Outing to Alresford and Watercress Line

Alresford is a charming Georgian town which was known for its watercress industry. The centre has almost no modern architecture, and many independent shops. Importantly, it also has a good range of cafes, former coaching inns, other pubs and restaurants. There is a Thursday morning market in the main street and an impressive parish church which is usually open. The town also has a pleasant riverside walk and a Millennium Trail.
Alresford is at one end of the Watercress Line, one of the UK’s best known steam heritage railways. Trains run from here to Alton and back, a 40-minute trip each way. The railway’s headquarters with its main buffet and gift shop is at Alresford.
After our coach arrives, members are free to wander around Alresford or (for those who have paid for the train) to get on your choice of one of the trains to Alton and back. Alresford station is only a three minute walk (along flat pavements) from the centre of the town. The railway has a ramp or lift at both stations.
Alton has a pleasant old town centre, with a pedestrianised high street. It has several Jane Austen connections. Amongst other things, it has a free-to-enter small local history museum (The Curtis Museum). There are also cafes and restaurants. The town centre is a 10 minute walk from Alton station (there is a slight hill after the museum) but there is a café and a Waitrose very close to the station. If you do not wish to visit Alton, there is a 20 minute wait at Alton for the return train. Or if wished, you can spend longer in Alton itself.
The railway has two intermediate station stops. Those who are particularly keen on trains may wish to get off at Ropley to look at part of the Engineering works and follow the “Restoration trail”, though this will involve some steps and uneven surfaces.

Maps of Alresford and Alton, also the train timetable, shall be handed out on the coach.

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