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.

  Location is quiet, overlooking farmland. Watercress line very near to watch steam trains traveling up and down the line. At Ropley there are engine sheds and a station which made... read more this place fascinating. The lodge was very well equipped and made for a comfortable stay.
Joanne was exemplary in looking after us. I wanted a short stay; muddled up the booking which could have been a disaster!
We enjoyed our stay. I would recommend and we are talking about a return and longer visit.

  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.

  We had a lovely stay at the Watercress Alresford lodge. Definitely a 4 star property with all the amenities. Very clean. You can see the steam rail running along and... read more its a great place to base yourself, if you have kids who love trains!sadly the weather was not great but we still managed to do the Millenium Trail hike in Alresford town. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a stay near Winchester.

  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.

  Our second visit in 9 months.This time with the longer, lighter June evenings. The excellent accommodation has been described in my earlier post and by others and I cannot praise... read more it highly enough. Our visit coincided with the Diesel Gala held by the Mid Hants Railway, who also operated a mid week steam railway service. Red Kites were seen circling over Ropley station and visitors to the garden area that we could see from the lounge window, included a very large Hare and Pheasant.



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