The Mid Hants Railway, affectionately known as the "Watercress Line", is a heritage railway that runs between Alton and New Alresford. This line was opened in 1862, and got its name thanks to being used to transport watercress to the London Markets. It ran for just over 100 years before being closed, but was re-opened in 1977 as a heritage line, transporting passengers through the lovely Hampshire countryside.
This 10 mile line features some excellent sights, including the stations through which is passes. Beginning in Alresford, the tracks wind through lush greenery to Ropley station, which has some beautiful topiaries that line the tracks, and was used as a location for the first Harry Potter film. Medstead is the station after this, and boasts the title of the highest station in the South of England. The last stop is Alton, which is situated in a pretty little market town, close to the Jane Austen Trail.
