Santa Specials — Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway

The Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway runs its Santa Specials from New Romney Station in Kent. The operator describes a steam train ride from New Romney to Hythe and back, with a visit to Santa and his elves in his grotto, festive treats and platform rides, and says the Santa Specials have run for more than forty years.

A ticket includes the train journey, the visit to Santa, a quality age-related gift for each child aged 0 to 17, seasonal refreshments and a visit to the Model Railway Exhibition at New Romney before the train leaves. The operator adds a magician to entertain families while they wait to meet Santa and a snowy arrival back at New Romney. Gluten free, dairy free, nut free, vegan and vegetarian options are available if dietary requirements are noted when booking.

Passengers can add an optional Bar Car heritage carriage on selected departures, and the operator has scheduled a Quiet Train departure for passengers with special needs, autism and enhanced sensory needs.

A visit that starts at New Romney with the Model Railway Exhibition, then a train ride to Hythe and back with a visit to Santa and his elves in his grotto, a magician, festive treats and a gift for each child. A professional photographer is in the grotto, and photos can be bought afterwards at the Hythe ticket office.

Trains start from New Romney Station, New Romney, Kent TN28 8PL. The time on your ticket is your departure time; the operator asks passengers to arrive at least 30 minutes before to allow for parking, check-in and boarding, and all members of a booking must enter the station together. Tickets cannot be exchanged, refunded, resold or transferred. Platform tickets, carers-go-free tickets and group discounts are not available for this event, and adults without children pay the same as others. Dogs can join the event with a ticket of their own and must stay on a lead; they cannot travel in heritage coaches. Wheelchair accessible coaches are available on the Santa Specials trains but must be pre-booked by contacting the railway after booking. The car parks at New Romney and Hythe use pay on exit with number plate cameras; Blue Badge holders park free. The operator can substitute a diesel for a steam locomotive and may change timings or other elements. Phone 01797 362353.