Steam enthusiasts and families alike will have the chance to make unforgettable memories with the world’s most famous steam locomotive, Flying Scotsman, when it comes to The Watercress Line in Hampshire this March.
A thrilling programme of experiences will run throughout the event, giving visitors the chance to encounter a piece of living history and travel with Flying Scotsman.
Tickets for these exclusive events, from 10 to 21 March, are selling fast, so early booking is strongly advised.
Highlights include:
Day Out With Flying Scotsman: 13-15 and 20-21 March. This exclusive experience features a spectacular round trip with the world-famous locomotive. Travel through the glorious Hampshire countryside and soak up the historic atmosphere at the beautifully preserved stations on your memorable journey. This experience will last approximately 4.5 hours.
Breakfast and Afternoon Tea Experiences: 13-15 and 20-21 March. A unique opportunity to travel behind Flying Scotsman in luxurious First Class carriages and enjoy either breakfast or afternoon tea while taking in breathtaking countryside views. In addition, this experience also includes travel to Ropley to watch the Flying Scotsman pass by, explore the engineering headquarters and stroll across the footbridge famously featured in Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps, used by Robert Donat to escape on the train that inspired Flying Scotsman’s name.
Static Display Day and Footplate Tour: 10-12 and 17-19 March. A wonderful opportunity to make memories by climbing onto Flying Scotsman’s footplate to soak up the unique atmosphere standing in the spot where the legendary locomotive’s crew work. Guides will share detailed insights, fascinating stories and technical details about this remarkable engine.
Exclusive photography evening: 11 March at 6.30pm. Get up close to Flying Scotsman and capture your personal images of this magnificent locomotive. Experts from Nikon and The Watercress Line’s in-house photography team will be on hand to offer suggestions, demonstrate techniques and answer questions. Other home-fleet heritage locomotives will also be on show to enhance the dramatic photography range.
Each experience will provide a rare opportunity to celebrate the long-standing legacy of Flying Scotsman, more than 100 years after it first captured the nation’s imagination.
Rebecca Dalley, CEO of The Watercress Line, said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome the legendary Flying Scotsman to The Watercress Line this March. It’s a true icon of British and global railway history, and we’re thrilled to offer visitors the chance to get up close to this magnificent locomotive while enjoying a range of unforgettable experiences.
“Events like this really capture the magic of steam travel and the enduring passion it inspires. Please book your place early to ensure you don’t miss out on this exciting visit.”
Originally built by LNER in 1923, Flying Scotsman was named after the London to Edinburgh express service she was built for. In 1934, she was the first locomotive to officially reach 100mph and became a symbol of engineering excellence.
Flying Scotsman was withdrawn from service in 1963 and was bought by the National Railway Museum in 2004, where she underwent a £4.2 million restoration over 10 years.
