A trip on a steam train is great whatever the season. We take a look at just a handful of railways holding Christmas events this year
Heritage railways are extremely popular with groups. Not only do they transport passengers back in time, but they also offer a great way to take in the British countryside.
And with group rates, catering packages and seat reservation options, they are renowned for their group friendliness.
So why not bring your groups in from the cold this Christmas time aboard a steam train adorned with decorations and with suitably festive treats on offer?
Santa fun
Most railways are running Santa trains throughout December, which are great for young people and the young at heart.
Groups visiting North West Wales can enjoy a glass of sherry and a mince pie on board one of Ffestiniog Railway’s Santa Trains. The souvenir shop at Porthmadog will also be open for passengers to do some last minute Christmas shopping.
How about adding Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Railway to your group’s itinerary? Here, two options are offered – Santa Steam Specials or the more relaxed Santa Railcar Specials.
The 1960s diesel railcar travels from Toddington over the viaduct to Buckland, then back towards Winchcombe before returning to Toddington. Or travel from Cheltenham Racecourse Station by steam train to Winchcombe. Santa’s elves will meet passengers off the train at Winchcombe and each child will receive a gift from the big man himself.
On Bodmin and Wenford Railway’s Santa by Steam journeys, groups can enjoy a mince pie and seasonal drink, as well as carols on the platform from Liskeard Band.
Two in one
Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company is combining its Santa Express with pantomime. The return journey begins at Queen’s Park Station, Paignton to Kingswear.
During the trip, passengers will be entertained by a two-part mini pantomime to get them in the festive spirit.
The Sleeping Beauty-inspired show will star Princess Aurora, her three Fairy Godmothers, Prince Philip and the wicked fairy Maleficent.
Father Christmas will also be handing out presents to children at their seats.
On the Santa Express adults will be offered mulled wine and a mince pie. Passengers can also enjoy balloon modelling and lineside I-Spy.
Something different
While Santa trains may be more suitable for children and families, there are many alternatives for adult groups.
On Swannage Railway’s ‘Christmas Belle’, groups can soak up the Isle of Purbeck countryside while enjoying champagne and canapés from the comfort of their seats.
The hour-long return journey is on the railway’s Pullman Observation Car, which is suitably decorated and runs on various dates throughout December.
Passengers will also receive a personalised card and gift.
For a festive experience like no other, Telford Steam Railway is running The Polar Express Train Ride this December.
Groups will be taken to the North Pole while scenes from the 2004 film come to life, including dancing chefs and waiters serving cookies and hot chocolate.
The story of The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg will be told and passengers can sing along to classic carols before Santa comes on board.
To ensure your group is sat together, tickets must be bought directly from midlandsthepolarexpressride.com.
Back in time
On 26 and 27 December, groups can experience a WWII Christmas on the Mid Hants Railway – affectionately known as the Watercress Line.
Passengers will be joined by civilian and military re-enactors on the railway’s period stations for singing, dancing, and other festive merriment.
Tickets include all day travel on the railway with the option to hop on and off at all four stations to enjoy the 1940s entertainment on offer.
Groups visiting Norfolk this Christmas could easily spend a few hours at Bressingham Steam and Gardens.
While they can enjoy a ride on the steam train on the Nursery Line, there is also the Dad’s Army Exhibition, which will be decorated for Christmas.
Food will be available at coach-friendly Wyevale Garden Centre and at The Steam Museum too during your visit.
Lots on offer
Groups will be spoilt for choice at the Severn Valley Railway. As well as a number of Santa trains running during December, there are a variety of different events being held over selected dates.
For a Christmas experience with a twist, the railway is holding two festive Murder Mystery trains – A Christmas Carol and Pigs in Blankets.
Departing from Kidderminster at 1930hrs, the steam-hauled Murder Mystery train travels to Bridgnorth. A three-course meal is also included in the price.
There is also a choice of Christmas Carol Trains with music being provided by a number of acts, including ukulele bands and choirs, as well as a three-course Christmas carvery on offer at The Engine House.
Groups visiting the railway on 21 and 22 October will also get the added bonus of the Christmas Gift Fayre, which is held at The Engine House Visitor Centre at Highley.
In addition to the visitor centre’s own Christmas gift shop, the Christmas Gift Fayre will consist of a variety of stalls for groups to find the ideal gift.
For more information and dates, go to svr.co.uk.
