The Spellbound Express — Kent & East Sussex Railway

The Spellbound Express is the Kent & East Sussex Railway's October half-term Halloween train for younger children, which the operator calls a Skelebration: no scares, just spells and smiles. It is a spellbinding steam train adventure for little witches, wizards and magical mischief-makers, suitable for ages 4 to 11.

Children can mix potions and practise spells with Wendy the Wicked Witch at her potions cart, watch Merlin the Magician perform tricks, and meet Misty the friendly baby dragon for photographs. Count Trackula roams the carriages stamping tickets. Every child receives a magical activity pack to complete on board and, at the end of the journey, a certificate as an official Junior Spellcaster, with sweets, prizes and the chance to meet Skeleton Sam.

The experience lasts approximately one hour and includes return steam train travel from Tenterden.

About one hour of steam train travel with Halloween activities: potions, magic tricks, a baby dragon, an activity pack and a Junior Spellcaster certificate for every child. The operator says the trains are non-alighting return journeys between Tenterden and Northiam stations, with no trains to Bodiam during this event. Dress for the occasion and bring a camera.

Trains leave Tenterden Town Station, Tenterden, Kent TN30 6HE, with three departures to choose from on each running day. The experience is suitable for ages 4 to 11. Spellbound Express trains are non-alighting return journeys between Tenterden and Northiam stations. Tickets are sold as tables on the railway's online booking page. Local Residents Season tickets are not valid on this service.