Kent & East Sussex Railway, in Tenderten, were the first heritage railway in the UK to allow visitors the chance to meet Santa on a moving train. Pioneered in 1974, the same year the railway was granted a Light Railway (Transfer) Order to allow it to operate.
The popularity of Santa Specials has grown and grown over the years, and whilst many other railways have followed in the footsteps, Kent & East Sussex Railway pioneered the experience.
Helen Douglas, Product and Reservations Manager at the railway said, “We were the first Heritage Railway in the UK to give children the much beloved experience of having Santa come and talk to them and give them a present whilst on a steam train journey. This format is now well recognised as a ‘Santa Special’ experience and this year we have sold more than 50% of our tickets already.
“We are so proud of the popularity of the Santa Specials. Families come back annually, and we have many customers who travelled on the Santa Specials as children in the 70s who are now bringing their own grandchildren! The introduction in 2016 of the private compartments was immensely popular and many of the dates this year are already sold out.”
The Santa Special has expanded over the years to include rides on a beautiful Victorian carousel and a chance to walkthrough a miniature Christmas model village. Every visitor received complimentary refreshments upon their visit and a free family group photo to take home.
Little ones have the chance to meet Santa and take home a very special present. This year the Santa Specials will operate on 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 22, 23 and 24 December 2017.
For more information and to book tickets, click HERE.
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