Santa Specials — Battlefield Line Railway

The Battlefield Line Railway, run by the Shackerstone Railway Society, runs its Santa Specials from Shackerstone Station. The operator says its railway volunteers decorate the station and a festive express train, then welcome families on board for a 90-minute journey towards Shenton.

As the train leaves for Shenton, an on-board refreshment service with at-seat service (card payment preferred) runs while passengers wait for Santa's visit. The operator sells three packages. Bronze is an open-style coach seating up to 64 passengers, with a personal visit from Santa to each group, a small gift and sweets for every child and a mince pie for every adult. Silver and Gold are private, decorated compartments for four to eight people: Silver adds sweets and juice for the children and a glass of wine and a mince pie for each adult, and Gold adds a festive hamper of snacks and drinks.

The operator says services may be steam or diesel hauled, subject to availability, and that the event usually sells out.

An experience of about 90 minutes, possibly longer if there are delays, on a decorated train. Santa and his elves visit each group on board and every child receives a gift. An on-board refreshment service with at-seat service (card payment preferred) runs while you wait for Santa. What is included depends on the package: an open-style coach, or a private compartment for four to eight people.

All trains leave from and return to Shackerstone Station, Shackerstone, Nuneaton CV13 6NW (sat nav for the car park: CV13 0BS). The operator asks passengers to arrive at least 20 minutes before departure; trains are not held for late arrivals. Pre-booking is essential. No tickets are posted or emailed: the booking confirmation email is the ticket, and you quote the booking name on arrival. Seats are allocated at booking, so book everyone in a single transaction to sit together. Children under one travel free but must be declared at checkout, otherwise no gift can be provided. The operator asks for each child's age and gender at checkout. Dogs are not permitted on Santa Special trains. Because of the historic coaches, wheelchair users cannot access the standard passenger areas and are asked to contact the railway before booking. Office phone 01827 880754 (Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, office hours).