Small campsite, ok for a night or two but really not much to do, no view to ogle, not allowed to have campfires (or fire pits) and not much in... read more the way of space to run around.

Just a bit dull - ok if you really like steam trains with their accompanying noise and smell of oil.

On another note, the toilet/shower block wasn't cleaned for at least a day which is unusually lax in this time of Covid. Hand towel was provided for drying hands but this had run out in the men's side, at least.

I don't think we'd bother going back.

  Our 3rd visit and it’s always a pleasure- the lodges are clean and have everything you need (including high chair and cot at request). They are in a beautiful location... read more overlooking the steam trains and have an outside area for enjoying the sunsets.
Excellent stay, will be back!

  Set in picturesque countryside next to pretty Ropley station, we enjoyed a 4 night break at the Winchester as a family of 3. The self catering accommodation was well equipped... read more and it was great to have use of a washing machine and tumble dryer with a baby in tow. The highchair and cot we requested were provided although we didn’t end up using the cot as it was a bit tatty and well used. The owner (Jo) was very responsive to queries by phone/text that we had about the heating and Wi-fi and the lodge had lots of welcoming extras and fluffy towels.

We would have rated ‘good’ if there was the option as there are some areas which let the lodge down.
- The sofa was very uncomfortable and worn. It was covered with a throw which we removed as it smelt of dog and had hairs on it. We appreciate that the lodge is let to people with pets but changing throws between visitors could be an idea so they can be cleaned
- A king sized bed was advertised but it was definitely a double. Although not an issue for some, we like our space and our baby likes to co-sleep sometimes too which we found impossible here
- Lack of baking trays in the kitchen
- The lodge wasn’t as clean as we would have liked. There were dead flies on several of the windows, cobwebs and dust on some of the light shades, crumbs in the freezer drawers, dirt in the bathroom cupboard and significant dust on the living room table
- There was no clock or alarm clock other than the one on the kitchen oven. It would have been nice to have rather than relying on our mobile and the TV
- There was only one TV (in the living room) and it was far too small. Having a DVD player or upgrading to a smart TV would be great additions

Overall we enjoyed our stay next to the wonderful steam railway and thought the price was reasonable too. The selection of board games was also a nice touch and made a pleasant change for evening entertainment.

  Set in picturesque countryside next to pretty Ropley station, we enjoyed a 4 night break at the Winchester as a family of 3. The self catering accommodation was well equipped... read more and it was great to have use of a washing machine and tumble dryer with a baby in tow. The highchair and cot we requested were provided although we didn’t end up using the cot as it was a bit tatty and well used. The owner (Jo) was very responsive to queries by phone/text that we had about the heating and Wi-fi and the lodge had lots of welcoming extras and fluffy towels.

We would have rated ‘good’ if there was the option as there are some areas which let the lodge down.
- The sofa was very uncomfortable and worn. It was covered with a throw which we removed as it smelt of dog and had hairs on it. We appreciate that the lodge is let to people with pets but changing throws between visitors could be an idea so they can be cleaned
- A king sized bed was advertised but it was definitely a double. Although not an issue for some, we like our space and our baby likes to co-sleep sometimes too which we found impossible here
- Lack of baking trays in the kitchen
- The lodge wasn’t as clean as we would have liked. There were dead flies on several of the windows, cobwebs and dust on some of the light shades, crumbs in the freezer drawers, dirt in the bathroom cupboard and significant dust on the living room table
- There was no clock or alarm clock other than the one on the kitchen oven. It would have been nice to have rather than relying on our mobile and the TV
- There was only one TV (in the living room) and it was far too small. Having a DVD player or upgrading to a smart TV would be great additions

Overall we enjoyed our stay next to the wonderful steam railway and thought the price was reasonable too. The selection of board games was also a nice touch and made a pleasant change for evening entertainment.

  Really enjoyed our stay at Watercress Lodges. Our first holiday in UK for a while (normally aim overseas). Joanne and her team were always available, very friendly and very helpful.... read more

The lodge itself was lively, very clean, great layout and comfortable.

The location, 50m or so from a working steam railway was lovely. Our ride on the train was fun and the trains gave a lot of character to the area. We also enjoyed being able to wander up the lane to go on our own little safari to see deer, hares, rabbits, foxes and owls.

We chose the location initially as we went to radio 2's "CarFest", and it was ideal. We were able to use it as a base for that as well as Portsmouth, the New Forest and the local attractions.

Will be recommending Watercress Lodges to our family and friends.

  We stayed in one of the lodges beside the railway line, and seeing the steam trains was great. The lodge wasn’t the best. We stayed in the Itchen Abbas lodge,... read more and unfortunately it has seen better days. Externally the lodges are long overdue a paint job, and inside, we had a real problem with the shower which leaked through the lounge ceiling. Although a handyman was sent to mastic the shower, the shower itself was a poor design, and water constantly ran out the front door when used. We putter down multiple towels to stop the flow, but it was in vain.
The holiday was somewhat tarnished by the worry of whether the ceiling was going to come down. It was obviously a historic problem, as the ceiling looked as if it had been patched multiple times.
We did ask if we could be moved, but we’re told the lodges were fully booked although the one beside us remained unoccupied for 4 days of our 5 day stay.
I’m sure if the shower was fine, our stay would have been better, but I spent a lot of time on edge, with a bucket constantly positioned on the lounge floor. Some compensation would have been good, but it wasn’t offered, and I wasn’t going to ask.
Although the campsite did try to help with the shower, it was a token effort, and I think the customer service could have been better, although I appreciate it was the height of summer, and they were fully booked.
Would I go back, I don’t think so, which is a shame, as it could be much better if a bit more pride was taken.
If you have booked a lodge, try to make sure it isn’t the Itchen Abbas Lodge.