and enjoy unlimited travel on The Watercress Line’s heritage trains between Ropley and Alton.
In addition, there will be Thomas & Friends themed storytime sessions and play zones, Thomas & Friends giveaways for every child, fairground ride fun, and exciting rides on the delightful miniature railway. Refreshments will be available at Ropley’s T-Junction and food and drink stalls.
 

Rebecca Dalley, CEO of The Watercress Line, said:

“We’re delighted to welcome Thomas and his friends back to The Watercress Line for a spectacular celebration. With new shows and the special 80th anniversary Party Zone, this year’s Day Out With Thomas will be an unforgettable experience for the whole family. This event is always popular, and this year it will be even more spectacular, so book your tickets as soon as possible.”
For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit: https://watercressline.co.uk/day-out-with-thomas

By Fergus McCarthy

Fergus McCarthy is a seasoned publishing professional with over three decades of experience in the media industry. In 1993, he co-founded Parents News, a pioneering publication aimed at providing busy parents in Southwest London with essential information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly activities. Under his leadership, Parents News quickly expanded its reach from 60,000 to 192,000 monthly printed copies, establishing additional branches in Kent, South London, Northern Ireland, and Cornwall. In 1997, recognizing the potential of digital media, Fergus helped launch Parents News UK Online, which carried digital editions of the printed publication and offered a broader range of national information. The website's popularity soared, attracting up to 700 daily hits at its peak. Although Parents News transitioned to an online-only platform in 2017, Fergus continues to play a vital role as Publisher and Advertising Manager, focusing on providing value to businesses through effective advertorials.