Father Christmas Express — Watercress Line

The Watercress Line runs the Father Christmas Express from Ropley Station, which the operator calls Father Christmas's Hampshire Hideaway. A steam train takes passengers to Medstead, the highest station on the line, and back, with Father Christmas and his helpers on board.

Children collect a magic token that they exchange for one of a selection of presents at the Present Junction when they return to Ropley. The operator adds free activities before and after the ride: making reindeer food, an activity trail to find the Elf Doors and spell out a festive word, a ride on the Miniature Railway, writing a letter to Father Christmas, and photos as a giant gingerbread man or on Father Christmas's throne.

The Father Christmas Express departs from Ropley only.

A steam train ride from Ropley to Medstead and back with Father Christmas on board, a magic token to swap for a present at the Present Junction, and free activities around Ropley Station. Heritage seating is in tables of four, so a party may share a table with other visitors. Festive treats are sold at the station.

The Father Christmas Express only departs from Ropley Station, Bighton Hill, Ropley, Hampshire SO24 9SQ, and the operator does not recommend parking at any other station because passengers cannot board there. Station activities run from 9:30am to 3:30pm. Tickets are allocated to the next available seats; to sit with another party, all tickets must be on the same booking. The railway does not guarantee train times and may cancel, alter or substitute any train.