Watercress Lodges and Campsite is pretty landscaped campground set on a farm in Ropley, with beautiful views over the Hampshire countryside and a close connection to the Watercress Line steam railway. Surrounded by picturesque villages and the South Downs National Park, it is a stunning location for a camping or glamping trip, with choices between regular pitches, bell tents, or safari tents.
Why you'll love it at Watercress Lodges and Campsite
Beautiful views surrounded by an outstanding countryside landscape
Easy access to the historic and unique Watercress Line steam railway
Luxurious glamping options, including bell and safari tents
About the site
This scenic 300-acre farm site is perfect for a comfortable stay. Surrounded by the beautiful countryside of the South Downs National Park, this site isn't too far from nearby villages, such as the historic market town of Alresford.
The level field has room for back to basics camping, with non-electric grass pitches for tents.
There are two safari tents, containing a king-size bed, wood-burning stove, sofa bed, barbecue, gas hob, fridge, ice tray and outdoor seating. Two bell tents are also available for all your glamping needs.
The site supports activity at the Heritage Steam Watercress Line Railway, and the station at Ropley is just a few minutes walk away. You can hear and see the steam trains rolling by the site!
"I'd rather keep this place a secret it's so good"
Mark B
Camping and safari tents are open all year. The bell tent is available from 1st April to 1st October.
Facilities and amenities
Accessible facilities
Adult only
Allow commercial vans
Allow pets on site
Café / restaurant / takeaway
Drinking water
Family friendly
Fires allowed
Shop
Showers
Toilets
WiFi
Communal BBQ
Glamping
Near pub
Open year round
Peaceful
Toilets and showers are available, and there is a freezer and washing up area for campers and glampers to use. The site is located near shops, pubs and restaurants.
A note from the site themselves...
The Graham family are a fourth generation farming family with around 300 acres to look after. Our Grandfather moved here from Ayrshire in Scotland in the 1930's when we took over Manor Farm (next to Dean Farm), owned by Winchester College, and it has remained in the family ever since.
We are now mainly arable and beef farmers, but up until the early 1990s, it was a dairy farm where we ran a herd of 250 mainly Friesian milking cows. This meant very long hours and hard work but with prices being constantly pushed down, the dairy industry unfortunately collapsed and the herd was sold.
We have since expanded into camping, glamping and lodges and love sharing our location with guests. We very much hope you enjoy your stay and are always around should you need us. Best wishes, The Graham family
Map and address
Park address
Watercress Lodges and Campsite,
Dean Farm, Bighton Hill, Ropley, Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 9SQ
Very impressive facilities and friendly staff. We were the only ones present, but there seemed to be a large amount of space available. Would visit again when warmer.
Very well looked after site
Recommends site
Alex S
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Large Tent - Non Electric Grass PitchesOct 2024
Site is lovely, very well looked after, clean, warm powerful showers, quiet camping on well kept pitches. Will return next year!
Very good, value for money and great location
Recommends site
Thomas B
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Large Tent - Non Electric Grass PitchesAug 2024
I went here recently for a short getaway with a few friends, we had a lovely time. The actual campsite was smaller than expected when we arrived, however, this was not an issue for us as there were plenty of spots to pitch and our neighbours were very friendly.
Buses into Winchester town are frequent and the bus stop is nearby, along with only being a short drive from shops.
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What are the check-in/out times at Watercress Lodges and Campsite?
Tent pitches are available from noon until 6pm on the day of arrival. Please check-out by the noon of your departure.
Safari tents and bell tents are available from 3pm until 7pm on day of arrival. Please check-out by 10am on day of departure.
What attractions are nearby to Watercress Lodges and Campsite?
Next door to the site is Mid Hants Heritage Steam Watercress Line Railway - with beautiful old steam trains to ride. The site is also on the edge of the South Downs National Park, so you can enjoy a countryside walk with stunning vistas.
Can I bring an awning, pup tent, or gazebo to Watercress Lodges and Campsite?
Yes! Camping guests are able to bring one of each for an extra fee.
Can I bring my dog to Watercress Lodges and Campsite?
Sorry, no dogs are allowed on site.
Does Watercress Lodges and Campsite allow BBQs and campfires?
Open fires are not permitted. Barbecues must be raised off the ground.
Things to do on site and in the Alresford area
The park is on the edge of the South Downs National Park and all its walking, hiking and cycling routes. There are a number of horse riding centres and golf courses nearby.
Just next door is the Mid Hants Heritage Steam Watercress Line Railway, where you can ride steam trains through Hampshire and enjoy the stations and trains from a bygone era.
The historic market town of Alresford is a ten minute drive away, and has lots of local shops, pubs, cafes and restaurants. Ten minutes to the east is Jane Austen's House at Chawton, a 17th century house that tells the story of this classic novelilst.
Fifteen minutes away is the beautiful cathedral city of Winchester, which is a sweet place to wander around and enjoy history and culture. Intech is a hands-on interactive science and technology centre you might like to check out for a little geekery.
The listing for Watercress Lodges and Campsite was last updated on February 21st, 2025 at 3:54 PM
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