Christmas Night Train — Exbury Gardens Steam Railway

Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway in Hampshire opens its gardens after dark for the Christmas Night Train. The operator describes an enchanting illuminated steam train ride around the woodland gardens, on Exbury's Rhododendron Line Steam Railway, gliding past twinkling lights and festive displays while the rest of Exbury sleeps. The journey takes about 30 minutes.

Each departure features a personal send-off from Father Christmas, and festive food and drink are on offer each evening. The ticket price includes admission to the railway via the gardens, which are not otherwise open, and entry begins in the late afternoon. The operator presents the event as a highlight for families and railway enthusiasts alike, and describes it as a fundraising event.

The Rhododendron Line is a 12¼-inch gauge steam railway built in the early 2000s, with a station inspired by Aviemore Station in Scotland, about a mile and a half of track and seats for up to 90 passengers. The operator notes that the Christmas Night Train features some flashing lights and that tickets to meet Father Christmas in the evening, with a gift for each child, are available separately and are not included.

An illuminated steam train ride of about 30 minutes around the dark woodland gardens, past twinkling lights and festive displays, with a personal send-off from Father Christmas at each departure and festive food and drink on offer. The operator warns of some flashing lights. Meeting Father Christmas in the evening is a separate ticket.

Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway, The Estate Office, Exbury, Southampton, Hampshire SO45 1AZ. Entry is from late afternoon and the ticket includes admission to the railway via the gardens, which are not otherwise open. Choose a date and an arrival time when booking; email the gardens if you need a wheelchair carriage. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult on the steam train, according to the operator's railway page. Meet Father Christmas in the Evening tickets, with a gift for each child, are sold separately. Phone +44 (0)23 8089 1203.