Climb aboard a Santa Special steam train on the Kent & East Sussex Railway, departing from Tenterden Town Station. Enjoy a 75-minute return journey through the countryside in festively decorated carriages, with on-board entertainment. Santa visits every child at their seat to hand over an age-appropriate present with their name on it. Back at Tenterden, enjoy free unlimited rides on the vintage gallopers, a free family photo and the station's Winter Wonderland to explore.

Prices
Prices are per table or compartment, not per person, and vary by date.
Bronze - Standard Class
Table for 2: £100 to £120
Table for 3: £115 to £130
Table for 4: £125 to £150
Includes a refreshment pack and a magician.
Silver - First Class
Table for 2: £150 to £170
Table for 4: £260 to £280
Private compartment for 6: £380 to £400
Private compartment for 8: £430 to £450
Includes a deluxe refreshment pack, a drinks trolley, and an elf hat and Diploma of Elfship for every guest.
Gold - Premium First (selected trains)
Table for 4: £300 to £320
Table for 6: £405 to £425
Includes free-flowing Prosecco, beer or fruit juice, cakes, warm mince pies and chocolates served at your seat.
Under 18 months: Free, and still receive a gift.
All packages include a complimentary mulled wine or hot drink for adults.
Online prices are £5 cheaper than booking by phone or in person, with no booking fee.

Dates & Times
29th November to 24th December 2026
29th November, 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th, 22nd, 23rd and 24th December 2026
Gates open: 9.30am (10.30am on 29th November)
Departure times
29th November: 11.15am, 12.15pm, 1.15pm, 2.15pm and 3.15pm
5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th and 23rd December: every hour from 10.15am to 4.15pm
22nd and 24th December: every hour from 10.15am to 2.15pm
Many dates are already selling fast, so book early.

Runtime & Schedule
Runtime: 75-minute return steam train journey.
Schedule Note: Our calendar displays the first departure and the return of the last train each day. Bookings close 7 days before travel. Missing your booked departure counts as a no-show.

Quiet Train
The 11.15am service on Sunday 29th November is a Quiet Train, with no Christmas music but all the same features.

Accessibility
The accessible coach Petros runs on selected trains, with ramped access, a wheelchair space and three other seats. A Standard Class table for 4, including one wheelchair user, is available at the Bronze price. There's no blue badge parking on the station forecourt; drop off at the station entrance, then park in the blue badge area of the main car park.

Dogs
Assistance dogs only.

Travel Details
Parking
Limited free parking at Tenterden Town Station for up to three hours, with pay and display car parks nearby if it's full.

Good To Know
Book tickets for your whole group, as seats are allocated first come, first served and extra people can't usually be added later. If changes are possible, they incur an admin fee.

📍 Kent & East Sussex Railway Visitor Details
Check out our main listing for Kent and East Sussex Railway in Tenterden for more visitor info.

⭐ Ready to book a Santa Special? Click on the Website link above to go directly to the booking page.

🔗 More Like This
Love a bit of festive magic? Explore our Santa's Grottos in Kent guide, browse our Seasonal category for all our Christmas event listings, or visit our Christmas in Kent page for links to all our festive guides.

Picture Credit: © Kent & East Sussex Railway.

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