A LOCAL steam railway attraction is bringing a Harry Potter experience to its heritage line this Halloween half term.

From October 24 to 30, children of all ages are invited to dress up as their favourite scary character - monsters, ghosts, witches and wizards- ready for the Watercress Line’s Halloween activities.

Visitors will be able to rise the Wizard Express steam train and walk in Harry Potter’s footsteps over the famous railway footbridge where the famous wizard received his Hogwarts Express ticket in the film. 

Continuing the theme, Harry Potter style coaches will be open to explore at Alresford Station, with the chance to get up to close to a selection of creepy creatures and observe owls and flacons- everyday except for Tuesday, October 25 and Thursday, October 27.

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Youngsters will be able to watch how broomsticks are made and try their hand making their own wand. Meanwhile, magic shows will take place daily at 12.30pm and 2.30pm across the wizarding week.

Prizes will be up for grabs for the Watercress Line’s fancy dress competition, with three categories- ‘brand new winners’ for four years and under, ‘emerging wand talent’ for four- to eight-year-olds and the eight and above category ‘potion masters’. New winners will be announced each day for.

The heritage line’s CEO, Amanda Squires said: “This year’s Wizard Week is set to be spookier than ever. There will be plenty of pumpkins, batty bats, gory ghosts, scary skeletons and of course, wise wizards adding to the Halloween fun at the Watercress Line and we can’t wait to welcome everyone on board. 

“Don’t miss out on all the great activities we have planned – and prepare to be spooked along the way! Make sure you book your tickets online beforehand. It will be a spellbinding experience for everyone!” 

As usual, visitors will be able to travel on the steam trains and explore the four heritage stations- Ropley, Alton, Alresford and Four Marks. A range of outlets will be available for refreshments including ‘sweet treats’ at Ropley Station.

For more go to watercressline.co.uk/wizard-week/.

The Watercress Line is Hampshire’s only standard gauge heritage railway, with ten miles of track from Alresford to Alton.

As a working history attraction, the railway provides a steam-hauled train service from March to October and throughout December with standard running days and many special activities including ‘Day Out With Thomas’, steam galas, the festive Steam Illuminations and the upcoming ‘Wizard Week’.

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The location has also starred in film, television and photographic productions, ranging from photoshoots, adverts and television dramas to feature films. Past productions include Jamie and Jimmy’s Friday Night Feast, BBC Countryfile, Great British Railway Journeys, Call The Midwife and The Wrong Mans with James Corden as well as historical documentaries.  

This year, the local railway received The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service this year in recognition of the contribution made by the line’s dedicated volunteers across nearly 50 years.