Santa Specials — Northampton & Lamport Railway

The Northampton & Lamport Railway runs its Santa Specials from Pitsford & Brampton Station at Chapel Brampton, Northamptonshire. The operator describes a family Santa experience: Santa is met on the station platform and in his grotto, where families sing carols and each child receives a special present.

The station and the train coaches are decorated in a classic style. The train is a cosy 1960s steam-era coach, hauled through the Northamptonshire countryside by one of the railway's steam locomotives, subject to availability, or by a heritage diesel if no steam locomotive can run. The operator says the ride lasts roughly 50 minutes.

All tickets include complimentary refreshments on board: a glass of sherry and a mince pie for adults, and a sweet treat and a Fruit Shoot for children, who can also write their letters to Santa while on the train. The station has a Platform 3 Buffet, a souvenir shop and free parking, and a public house stands next to the station.

A ride of roughly 50 minutes in a 1960s steam-era coach, hauled by a steam locomotive subject to availability (otherwise a heritage diesel), free refreshments on board, a letter to Santa for the children to write, then a meeting with Santa in his workshop where each child receives a present. Carols are sung in the grotto. Pushchairs can be stored at the station during the ride.

All visitors should arrive at the main station, Pitsford & Brampton, Pitsford Road, Chapel Brampton, Northamptonshire NN6 8BA; the operator says Boughton Station is closed during the Santa season. Prior booking is essential and tickets are not available on the day: the operator expects most services to sell out in advance. When booking, the operator asks for each child's age and gender so that Santa can pick a suitable present; infants who do not receive a present travel free, those who do are charged. Parking is free and on site, on a gravel surface with disabled spaces. The whole site is accessible via ramps and the train has a wheelchair compartment for one wheelchair and up to two carers or companions; ask the box office when buying to arrange the access ramp. There are toilets on the platform at both stations but none on the train. Dogs are welcome on the train for the Santa Specials but not on the seats. Rover, member, Heritage Railway Association, Blue Light Card, serving forces and Privilege Travel Card concessions are not available for this event.