Halloween Witches of Watercress Woods — Watercress Line

The Watercress Line (the Mid Hants Railway) in Hampshire turns into a place of magic and mischief for Halloween with Witches of Watercress Woods, offered in the October half term. The operator describes an immersive round trip over the hill and into the woods, where the witches wait.

The journey begins at Alresford, where the Sweet Sellers hand out the promise of goodie bags for every child. On board the train, passengers meet Hansel and Gretel, all grown up after years trapped in the woods, who need help to keep the train safe from the witches. The operator says families become part of the tale, with characters appearing along the route and plenty of Halloween fun without the fright.

The operator says the full experience lasts approximately 1 hour 40 minutes, and recommends allowing 2 hours. The experience is staged in association with Bad Moon Design. For a frightening experience, the operator points to its separate 18+ Halloween Horror Train.

An interactive story on a round trip from Alresford to Alton and back, with Hansel and Gretel and the Witches, photo opportunities with the characters, and a goodie bag for every child with a colouring activity and an edible treat. Fancy dress is encouraged, and there is a buffet car on board.

Trains leave from Alresford Station, Hampshire SO24 9JG. Allow about 2 hours in total. Refreshments are available at the Alton kiosk and the West Country Buffet at Alresford, with a buffet car on board, and there is a gift shop at Alresford Station. Seating is automatic and in tables, and a table may be shared with other visitors. Children under 2 ride free on a lap, with no seat and no goodie bag unless a ticket is bought. Parking at Alresford is pay and display, run by Winchester City Council, with disabled parking and electric charge points.