A POPULAR Christmas steam train experience is set to return this year – with cheaper ticket prices.
Santa Steam Express, run by railway experience company Steam Dreams Rail Co., is returning for its fourth year.
It is running this Christmas at London on December 20 and December 21.
The trips begin at London Victoria, where passengers will climb aboard the train’s vintage carriages that date back to the 1960s.
You’ll then embark on a 1hr30 minute adventure through south London, passing Chiswick, before heading towards Barnes and Clapham Junction.
The exact route is yet to be confirmed, but Steam Dreams Rail Co have said the route is likely to be similar to previous years, ending at London Victoria.
When onboard, children can expect to receive a sweet treat, drink and gift, while adults can enjoy some mulled wine, tea or coffee and a mince pie.
Families will also be riding along with festive characters, such as Mrs Claus, along with a merry band of elves who will hand out children’s gifts.
A copy of the International Elf Service North Pole Star newspaper with up-to-date stories and announcements from the Christmas Workshop, written by the Elves, will also be available.
And once the drinks and nibbles are done, children can get stuck into some Christmas activities, before meeting the man in red himself, Santa.
The festive trips will be hauled by two iconic steam locomotives – either the 700000 Britannia or 34046 Braunton, which date back over 70 years.
They’ll depart four times a day on December 20 and December 21, with slots running at 9:30am, 11:45am, 15:30pm and 18:15pm, with booking starting from £55 per person in Coach Class.
This is cheaper than last year, where the cheapest tickets were priced at £65.
For passengers who want something more private, you can opt to book a private carriage instead.
Head of Communications at Steam Dreams, Juliet Soley, said: “We are delighted to be bringing the magic of steam and Santa to London Victoria for the fourth year.
“It is a joy to be part of the Christmas countdown traditions of many families and we look forward to welcoming guests on board this year to create special memories.
“With only two dates this year, we encourage guests book early once tickets are available.”
Tickets for Club Class, with luxury cushioned seating and spacious tables within a festively adorned carriage, start from £75.
For a private compartment which seats up to six people, prices start from £550.
Other Christmas train rides across the country
Steam Dreams Rail Co. has some other festive trips on offer:
Its London to York Christmas Market journey departs London Kings Cross on Thursday 28th November, and stops at Potters Bar, Stevenage and Peterborough along the way.
Other journeys include:
- London to Bath Christmas Market – Saturday 30th November
- Southend to Bath Christmas Market – Friday 6th December
- East Anglia to Chester Christmas Market – Friday 13th December
Elsewhere in Europe, a new train route linking two of Europe’s most popular cities will be up and running in time for Christmas market season.
The high-speed service will run from Berlin to Paris, between Berlin Hauptbahnhof and Paris Gare de L’Est, with stops in Frankfurt, Strasbourg and Karlsruhe.
