The Father Christmas Express, at The Watercress Line, is a magical festive experience for families in December. Young and old immerse themselves in holiday cheer aboard this enchanting steam train.
Meet Father Christmas on the train
Passengers come face-to-face with Father Christmas and his jolly helpers. It runs on five special days, and the ride is packed with holiday magic. The adventure concludes at the Hampshire Hideaway, where children receive a special gift at the Present Junction.
Activities to delight all ages on The Father Christmas Express
The experience includes more than just a train ride. Families can:
- Take photos with Father Christmas.
- Explore the Elf Door Activity Trail.
- Write letters to Father Christmas.
- Enjoy a ride on the illuminated miniature railway.
The Watercress Line’s CEO, Rebecca Dalley, shared her excitement:
“We are thrilled to welcome so many families to enjoy the Father Christmas Express. It’s heart-warming to see the joy and excitement on children’s faces as they meet Father Christmas and take part in the magical activities we’ve planned. We are proud to create such special memories for our visitors and look forward to spreading festive cheer throughout the season.”
Steam Illuminations: A dazzling alternative
Although the Father Christmas Express is sold out, families can still enjoy the Watercress Line’s Steam Illuminations. This sound and light train runs until 4 January, offering a dazzling experience for visitors.
For tickets to Steam Illuminations, visit The Watercress Line.
The Watercress Line gets its name from its role in transporting the crop to London in the early 20th century. It’s Hampshire’s only standard gauge heritage railway. It runs for 10 miles through the idyllic countryside along the South Downs National Park, between the market towns of Alton and Alresford.
Opened on the 2nd October 1865 as the Alton, Alresford and Winchester Railway, it became part of British Railways until its hotly-contested closure in 1973. The line and services were quickly reinstated by a dedicated preservation group and today the Watercress Line is one of the south’s premier visitor attractions.
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