Young fans of the CBeebies’ favourite big friendly dog, Duggee, will have the chance to meet their hero and enjoy some Hey Duggee fun at The Watercress Line in Hampshire on 28 and 29 June.

Children can say hello and have their photo taken with Duggee at set times throughout the day at Ropley Station – and come along dressed as their favourite Hey Duggee character, if they wish!

Hey Duggee Meet & Greet is a great family day out, with unlimited travel on the heritage railway’s steam trains through glorious Hampshire countryside between Alresford and Alton, stopping off at Ropley for the Duggee Meet and Greet.

Fun-filled activities also include Hey Duggee colouring sheets; outdoor games in the picnic area; badge-making workshops and the Young Engineers activity trail. Youngsters can let off steam in the locomotive playground; get on board the miniature railway and explore the Carriage workshop and Engineering viewing galleries.

Refreshments will be available from the West Country Buffet at Alresford and T-Junction at Ropley and Alton Kiosk, and the railway’s gift shops will be open for a memento of the day.

The Watercress Line’s CEO, Rebecca Dalley, said:

“We’re very excited to welcome Duggee to the railway. He’s such a well-loved TV character, and we know our younger visitors – and their families – will be thrilled to meet him.

“This special appearance will keep everyone entertained, and with the added magic of steam train travel, it’s a brilliant way to enjoy the day together and create great memories.”

Don’t miss out on meeting Duggee – book your tickets in advance: https://watercressline.co.uk/special-days/hey-duggee-meet-greet

By Penny McCarthy

Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond. Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content. In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK. Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.