Santa Specials — North Norfolk Railway

The North Norfolk Railway runs its Santa Specials from its Sheringham station on the Norfolk coast. The operator describes a magical Christmas journey on a traditional steam-hauled train that runs non-stop up the whole length of the line to Holt. Complimentary refreshments are served to your table: mince pies and mulled cider for adults, gingerbread and hot chocolate for every child. Children also get a festive activity booklet, and entertainers and balloon modellers stroll through the carriages.

The journey breaks at Holt while the engine switches ends, which lets passengers step off to photograph the historic locomotive or visit the onboard bar. On the return the train stops at Weybourne station, where families walk through an enchanted Christmas Kingdom with a seasonal theme, a snowy model railway and Santa's helpers before meeting Father Christmas, who gives every child a wrapped gift.

The operator offers First Class and Standard Class seating, plus private compartments for up to six or eight people and an accessible compartment on many trains. Every passenger is allocated a specific seat. The Santa Specials are designed for a family audience and bookings from all-adult parties are not accepted.

About an hour and 45 minutes from leaving Sheringham to arriving back: a steam journey to Holt and back, refreshments served at your table, an activity booklet for each child, entertainers on board and a visit to Father Christmas at Weybourne, who gives every child a wrapped present. The operator says the trains are warm and dry and run in almost all weather.

Trains leave from Sheringham station, Station Approach, Sheringham, Norfolk NR26 8RA. The Old Luggage Office Buffet at the station opens before departure and the operator suggests arriving early to check in and find your seats. Advance booking is essential and every passenger is allocated a specific seat, so it is not always possible to add to or move an existing booking; call 01263 820800 to add to a booking. At least one paying child must be in each party. Pushchairs cannot be taken on the train but can be stored at Sheringham station. Many trains include an accessible compartment for up to two wheelchair users and four other passengers, booked by phone. Other than assistance dogs, dogs are not accepted. There are a limited number of toilets on board and more at the stations. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.