REVIEW: all aboard for Santa Special trains from Midland Railway - Butterley

No Christmas is complete in my household without a trip to see the man in red — and there’s no better place than the Santa Specials run by The Midland Railway — Butterley.
All aboard! Santa Specials at the Midland Railway - ButterleyAll aboard! Santa Specials at the Midland Railway - Butterley
All aboard! Santa Specials at the 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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The 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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There 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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Oh, 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.

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