Don’t miss the most nostalgic, Hampshire time-travelling weekend of the year!
Retro Wheels and Rails is thundering back to The Watercress Line in Hampshire on 13 and 14 June, so if you love steam trains, vintage vibes, live music, and pure nostalgia, this is absolutely unmissable.
This isn’t just an event. This is a whistles-blowing, pistons-pumping, music-blasting journey through time.
Magnificent steam engines, whistling through the countryside, in full glory!
This is your chance to ride behind powerful steam and diesel locomotives all day long - jump on, hop off, explore - just pure railway magic.
Four decades, four stations to explore. Every station is transformed into a living, breathing decade - you’re not watching history, you’re stepping right into it:
Alresford - 1960s Throwback
Feel the beat, the energy, the revolution - live the Swinging Sixties in full sound and colour with 1960s at home in the Goods Shed and retro food options in Alresford’s cafe.
Ropley - 1940s Wartime Britain
Vintage vehicles, authentic atmosphere, and live music that will have you dancing like it’s 1945.
Medstead & Four Marks - 1950s Rock ’n’ Roll
Explore the period station with 1950s’ live music.
Alton - 1970s Throwback Fun
Step into retro gaming, bold colours, 70s’ Sweet Shop and pure nostalgia - welcome to the groovy era.
One event with so much included:
Unlimited train rides – real steam and diesel heritage engines!
Miniature railway fun - perfect for all ages
Vintage phone activity - call between stations like it’s the past
Behind-the-scenes access at the Loco Shed Viewing Gallery
Selfie spots to capture your time-travelling memories
Locomotive playground for younger adventurers
And when you need a breather, stop for delicious food, drinks and ice-cream and a browse in the gift shops at Alresford and Ropley.
The sights. The sounds. The steam. The atmosphere. This is the kind of weekend that leaves you grinning from ear-to-ear, smelling faintly of coal smoke and already planning your return before you’ve even left.
Don’t just visit - become part of it. Why not dress up? Whether you’re in wartime style, a leather-jacket rockabilly look, or full disco fever - have fun with the decades.
Get there. Get onboard. Experience it.
Retro Wheels and Rails - It’s an absolute blast IN the past.
Rebecca Dalley, CEO of The Watercress Line, said: “Time travel with us at The Watercress Line’s Retro Wheels and Rails event - it promises to be an unforgettable celebration of vintage transport.
“There will be so much to enjoy, whether you’re coming for the classic cars, the music, the trains or the nostalgic fun. We are looking forward to welcoming families, train enthusiasts and visitors of all ages to celebrate the decades that shaped the 20th century.”
Find out more and book at https://watercressline.co.uk/special-days/retro-wheels-and-rails/