Santa Specials — Epping Ongar Railway

The Epping Ongar Railway's Santa Specials begin on a vintage London bus that picks up guests at Epping Underground station or in Ongar and takes them to North Weald Station. There the operator offers festive food from a stall, live brass band music and wandering characters looking for the nice children, before guests board Santa's special train.

The train makes a return journey via the ancient Epping Forest to Ongar. Entertainers keep guests busy while Santa finds the children on board and gives each one a present. The operator collects the age and gender of every child in the party at booking so that Santa can give an appropriate present.

Seating is at tables for two or four, exclusive to the party, or in a compartment for six or eight. The train is planned to be steam-hauled at the Ongar end and diesel-hauled at the Epping end. The operator says to allow up to two and a half hours for the whole experience.

A vintage London bus ride to North Weald, a brass band and festive food stall while you wait, then a return trip on Santa's special train through Epping Forest to Ongar with entertainers and a visit from Santa, who gives every child a present. Allow up to two and a half hours from Epping or Ongar. Light hot and cold refreshments are on sale before boarding, including hot chocolate.

The experience starts on the inclusive vintage London bus from outside Epping Underground station (Epping High Street) or from the Two Brewers car park in Ongar, then boards at North Weald Station. There is no parking at North Weald or Ongar stations: options are the Epping Underground station car park (parking charges apply), three council car parks in Ongar, or the Central Line to Epping. The railway cannot accommodate wheelchairs on the train or the vintage buses; North Weald has level access with a small step up into the train. Limited parking at North Weald is possible for registered Blue Badge holders by pre-arrangement. Children under 1 year are not counted in the group numbers. The operator may swap a diesel locomotive for steam without refund. Fares are sold by the party, as a table for two or four or a compartment for six or eight, not per person.