Santa Specials — Kent & East Sussex Railway

The Kent & East Sussex Railway has welcomed families to meet Santa on its trains since 1974. Its Santa Specials run from Tenterden Town Station as a 75-minute return steam train journey in festively decorated carriages.

Santa delivers an age-appropriate present, addressed with each child's name, to every child at their seat. All experiences include free unlimited rides on the vintage gallopers at Tenterden, a free photograph of the family group, a visit to the station's Winter Wonderland, and a complimentary mulled wine or hot drink for adults. Babies under 18 months travel free and receive a gift.

The railway sells three packages: Bronze, in a standard-class open-plan carriage at tables for two, three or four with a refreshment pack and a magician; Silver, with the Elf Hat and "Diploma of Elfship" visit from Santa's head elves, First Class tables and private compartments for six or eight; and Gold, in a premium open-plan carriage with free-flowing Prosecco, beer or juice, cakes and mince pies.

A 75-minute return steam journey with a visit from Santa at your seat and a named present for each child. The railway adds the vintage gallopers, a family photograph and a Winter Wonderland at Tenterden, and a mulled wine or hot drink for adults. Bronze guests get a refreshment pack and a magician on board; Silver and Gold add the elf visit and extra refreshments. Standard carriages have onboard toilets.

Departs from Tenterden Town Station, Station Road, Tenterden, Kent TN30 6HE. Limited free parking for customers is available at the station for up to three hours, with Pay & Display car parks nearby. Seats are allocated first come, first served, so buy enough tickets for the whole group; adding people to an existing booking is not normally possible. Bookings close 7 days before travel and cannot be altered after that. One Sunday morning train is designated a Quiet Train with no Christmas music. Booking online costs less than booking by telephone or in person, and the railway levies no booking fee. Seats are sold by the table or compartment, not per person.