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.

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 Watercress Lodges and Campsite

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!

Camping and safari tents are open all year. The bell tent is available from 1st April to 1st November.


Facilities and amenities

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.

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Adult only

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Allow commercial vans

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Allow pets

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Bike hire

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Café / restaurant

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Communal BBQ

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Disabled facilities

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Drinking water

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Electric hookups

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Entertainment

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Family friendly

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Fires allowed

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Fishing

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Games room

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Glamping

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Golf

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Horse riding

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Hot tub

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Internet access

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Kids club

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Kids playground

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Laundry

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Near beach

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Near pub

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Open year round

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Peaceful

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RV pitches

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Shop

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Showers

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Swimming pool

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Toilets

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TV room

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Vineyard

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Water hookups

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Watersports

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W.C. disposal


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

Coordinates

51.0895, -1.0991 | SU 63 32

View on Google Maps

Watercress Lodges and Campsite is ideal for...

Couples

Peace and quiet

Young children


There are 33 accommodation options on-site

Bookable pitches and accommodation options

30 x Non-Electric Grass Pitches

Max 8 people

6m x 4m non-electric grass pitches, on a very level field for tent camping only.


Watercress Lodges and Campsite reviews

4.71 /5

19 reviews

89%

would recommend

Overall
4.71
Location
4.79
Value for money
4.74
Service
4.63
Facilities
4.68
Cleanliness
4.68

Very well looked after site

Alex S

0

0

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

Thomas B

0

0

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.

Lovely small campsite

Mike E

0

0

Medium Tent - Non-Electric Grass PitchesAug 2024

We had a lovely time at this campsite, set in the Hampshire Downs countryside but also the proximity to Ropley station on the heritage line was an extra treat. All the activity at the station was a real draw, with steam trains passing through and a playground making the location ideal for families.

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FAQ

Tent pitches are available from noon until 6pm on the day of arrival. Please check-out by the midday 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.

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.

Yes! Camping guests are able to bring one of each for an extra fee.

Sorry, no dogs are allowed on site.


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 August 20th, 2024 at 8:45 AM

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