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 choose 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, BBQ, gas hob, fridge, ice tray and outdoor seating. A bell tent is 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!

Camping and safari tents are open all year. The bell tent is available from 1st April to 1st October. Pitches from £26/night for 2 people.

"I'd rather keep this place a secret it's so good"

Mark B

What facilities are at Watercress Lodges and Campsite?

Accessible facilities

Allow commercial vans

Allow pets on site

Café / restaurant / takeaway

Drinking water

Family friendly

Shop

Showers

Toilets

W.C. disposal

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.

There are 33 accommodation options on-site

Bookable pitches and accommodation options

Bell Tent

Max 6 people

Unfurnished 5m bell tent, bring all your own camping gear except the tent! Decorated with fairy lights. Shared facilities nearby.

2 x Safari Tents

Max 4 people

Spacious and fully furnished safari tents with open plan layouts. Sleeping four comfortably on a king size bed and double sofa bed. Featuring wood burning stove inside, as well as BBQ, gas hob and al fresco dining area outside. Shared facilities nearby.

Watercress Lodges and Campsite reviews

4.61 /5

16 reviews

88%

would recommend

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Showing the most recent reviews from guests

August bank holiday weekend

Recommends site

Matthew S

Medium Tent - Non Electric Grass PitchesAug 2025

Just back from a weekend at the Watercress, a lovely campsite, very small and cosy. We had ample space for our tent and did not feel cramped at all. Lovely flat grounds, very tidy and well kept. Great access to the Ropley station on the watercress line! A fantastic weekend. For all!

Overnight stay camping

Barry S

Medium Tent - Non Electric Grass PitchesJul 2025

Good if a train enthusiast. Station located directly opposite with diesel engines running most of the time. Pitch area a grass bank opposite with a line of tress separating from the station. Lots of ants present on the grass pitches.

February camping

Recommends site

John S

Medium Tent - Non Electric Grass PitchesFeb 2025

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.

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Need to know

Frequently asked questions about Watercress Lodges and Campsite

Quick filters

Site rules

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.

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.

Pitches

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.

What's nearby

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.

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

Watercress Lodges and Campsite is ideal for...

Couples

Peace and quiet

Young children

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.