Visitors can see world famous steam locomotive The Flying Scotsman at The Watercress Line
Visitors will have the opportunity to view a world famous steam locomotive at a heritage railway in March.
The Flying Scotsman will be paying a visit to The Watercress Line in New Alresford, near Winchester, from 10 to 21 March, courtesy of The National Railway Museum.
A range of exclusive experiences are available, giving anyone interested in heritage a rare opportunity to celebrate the long-standing legacy of Flying Scotsman, more than 100 years after it first captured the nation’s imagination. Activities include:
- Breakfast and Afternoon Tea Experiences: 13-15 and 20-21 March. Travel behind Flying Scotsman in First Class carriages and enjoy either breakfast or afternoon tea while taking in wonderful countryside views. This experience also includes travel to Ropley to watch the Flying Scotsman pass by, explore the engineering headquarters and stroll across the footbridge famously featured in Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps, used by Robert Donat to escape on the train that inspired Flying Scotsman’s name.
- Day Out With Flying Scotsman: 13-15 and 20-21 March. A spectacular round trip with the world-famous locomotive through the glorious Hampshire countryside, with ample time to take photographs to capture this memorable day.
- Static Display Day and Footplate Tour: 10-12 and 17-19 March. Make memories by climbing onto Flying Scotsman’s footplate to soak up the unique atmosphere. Guides will share insights, stories and technical details about this remarkable engine.
- Exclusive photography evenings EXTRA date added: 10 and 11 March. Get up close to photograph Flying Scotsman with experts on hand from Nikon and The Watercress Line to offer suggestions, demonstrate techniques and answer questions. Other home-fleet heritage locomotives will also be on show.
Rebecca Dalley, CEO of The Watercress Line, said: “We are delighted to welcome the legendary Flying Scotsman to The Watercress Line this March, giving visitors the chance to get up close to this magnificent locomotive.
“Tickets for these special dates are selling fast, so book now to avoid disappointment. Events like this really capture the magic of steam travel and the lasting passion it inspires.”
Originally built by LNER in 1923, Flying Scotsman was named after the London to Edinburgh express service she was built for. In 1934, she was the first locomotive to officially reach 100mph and became a symbol of engineering excellence.”
Flying Scotsman was withdrawn from service in 1963 and was bought by the National Railway Museum in 2004, where she underwent a £4.2 million restoration over 10 years.