Hampshire, UK – Murder on the Rails
MURDER ON THE RAILS!
The Watercress Line is delighted to announce the revival of its very popular Murder Mystery Trains. These special evenings will commence on the platform where the company ‘The Perfect Murder’ will set the scene for the evening before you board your First Class carriage on The Watercress Belle.
A three-course dinner will then be served on the train by our special caterers, Lemon Stone Events, while you ponder on the culprit! Actors will wander up and down the train between courses, enabling you to ply them with questions while you play super-sleuths. As you savour your delicious dinner, enjoy period background music and puzzle over the murderer, you will have time to enjoy the countryside views along the South Downs National Park as your train takes you through the four period stations of The Watercress Line.
After your supper, the final dénouement will take place, and the perfect murder will finally be revealed.
The Perfect Murder will be played by a cast of actors in full theatrical costume, with authentic props & clues. You will be provided with pencils, notepaper and full colour guest literature. There will also be prizes for the winner(s).
1950s attire is welcome but optional.
THE SCENE (FOR 21 FEBRUARY & 29 AUGUST)
The Travelling Circus
England, 1952.
England, 1952. Step right up! The circus is coming to town, and the villagers of Pokeingham-Softly-on-the-Wold are looking forward to visiting the Big Top. A night of spectacle and illusion is promised, complete with a Lion Tamer, Tightrope Walker and of course, one very sad clown! The Big Top and equipment travel to the sleepy village by road, but the performers arrive by train. The great and good of the area will greet the circus folk on the platform…but there’s a problem.
Circus Master Charlie Doe calls on his old friend Miss Mapletree, mystery novelist and local celebrity, asking for her help. Charlie fears there will be a murder and turns to the amateur sleuth to prevent the killer from striking. Miss Mapletree will need all the help she can get as she steps into the world of the travelling circus!
A vintage Agatha Christie-inspired live-action whodunnit.
THE SCENE (FOR 11 APRIL & 26 SEPTEMBER)
The Chinese Star Mystery
A previously undiscovered Sherlock Holmes mystery has been unearthed in a house clearance and is set to be auctioned at Christie’s of London. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous detective features in the story, and a record sum is expected when the manuscript goes under the hammer.
The Chinese Star Mystery is being transported to London under high security, but when the guard in charge is murdered, there is only one woman in England who can hope to solve the crime. Miss Mapletree enters the world of antiquarian books as she investigates the case of The Chinese Star Mystery.
A vintage Agatha Christie-inspired live-action whodunnit.
THE SCENE (FOR 27 JUNE)
Murder at the Ballot Box
Following the sudden death of MP Sir Alfred Mimms, a By-Election is called for the constituency of Pokeingham-Softly-on-the-Wold. Sir Alfred had been fighting to keep the branch line serving Pokeingham Halt open, despite it being threatened by cuts proposed by Dr Beeching. With prospective parliamentary candidates canvassing hard for every vote, the Pokeingham By-Election is front page news throughout England.
With just one day to go before voters head to the ballot box, emotions are running high. With the future of Pokeingham’s branch line at stake, who will gain enough votes to head to Westminster? Will the vote go smoothly, or will democracy be derailed by a clever killer?
A vintage Agatha Christie-inspired live-action whodunnit.
MENU
Click here for the February, June & September 2026 menu.
Click here for the April & August 2026 menu.
Any dietary requirements can be catered for. Please make sure you confirm your dietary requirements during the booking process to ensure we can provide the meal you would like. If you have booked this experience as a gift, please inform us of any amendments to dietary requirements at least two weeks in advance of the date of travel. Unfortunately, we cannot cater for any changes on the night.
EVENING OVERVIEW
The West Country Buffet will be open from 6pm for wine, beer and a selection of soft drinks.
The Murder Mystery evening will start at 6.30pm until approximately 10.45pm.
ADD SOMETHING SPECIAL
Make your visit extra special with one of our additions, available to order with your tickets.
£50
£23
£22
£24
£11.95
TICKETS
TABLE FOR 2
£270
TABLE FOR 3
£410
TABLE FOR 4
£540
Please note:
Our dining trains have a minimum age of 12 years.
Please note that onboard purchases are by card only.
You are not permitted to bring your own drinks on the train.
In the event of bad weather, the experience may begin in the Goods Shed, requiring you to climb two flights of low stairs with handrails on either side. We regret that currently there is no lift or stairlift and therefore not suitable for people with mobility issues. Please contact us if you need more information.
ALRESFORD ACCOMMODATION
If you are planning to book The Watercress Belle, why not extend your visit by booking to stay in the delightful Georgian town of Alresford. We have selected two lovely places to stay, where you will receive a warm welcome and even better, both are just a two minute walk from Alresford Station. Quote ‘The Watercress Line’ to get the best deal when booking.
The Swan Hotel
11 West Street, Alresford
Tel: 01962 732 302
Within stumbling distance of The Watercress Line, this historic hotel in the centre of Alresford has 22 spacious bedrooms, all recently refurbished with bespoke furniture and a contemporary yet cosy charm. It serves bar food and has several lounge spaces for relaxation.
PARKING
Alresford: Pay & display car park, operated by Winchester City Council.
Disabled parking and electric charge points are available. Cash or RingGo app location 42519. The car park is free after 6pm.
The company does not guarantee that the trains will arrive or depart at the times stated and reserves the right to cancel, alter or suspend any train without notice, or to substitute a different train should this be necessary for whatever reason.
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