Santa Specials — South Tynedale Railway

The South Tynedale Railway, which describes itself as England's longest 2ft gauge heritage railway in the North Pennines, runs its Santa Specials from Alston Station in Cumbria. The operator calls them its ever popular Santa Specials.

The ticket includes a steam train ride, some festive nibbles to take on the journey and, of course, a visit from Santa to each carriage with a gift for everyone aged 0 to 17. The operator asks families to give the name and age of each child when booking, and says dogs are welcome but places are limited and a dog needs a ticket of its own.

The operator sells a separate adult, child (aged 3 to 17), infant (under 3) and wheelchair user ticket for each departure.

A steam train ride on the South Tynedale Railway with festive nibbles and a visit from Santa to your carriage, who brings a gift for every child. Infants under three may have to sit on an adult's knee.

Departures are from the Railway Station, Alston, Cumbria CA9 3JB. Book a specific departure; each timed departure is sold separately. Tell the railway the name and age of each child when you book so that Santa has the right gift. Dogs are welcome but places are limited and a dog must have a ticket to travel. Wheelchair user tickets are sold separately for each departure. Phone 01434 338214.