There’s a Christmas treat in store as Heritage railway offers a get-away-from-it-all treat

Travelling on the magical steam-hauled Santa Specials has been a Christmas highlight for thousands of children for many years, but this year the Kent & East Sussex Railway is making sure the grown-ups don’t miss out.

Whilst the hugely popular family attraction will still operate its traditional Santa Specials, there will also be steam-hauled departures specifically targeted for adults as “Yuletide Specials”.  These new services offer a cosy and leisurely journey through the beautiful Rother Valley countryside from Tenterden, Kent to Northiam, East Sussex.

Railway Sales & Marketing Manager Helen Douglas, …said: ‘It will be a great opportunity to forget the pre-Christmas hustle and bustle, get away from the domestic duties for a couple of hours and enjoy a relaxing trip on one of our magnificent historic trains.  Father Christmas won’t be there – unless he’s a passenger! – but our guests will be treated to mulled wine and mince pies and the train will be festively decorated.’

‘We love running our Santa Specials and seeing the joy on the children’s faces, but thought adults deserve something a bit special in the lead up to Christmas treat too!’

A local choir will be at Tenterden station to provide festive atmosphere before the train sets off for the 70-minute round-trip. Each passenger will receive a complimentary mince pie and hot drink served on board during the journey with an opportunity to purchase additional light refreshments.  There is a miniature model Christmas village at Tenterden a chance to buy presents and mementos at the gift shop.

The Yuletide Specials will operate on Friday 10th December 2021.

The first train departs at 11.30am, but the fun starts at 10.30am with carol singing and mulled wine at Tenterden station.

The afternoon train leaves at 2.30pm, with the festivities beginning again at 1.30pm.

Tickets are available for everything from solo seats, tables for 2 or 4 adults or why not gather some friends to celebrate in style in a private compartment for up to eight people.   First Class travel options are also available

Full details and prices are available on the heritage line’s website:

www.kesr.org.uk/yuletidespecials

ENDS

Image Courtesy of Stuart Kirk Photography