Enjoy magical moments at The Watercress Line this half-term
A spellbinding day out is in store for visitors of all ages at The Watercress Line in Hampshire when the enchanting Magic of Locomotion event returns this February half-term.
The magical event, from 14 to 22 February, combines the thrill of heritage steam train travel with plenty of fun entertainment for an enjoyable day out. And this year, there’s extra excitement with a special appearance of the Railway 200 Inspiration exhibition train on 19 and 20 February.
The family-friendly exhibition train will call into Ropley Station as part of its tour of Britain, celebrating 200 years of the modern railway. There’s free entry to go on board and discover interactive displays exploring the past, present and future of the railways.
In addition to heritage train rides through the Hampshire countryside, visitors can marvel at magic in the Old Goods Shed in Alresford, where two different family-friendly magic shows will be performed twice daily. The family fun continues on board with a close-up magician travelling on the Alresford train, who will dazzle with impressive tricks and interactive moments.
Young visitors can keep the magic going with an activity sheet of tricks to take home and try for themselves, while free colouring sheets will be available at Alton for a creative break during the day.
Families wanting to relax and refuel can stop off at the West Country Buffet at Alresford for a selection of delicious food and drinks, while the Alton Kiosk will be open for snacks and refreshments. Visitors can also browse the Alresford Shop for gifts and souvenirs to remember their day.
Rebecca Dalley, CEO of The Watercress Line, said:
“Magic of Locomotion is always a joy to start off the year, and we’re delighted to be welcoming families back this February.
“We’re conjuring up plenty of activities to spark curiosity and delight in visitors of all ages and this year, there’s the exciting bonus of the Railway 200 Inspiration train on 19 and 20 February. It’s a must-see addition to this exciting half-term event.
“Make sure you book soon as there are limited spaces if you want to visit the Inspiration train.”

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.