Mince Pie Specials — Tanfield Railway

Tanfield Railway, a charitable trust in North East England, between Gateshead and Stanley, that calls itself the world's oldest railway, runs its Mince Pie Specials as a post-Christmas treat. The operator describes a festive steam train ride on a heritage train with unique Victorian carriages and lovingly restored locomotives, on a six-mile round trip through rolling countryside and a wooded valley.

The ticket is a day rover: it allows unlimited travel on the day, passengers can break the journey as often as they like at any of the railway's stations, and they may join the train at any of them. It includes a complimentary mince pie and hot drink for adults, free juice and a biscuit for children, and free car parking.

The operator suggests stopping off at Causey station to blow away the festive cobwebs with a brisk walk around the wooded Causey valley, and Marley Hill Engine Shed, which it describes as Europe's oldest working engine shed, is there to explore. The operator says all proceeds from train rides and on-site purchases go towards preserving North East England's industrial railway heritage.

A festive steam train ride on a heritage railway, with unlimited travel all day. A mince pie and hot drink are included for adults and juice and a biscuit for children. The operator suggests breaking your journey at Causey station for a walk in the wooded valley and visiting Marley Hill Engine Shed. Dogs are welcome free of charge on the trains, on a lead.

The train can be joined at Andrews House Station (NE16 5ET) or East Tanfield Station (DH9 9UY). For this event the operator says tickets must be bought online in advance, because none are sold on the day. A ticket is valid for one day only: to travel on several days, add each day to the cart before checking out. Car parking is free. Accessible toilets are at Andrews House station, East Tanfield station and Marley Hill carriage shed. A wheelchair-accessible compartment is usually available, but it is a vintage carriage and may occasionally not be, so the operator recommends emailing info@tanfield-railway.co.uk before your visit. A carer travels free but needs to book a carer ticket and bring proof; the disabled visitor needs an age-appropriate ticket. Dogs travel free of charge but must stay on a lead and off the carriage seats.