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.

  We had a lovely time in our beautiful lodge, which was very clean and very well-furnished. It was a delight (especially for our two children!) to watch the steam trains... read more go by just in front of our French windows and even more fun to have a ride on them one day! A real adventure for the little ones, and the staff were so friendly. Jo, the Watercress Lodges' manager, was incredibly kind, warm and friendly, and especially sympathetic to us as the main reason we were coming was sadly for my Granny's funeral. We love the Hampshire countryside and this was a perfect location to unwind and savour the beautiful scenery. We would love to return one day.

  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.

  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

  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.

  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