Santa Special — Yeovil Railway Centre

Yeovil Railway Centre, run by the South West Main Line Steam Company at Yeovil Junction, hosts a Santa Special on selected days in December. The operator says Santa and his elves have been joining it for Christmas for many years.

The visit starts with a ride in a festively decorated heritage carriage behind one of the centre's steam locomotives. The operator says the track is about a third of a mile long, so the ride is short. Visitors then go to the ex-Great Western Railway Transfer Shed, where Santa receives his visitors and every child is given a free present.

The operator describes a multi award winning Christmas display put together by its volunteers, with snow falling from above where children can play. The adult ticket includes a mince pie and a hot drink, and the shop on the platform sells books, DVDs and second-hand model railway items.

A short ride in a decorated heritage carriage behind a steam locomotive, then Santa in the Transfer Shed with a free present for every child, snow falling from above, and a Christmas display. Adults receive a mince pie and a hot drink. The train ride itself is short: the operator says the track is about a third of a mile long.

Yeovil Railway Centre, Yeovil Junction, Stoford, Yeovil BA22 9UU. Eleven trains run on each day, from 10:15 to 15:20 (the last one appears under "show more" when booking). Online booking is recommended; the operator says online bookings may close a day or so before the event and that a ticket helpline is available (07716 672936). Tickets on the day depend on space. Free tickets for registered carers are available by phone or email (santa@yeovilrailwaycentre.co.uk). Babies under 12 months can have a free ticket.