Don’t stay in the tipis! Ripped door, on a woodlouse home, hired air beds that had slow punctures, tipis pitched incorrectly and no space to run about.
Not impressed glad... read more we only booked one night

  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.

  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.

  I highly recommend staying here for a peaceful rest in the most beautiful surroundings. There are some great local towns and villages nearby. The accommodation is modern and spacious and... read more situated a few steps away the station is a bonus for seeing the steam trains and going on the Watercress line.

One of the best UK holidays I’ve had.

  We have just returned from a week staying in the Alton lodge. What a wonderful place the setting is by the watercress railway line and is beautiful with amazing views... read more and an abundance of wild life. The lodge itself was perfect and very clean. All amenities are catered for with plenty of kitchen utensils. The inside is comfortable and cosy a great home from home. We also travelled with our dog Charley who was also made very welcome and loved the open space to roam around. Jo the owner is lovely and very helpful if you need anything at all especially with knowledge of the area and attractions. It is worth using the railway as it’s a lovely ride to near by villages on old steam trains all the staff are volunteers and the stations are so smart and well kept. This is a fantastic base for the surrounding areas we visited
Winchester
Salisbury
Portsmouth
Southampton
Alresford
Stone henge
New forest
Chichester
South Downs national park
Beaulieu
Recommend eating places in the area for us were
The ship inn
Horse and groom
Thai lounge
Cricketers
The millennium walk around Alresford is also beautiful for a stroll in lovely surroundings
I would highly recommend watercress lodges for a simply fabulous holiday with everything you need if you are a camper the site is also fabulous with great pitch areas and lovely facilities thank you jo and team for a wonderful break if we decide to return to the area in the near future we know where we will stay
Karen send andrew chapman

  Had a fantastic stay here, shower & toilet block all clean, tidy and well stocked up. The campsite is well looked after with bbq areas and lighting. Car parking on... read more site. Right next door to the watercress line, great for kids. Highly recommended.