Watercress Lodges & Campsite

04/08/2025

🚦 Staying with us this weekend?

Boomtown Festival is back at the Matterley Estate from 6–10 August, and this means increased traffic around Wi******er and Alresford, particularly on the A31 and A272. Whilst we're 8 miles away, if you're travelling from the Wi******er direction, you may want to consider your route.

The good news is, whether you're off to Boomtown or coming to our quiet corner of the countryside, we're due a lovely sunny weekend!

We're here to help if you have any questions - safe travels, and see you soon, Bertie is looking forward to welcoming you!

30/07/2025

If you're coming to visit this summer holidays - there's some great activities to keep the children entertained, including some trails in the local area.

See below for some inspiration, and if you're ever stuck for ideas - drop us a message! We'd be happy to help.

🗺️🌞 Summer holiday trails in Hampshire 🌳📚

Looking for the perfect way to keep little ones active and entertained during the holidays? Try these summer trails in Hampshire.

🐛 The Very Hungry Caterpillar™ Trail at Hinton Ampner (until 7 September)

🎲 Summer of Play at The Vyne with family games and challenges (until 31 August)

🚗 Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Trail at Mottisfont, celebrating 60 magical years (until 2 November)

🃏 A Natural History of Wonderland Trail at Gilbert White’s House (until 7 September)

Find out more about what’s happening this summer holidays in Hampshire: www.visit-hampshire.co.uk/ideas-and-inspiration/blog/read/2025/07/your-ultimate-guide-to-the-summer-holidays-in-hampshire-2025-b167

📷Hinton Ampner ©National Trust Images Chris Lacey

28/07/2025

Thomas is back... are you?

Camping and lodge availability throughout August if you've been holding out for the weather forecast.

https://watercresslodges.co.uk/

All aboard this August for a magical family adventure at The Watercress Line Days Out With Thomas!

Celebrate 80 years of Thomas the Tank Engine with The Watercress Line this summer with special Days out with Thomas from 5 to 10 August.

🚂 Take a train ride behind Thomas
🚂 Access the railway for the whole day
🚂 Meet and greet with Sir Topham Hatt, Rusty & Dusty
🚂 Unlimited travel on trains from Ropley to Alton
🚂 Unlimited rides on the miniature railway
🚂 Celebrations at the new Party Zone
🚂 Children’s fairground rides

www.visitwinchester.co.uk/business-directory/the-watercress-line

📷 Jeremy De Souza

******er

15/07/2025

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Another lovely review from one of our June guests!

“Good place, wasn’t too busy. Right next to the Watercress Line for the kids.”

Whether you're here for a peaceful break or a family getaway, Watercress Lodges & Campsite offers the perfect base — just steps from the historic railway, with space to relax and explore.

🚂 Planning a summer escape? Book your stay today!

11/07/2025

🌿 Looking for a unique day out during your stay with us? Just down the road, you'll find the wonderful Long Barn in Alresford.

Stroll through fragrant lavender fields, browse beautiful gifts, or treat yourself in their café (the lavender shortbread is a must-try!). It’s the perfect spot that perfectly complements your countryside break at Watercress Lodges.

📍 Just 5 minutes from us – making it the perfect addition to your Hampshire getaway.

💜 Have you visited Long Barn during your stay? Let us know your favourite finds below! 👇

08/07/2025

Looking for a way to keep the little ones entertained this summer? Not only are we just a half hour drive from Paultons Park (Home to Peppa Pig World) but this summer, Bluey is coming to The Watercress Line!

Your perfect base for a summer of activities.

https://watercresslodges.co.uk/

🚂Have you heard? Bluey and Bingo are coming to visit The Watercress Line!
Book your ticket to meet Bluey and her sister Bingo as they make appearances throughout the day, ride our heritage trains, let off steam in our playground and explore the railway.

📆22 - 24 August

Don't miss out, book now!

https://buff.ly/E7CDDSe

04/07/2025

Bringing the family to stay with us this month? Don't leave Teddy behind! There's a teddy bear's picnic to be had...

🧸If you go down in the Railway today, you're sure of a big surprise. Today's the day the teddy bears have their picnic!✨

Head down to The Watercress Line from the 25th - 27th July to take part in a Teddy Bear Themed Day!

