Make Magical Christmas Memories on the Kent & East Sussex Railway
Winter Countryside
(Copyright, text and images K&ESR/Alison Miles, reproduced with kind permission)
Image1:Santa visits every family at their seat Photo: Stepstone Imaging for K&ESR - Image 2 Tickets include unlimited galloper rides - Photo: Robin Coombes for K&ESR
Image 3:Santa with some of his trusty elves -Photo: Alison Miles for K&ESR - Image 4: Santa travels on every train Photo: Stepstone Imaging for K&ESR
When it comes to magical childhood Christmas experiences, there is nothing quite like a steam train journey through the winter countryside, with the excitement of meeting Santa himself, all from the comfort of your seat in a heritage carriage.
For more than 50 years, the award-winning Kent & East Sussex Railway Santa Specials have been delighting generations of families and helping create treasured Christmas memories. Many of those who first enjoyed the experience as children now return with children and grandchildren of their own, making a visit to the Santa Specials a cherished family tradition.
Alongside a memorable steam train journey, every family receives a personal visit from Santa, who delivers individually named, age-appropriate gifts to children at their seats, assisted by his team of elves. Families also enjoy a souvenir group photograph, festive refreshments, entry to the Winter Wonderland marquee and unlimited rides on the traditional Gallopers at Tenterden Town Station.
The star attraction, Santa himself, travels aboard the train, meeting every family and personally handing gifts to children as they make their festive journey through the countryside, helped by his trusty team of elves.
There are three special travel packages to choose from, each offering additional festive treats and exclusive experiences:
- Bronze Standard Class – Includes a complimentary refreshment pack with mince pies for adults, chocolate treats for children and soft drinks for all passengers. An on-board magician keeps younger travellers entertained before Santa arrives.
- Silver First Class – Includes a deluxe refreshment pack, chocolates for older children and a complimentary trolley service for adults, with a choice of alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink included. Passengers also meet Santa's Head Elves, Jingle and Sparkle, and receive an Elf-ship diploma.
- Gold Premium Class – Offers the ultimate festive experience, with unlimited prosecco, beer or non-alcoholic beverages for adults, festive cakes and luxury mince pies, together with character chocolates and fruit drinks for children, all served at your seats.
For families and groups requiring a calmer atmosphere, a dedicated Quiet Service will once again operate on the first day of the season. Christmas music is not played at the station, while all other features of the Santa Special experience remain unchanged.
The 2026 Santa Specials begin on Sunday 29th November and run every weekend until Sunday 20th December, with additional services on Tuesday 22nd December (recently added due to demand), Wednesday 23rd December and Christmas Eve, Thursday 24th December. Booking is essential, as tickets are already selling fast, and can be made online at www.kesr.org.uk
Further Information
About the Kent & East Sussex Railway: The Kent & East Sussex Railway is a renowned and award-winning heritage railway based in Tenterden, Kent, UK, operating as an educational charity. Built by Holman F Stephens, it was the first light passenger railway in Britain in the early 20th century and is today one of Britain's most loved and original heritage lines.
With a rich history spanning over 120 years, the K&ESR offers visitors an authentic steam and diesel-powered railway experience through 10½ miles of Wealden countryside in the beautiful Rother Valley, a designated National Landscape (formerly known as Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). Staffed almost entirely by volunteers, the railway prides itself on preserving railway heritage, operating a diverse range of locomotives, and providing a unique glimpse into the golden age of rail travel.
A regular award winner, the K&ESR gained a coveted Trip Advisor Travellers Choice Awards in both 2024 and 2025, placing it among the top 10% of listings of places to visit around the world on Tripadvisor according to verified visitor reviews. It was also voted Best Family Experience in Kent by the public in both the 2025 and 2026 Muddy Stilettos Awards. The Dwarves of Steam Gala in 2025 took Gold as Event of the Year in the 2025 Beautiful South Tourism Awards, following a Bronze for the Santa Specials the previous year. The Wealden Pullman also collected a Bronze Award for Restaurant of the Year in the 2025 Beautiful South Awards.
