Santa Specials — Dean Forest Railway

The Dean Forest Railway invites families to ride behind a real steam engine and meet Santa on board. The train leaves Norchard Station and heads first to Parkend, where it makes a short stop while the engine runs round (toilets are on the platform). It then runs non-stop through the forest to Lydney Junction, and Santa visits everyone at their seats on the way.

At Lydney Junction passengers visit Santa's elves to collect their presents before the train returns to Norchard, completing a 75-minute journey. Age-appropriate gifts are given to all fare-paying children, each adult receives an alcoholic miniature served on board, and every passenger gets a warmed mince pie.

Bookers can add a Christmas Afternoon Tea, a Cream Tea, a Christmas Picnic Bag or a prosecco. The operator says the Santa Specials are usually a sell-out and that advance booking is essential.

A 75-minute steam train ride from Norchard via Parkend to Lydney Junction and back, with Santa and his elves visiting every seat, a present for fare-paying children, a miniature for adults and a warmed mince pie for everyone. All passengers in one booking are seated together, and the seat allocation is given on the day.

Departs from Norchard Station, Forest Road, Lydney, Gloucestershire GL15 4ET. Advance booking is essential as the trains are usually sold out. The stations and steam trains are wheelchair accessible but space on board is limited, so contact the railway when booking. Dogs are not allowed at the Santa Specials, except assistance dogs. The café serves light takeaway refreshments throughout the day and closes after the last train departs. Children under 3 can be booked with or without a present or a seat allocation.