Santa Specials — Royal Deeside Railway

The Royal Deeside Railway runs Santa Specials from its station at Milton of Crathes, near Banchory in Aberdeenshire. The operator says Santa returns to Milton of Crathes on selected Saturdays and Sundays.

On arrival visitors receive their refreshments on the platform to take on a steam train ride down the line, where there is also festive singing. On their return the children receive presents from Santa in a grotto by the station; the elves ask each child's age so that Santa gives a gift from the right age group.

Adult tickets (ages 10 and over) include a steam train ride, a mince pie and a hot or cold drink. Child tickets (ages 1 to 9) include a present from Santa, a biscuit and a drink. The whole experience lasts approximately 30 to 45 minutes, and each train is limited to 25 children so that each child has some time with Santa.

Refreshments on the platform, a steam train ride with festive singing, then a visit to Santa in a grotto by the station where children receive a present. The whole Santa experience lasts approximately 30 to 45 minutes. Seating is self-allocated at the time of booking.

Services leave from and return to the station at Milton of Crathes, Banchory, Aberdeenshire AB31 5QH. The operator says ample free car parking is available in the railway car park or the overflow field. Tickets are only sold by online booking in advance: none over the counter, by email, phone or post. Arrive at least ten minutes before the advertised departure. Two wheelchair spaces are in Coach B with four adjacent attendant seats; the grotto is in an outdoor tent whose surface may not suit wheelchairs. Cancellations and changes not made through the self-service system carry an admin fee. Bookings email: bookings@deeside-railway.co.uk.