Bring your bear and they will get a ‘Teddy Passport’ to get stamped at each heritage station along the line!

Book your standard travel tickets today to join in the fun 👇

https://buff.ly/jvgrenm

01/07/2025

Thanks for the feature Visit Hampshire!

25/06/2025

☀️ Camping in the Heat? Stay Cool, Stay Safe. 🏕️

Summer camping can be amazing... long evenings, clear skies, and a nice cold drink under the stars. But, when the heat cranks up, it pays to be prepared.

Here are some quick tips to keep your camping experience cool:

🕶️ Freeze your water bottles
Use frozen bottles as ice packs in your cool box. As they melt, you’ll have chilled water to drink.

🪑 Bring a mesh or quick-dry chair
Solid camp chairs trap heat. A breathable seat = less sweaty back, you're welcome.

📍 Know your orientation
Pitch your tent with the entrance facing east (thank you Apple for a compass on a mobile) this avoids intense afternoon sun and takes advantage of the early breeze.

🎐 Hang a damp cloth in your tent doorway
It acts as a DIY evaporative cooler as air passes through it. Bonus: keeps dust down too.

🥄 Stick to the BBQ or a picky tea
BBQs are amazing, but if you don't have a hero to stand by the heat, a picky tea - think cold meats and an evening picnic - will actually help to lower your body temperature.

😴 Sleep cooler
Swap out your winter sleeping bag for a sheet or light liner, and skip the insulated mat if you’re overheating.

Camping in the heat takes a bit of extra thought, but it’s still totally worth it.

Got your own tried-and-tested heat hacks? Share them below! 🔥👇

23/06/2025

Stopping with us this week? If you're looking for areas to explore, why not catch the bus into Wi******er or the short drive, and enjoy the Wi******er Garden Festival? Itinerary below for lovers of all things green...

Wi******er Garden Festival invites you to celebrate all things grassy, growing and green!

There are over 60 events taking place across the district from 21 to 29 June. Find out what’s blooming near you 👇

🏴‍☠️ Pirates of Penzance
📍 The Hospital of St Cross & Almshouse of Noble Poverty
📅 21 June 2025
🎟️ https://tinyurl.com/27ay76us
Enjoy this beloved opera in the breath-taking Masters Garden. Plus, there is a prize for most florally decorated gazebo!

🌷 Wildflower Meadows Talk
📍 The Wi******er Royal Hotel
📅 24 June 2025
🎟️ https://tinyurl.com/y4ucscwy
Learn the importance of meadows to your organic vegetables, to your health, to wildlife and to the planet with conservationists Michael & Jane Joseph.

🥕 Kitchen Garden Tour
📍 Lainston House
📅 25 June 2025
🎟️ https://tinyurl.com/yxdrrtdz
A tour by the kitchen gardener Stef, who’ll share the incredible details of keeping fresh fruit, veg and herbs flowing from the garden to our plates all year round.

🌻 Celebration of Flowers
📍 Hinton Ampner - National Trust
📅 All week
🎟️ https://tinyurl.com/595jd8ec
Floral displays, daily weekday garden tours, garden advice, jazz evenings and Shakespeare in the garden, free with admission!

Discover the full programme of events 🔗 www.garden-festival.co.uk

Image: Hinton Ampner, Gilbert Yates.

******er ******er

17/06/2025

“Quiet and peaceful… I’ll be back, for sure.”
A lovely 5-star review from one of our May campsite guests!

Tucked away on the edge of the South Downs, Watercress Lodges & Campsite is the perfect place to relax, recharge, and reconnect with nature.

📍 Clean, well-maintained facilities
🛏 Peaceful surroundings
🚶‍♂️ Ideal base for walking and exploring

Book your summer escape now https://watercresslodges.co.uk/accommodation/

11/06/2025

Looking for a unique bridal shower, birthday retreat…? Who even needs an excuse for a cute girls weekend away?

This weekend we welcomed this gorgeous group to our safari tents to celebrate Charlie’s upcoming wedding. Even with some very wet weather on Saturday, the girls had a great time enjoying an escape to the country.

We’re happy to help with any decorating, catering or activity requests, just drop us a message when you book!

https://watercresslodges.co.uk/accommodation/