It’s next stop Santa workshop as the county’s railways gear up for the Christmas period, with festive specials from now until the big day.

CATHEDRAL EXPRESS

You can get into the Christmas spirit with a magical train ride around Kent on board the Cathedrals Express steam train this festive season. On Tuesday, December 23, the train will be stopping at Tonbridge, Headcorn and Ashford, offering passengers the chance to be transported back in time in the surroundings of 1950s and 1960s carriages. The tour also takes in the Kent coast on the four-hour round trip and will be hauled by two ‘Black Five’ steam locomotives.
Tickets from £89, visit www.cathedralsexpress.co.uk or call 01483 209888.

EAST KENT RAILWAY

Enjoy a unique Christmas day out at East Kent Railway, in Shepherdswell, near Dover, with its special Santa by Train service. The carriages will be decorated with tinsel and festive lights and music will be provided by a Christmas DJ. A visit to meet Santa in his grotto will be included in the price, with a personally wrapped and named present given by the man himself. A free festive drink and mince pie will be included for the adults, plus a soft drink and sweets for the children. Rides start on Sunday, November 30 and run at weekends until Christmas Eve. Tickets cost £10 on the opening weekend, £12 on all other dates.
Visit www.santabytrain.co.uk or call 01304 832042.

ROMNEY, HYTHE AND DYMCHURCH RAILWAY

You can meet Santa in his grotto on the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway this Christmas. The Santa Special returns where visitors can depart Hythe station and, 30 minutes later, be greeted by Santa’s elves at New Romney station. Seasonal refreshments in the Heywood Buffet will be available, with the model railway exhibition also open. Visitors will see Santa arrive on his sleigh and pay him a visit in his grotto, where they will receive a gift. Tickets, from £17, must be bought in advance.
Visit www.rhdr.org.uk or call 01797 362353.

KENT AND EAST SUSSEX RAILWAY

The railway’s ever-popular Santa Specials are back. The return journey from Tenterden to Northiam Station takes just over an hour and a Victorian carousel, offering free rides for everyone, will be available at Tenterden. The rides start on Saturday, December 6 and run every weekend until Christmas Eve. A present, drink and chocolate for the children, and a sherry or port and mince pie for the grown-ups will also be available. Tickets from £19, advance booking is needed.
Visit www.kesr.org.uk or call 01580 765155.

SITTINGBOURNE AND KEMSLEY LIGHT RAILWAY

Santa Specials will be running every weekend in December in the run up
to Christmas. Trains will depart
from Sittingbourne Viaduct station at 11am, noon, 2pm and 3pm and advanced booking is essential. Tickets £12.50.
Visit www.sklr.net or call 01795 424899.

SPA VALLEY RAILWAY

Santa Specials at Spa Valley Railway, near Tunbridge Wells, start on Sunday, November 30. They run on various dates until Christmas Eve and all journeys start at Eridge station before visitors enjoy a ride through the winter countryside to Tunbridge Wells. Santa and his elves will be on board and every child will receive a gift. On arrival at Tunbridge Wells station, Santa transfers to his sleigh. A Christmas model railway, face painting, Victorian penny slot machines and children’s games will all be available. Tickets from £11.
Visit www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk or call 01892 537715.