Christmas Express — Plym Valley Railway

The Plym Valley Railway, a heritage railway in Plymouth, runs its Christmas Express from Marsh Mills Station. The operator describes an improved Christmas Express for families: guests arrive at Marsh Mills, collect their tickets and spend time in a festive marquee while the train is prepared, then board a train to Plym Bridge.

At Plym Bridge passengers see Father Christmas, children receive a gift and there is snow to play in. The operator lists the train as steam-hauled, with the note that the steam engine may be substituted for a diesel locomotive without warning.

Two classes are sold: First Class, in a private compartment with larger seats, and Standard Class in an open table layout. A mug and hot drink can be added. The first Sunday of operations is run as a quieter service, with a diesel locomotive, lower capacity, quieter music and staged queues to see Father Christmas.

A wait in a festive marquee while the train is prepared, a train ride to Plym Bridge, a visit to Father Christmas with a gift for children aged two to fifteen, and snow to play in. Under-2s on a lap travel free without a gift. Times shown are the start of the experience, with train departures shortly after.

Arrive at Marsh Mills Station, Coypool Road, Plympton, Plymouth PL7 4NW to collect tickets. Pre-booking is essential; pay-on-the-day seats are sold at the station from 10am on the day of travel for all services, only if seats remain. First Class seats are grouped in sixes in private compartments; Standard Class seats are sold as a table of four or a pair of seats at open tables. A mug and hot drink can be added when booking. The first Sunday of operations is a quieter, diesel-hauled service with lower capacity. Attractions and amenities are subject to availability.