REVIEW: all aboard for Santa Special trains from Midland Railway - Butterley
Santa and Christmas go together like ‘peas and carrots’, as Forrest Gump would no doubt say.
And at the Midland Railway you can add a dash of romanticism into the mix by seeing St Nick on board a lovingly preserved steam train.
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Hide AdThe Santa Specials are the most popular from the station on the outskirts of Ripley and once you arrive everything has a festive edge.
Your entrance is via a marquee decorated with Christmas baubles and lights before you head out onto the platform to be called aboard.
If you have time you can always grab a cuppa and bacon sandwich in the on-platform cafe.
But once aboard you are whisked out into the Derbyshire countryside where children await the moment they are called in to see Santa in his own grotto.
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Hide AdThere they get the chance to offer an insight into their wishes before being presented with an age-appropriate toy that is sure to bring a smile to their faces.
But don’t fear, for adults aren’t left out. For included in the price is a mince pie and miniature bottle of spirits.
It is then back to the original station where the children get to enjoy a show put on by Pinxton Puppets and the chance to have a whirl on the tombola.
All in all a festive day gift-wrapped in a wonderful family atmosphere.
I would wholeheartedly recommend it.
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Hide AdOh, and I must not forget to give a shout-out to 2nd Swanwick Beavers who decorated Santa’s grotto as a log cabin this year with a woodland theme.
The Santa Specials are an annual event but Midland Railway also runs attractions throughout the year.
For more details or to make a booking visit http://www.midlandrailway-butterley.co.uk/home/Alternatively, call 01773 570140.
Merry Christmas, Martin Hutton.