Santa Claus is coming to town!

Santa Claus is leaving his draughty old sleigh behind again this year and jumping onto a really warm steam train to deliver his presents and messages of goodwill on the South Devon Railway.

Throughout December, children of all ages will have the chance to meet the kindly old ‘Gentleman in Red’ and enjoy a mince pie or two, and maybe some mulled wine, whilst taking a trip back in time in railway carriages drawn by a real steam engine down the glorious valley of the River Dart.

The Christmas fun begins on Saturday 5 December when Santa will be in his ‘moving train grotto’ handing out a quality present for each child during the 14-mile round trip from Buckfastleigh to Totnes, the “North Pole”, and return.

Once on the train, families are seated in warm, comfortable coaches and people do not have to get off the train or queue outside in the cold.

Advance booking for the Santa trains is essential by calling 0845 345 1427 and early bookings are advised. Credit card bookings can be made during office hours.

Follow this link to the booking form. 

The ‘Santa by Steam’ train journey lasts an hour and three quarters, and parents are advised to take along some extra toys for the children to enjoy as they wait to see Santa in his grotto.

The South Devon Railway will also be running ‘Mince Pie’ special steam trains every day from Wednesday 30th to Sunday 3rd January inclusive to welcome the New Year. The Mince Pie special trains have plenty of seats available and do NOT need to be pre-booked. 

There's also a gift shop to visit at Buckfastleigh which offers a selection of unusual Christmas gifts, including railway books, videos, and plenty for Thomas the Tank Engine enthusiasts. You can even buy a gift voucher for a course teaching someone to become a train driver!

And mums and dads are not left out either - they get mince pies and mulled wine to enjoy too. And for the hungrier guests, there are more substantial snacks available in the buffet car as well as at the station’s refreshment rooms. 

‘Santa by Steam’ special fares for adults are £12.00, children aged one to fourteen are £10.00, with the ‘Under Ones’ going free, and fares include the train ride and present, plus light refreshments.

The Mince Pie specials adult round trip fare is £9.90 for adults, £9.20 for seniors and £5.90 for children, with family tickets (two adults plus two children) at £28.00.

The SDR is also running evening ‘Carols Down the Line’ trains on Tuesday 8th, Wednesday 9th and Thursday 10th December in conjunction with Paignton’s Palace Avenue Methodist Church, telephone 0845 2576423 for details or see www.carolsdowntheline.org.uk. The trains leave at 7.30pm prompt. 

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