Sprat & Winkle

• Sleeps: 4
• Bedrooms: 2
• Bathrooms: 2
• Minimum stay: 2 nights

Equipped with sumptuous furnishings, contemporary fixtures, and light fittings direct from the Orient Express, Sprat and Winkle is a train carriage that’s first class all the way.

As if that wasn’t enough, you’ll find the charming carriage exquisitely positioned on the platform at Horsebridge Railway Station, surrounded by the rural charms and sparkling waterways of Hampshire’s beautiful Test Valley.

There’s plenty of history to be found here, too. Before it was closed in 1964, the railway line through Horsebridge was used throughout both World Wars, and was affectionately nicknamed the ‘Sprat and Winkle’ line because of its former use in transporting seafood from Southampton to Andover.

The carriage itself once carried World War II troops, yet these days you’ll find it lovingly renovated to suit four guests and a well-behaved dog, with every holiday need perfectly catered for.

The bright, open-plan living space is a joy to spend time in, with its squishy window-facing sofa (because who doesn’t love a window seat when they’re on the train?) and Smart TV. The delightful kitchen area is fabulously well-equipped with an electric hob and oven, and you’ll even find a dishwasher to help with those post-meal clear ups.

There’s a breakfast bar dining area for that ‘first class buffet car’ feel, while your deluxe sleeping quarters are a mere wander along the carriage.

You’ll have two clean-lined, cosy superking bedrooms to choose from (one can be made into a twin if preferred), each one featuring an en-suite shower room – so there’ll be no awkward queues for the loo!

At a glance

• A lovingly renovated train carriage that sleeps up to four guests, and one well-behaved dog.
• The carriage is secluded on the platform at the picturesque, now disused Horsebridge Railway Station in Hampshire’s Test Valley, with the famous Test Way footpath just 100 metres away.
• There are two superking bedrooms (one can be made into a twin if preferred), both featuring an en-suite shower room.
• Watch the world go by in the furnished garden, or pop into the local pub – a mere wander to the end of the station entrance – for a slap-up meal after a day exploring the countryside!

Features

• Dog Friendly
• Family Friendly

More information

Step out onto the authentic Horsebridge platform, and you’ll feel that the train has come to a stop at the perfect place, especially for you. There’s a furnished garden area complete with barbecue, so you can enjoy many a sizzling sunset supper, and plenty of space for the kids to run around and let off some steam in (perhaps while you enjoy a glass of wine and a good book).

In the mood for a change of scenery? A stroll along the peacefully picturesque, dog-friendly Test Way footpath might be just the thing, particularly as it starts a mere 100m from your carriage.  

Oh – and after you’ve walked up a hearty appetite, why not stop in at the friendly John of Gaunt Inn, at the end of the station’s entrance?

At the close of yet another lovely day doing just as you please, simply head back to the platform and board your elegant carriage for a relaxing evening with your loved ones. Next stop: scenic comfort!

Things to note

Check in at 3pm, check out by 10am. No hen or stag parties. This is single-level accommodation, which may suit those with restricted mobility.