Anywhere that has a dress code of pyjamas is on to a winner.

Sprinkle that with a snowy train ride, a trip to the North Pole and a visit from Santa and this was the perfect pre-Christmas feel good adventure.

Who cares that in an adult's boring world the journey steamed off from a car park in Tunbridge Wells - the Polar Express is a pyjama party for all those eternal kids who can't wait to be transported back to the magic of our Christmases past.

Try telling the excited throng - from toddlers to grandparents - that we weren't setting off to meet the real Santa. For an hour or so we were transported to a place where we were all happy to be believers.

Of course, the prosaic parent knows they have bought tickets for a ride on the Spa Valley Railway, a heritage line chugging towards High Rocks, Groombridge and Eridge and then back again.

But who wants to be a prosaic parent at Christmas time?

This was about dancing chefs, singing conductors, hot chocolate and cookies – a full throttle theatrical experience that happens to take place on a train.

And, of course, the ultimate destination – the North Pole and Santa Claus handing out his special Christmas bells.

Who says Santa doesn’t exist?

Just look at the face of the six-year-old daughter; listen to the scream of delight from the five-year-old grandson. Even the ultra-cool 11-year-old sitting opposite was swept away by the magic of it all.

When the website says “The Polar Express train ride at Spa Valley Railway will be a truly wondrous Christmas adventure” there is a lot to live up to.

The joy of it is that it does. That is why it is sold out this year, and why publicity is already beginning for 2022.

Between now and next Christmas, of course it is highly likely prosaic parent will reappear. But don’t worry, the inner child will quickly re-emerge when you get to board the Polar Express.

That bell still rings for all who truly believe.

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