Santa Specials — Lynton & Barnstaple Railway

The Lynton & Barnstaple Railway runs its Santa Specials at Woody Bay Station in North Devon. The operator says Santa and his cheerful elves spread Christmas cheer on selected days up to Christmas Eve, with the station decorated for the season and twinkling lights.

The ticket includes a festive train ride in Christmas-themed carriages, a two-mile return journey from Woody Bay Station to Killington Lane that lasts approximately 20 minutes. Children meet Santa and his friends and each child receives a present and a sticker; the operator says the present includes a colouring book, pencils and a small surprise gift. A Dear Santa activity sheet can be posted via a festive post box.

Hot chocolate with a mince pie, gingerbread man or cookie can be pre-booked as an add-on and collected from the tea-room. A first class compartment upgrade can be bought on the day at the station shop. The railway is dog friendly.

A two-mile return steam train ride of approximately 20 minutes in Christmas-themed carriages, a meeting with Santa and his elves, a present and sticker for each child, and a Dear Santa activity sheet with a festive post box. The tea-room and station shop are open on running days.

Boards at Woody Bay Station, Lynton & Barnstaple Railway, Parracombe, Barnstaple, EX31 4RA (telephone 01598 763487). There is a large free car park, including disabled parking. Pre-booking is recommended; remaining tickets are sold at the station shop. All children must be accompanied by at least one adult. Pushchairs and buggies cannot be taken on the trains but can be left at the station at the owner's risk. The trains take standard non-motorised transit wheelchairs, with one wheelchair space per train that must be reserved by phone or email (enquiries@lynton-rail.co.uk). Well-behaved dogs are welcome and travel free when their owner holds a ticket. Date or time changes can be arranged by contacting the railway; refunds need 48 hours' notice.