If you try every year to recapture the Christmas miracle you experienced when you were young but never quite succeed, then a ride on the Santa Steam Express could be just the thing for you.
You won’t find a more nostalgic and festive day – and your kids might enjoy it too!
The festival service is operated by The Steam Dreams Rail Co, which specializes in day trips and bank holidays on steam trains across the UK and Europe. On the 14th, 16th, 19th and 21st December, London Victoria will have three return journeys per day.
Eve McGowan and her daughter boarded the Santa Steam Express (pictured) on a return flight from London Victoria
The Mayflower is one of two surviving B1 class locomotives that carried passengers and freight across Britain until the 1960s
Our magical experience began before we even got on the train. While on our way to Victoria and waiting on the platform at Twickenham, our local station, the Santa Steam Express flew past on its journey through south and west London in a huge plume of smoke.
This meant that we witnessed the grand spectacle of the Mayflower steam locomotive in all its glory – pumping pistons and the beautiful wood paneled carriages lit with the soft glow of golden lamps. Most exciting for my daughter was a snapshot of Santa Claus, a red and white speck delivering gifts to the children on board.
Then, on our way to Victoria Station, we shared our more prosaic South Western Railway carriage with two railway enthusiasts, both armed with cameras and plenty of anecdotes about past sightings of the historic locomotive.
Built in 1948, it is one of two surviving B1 class locomotives that carried passengers and freight across Britain until the 1960s. All of this brought back fond memories of family holidays when my late father – who at fifty was becoming a machinist – would take us on country walks where we would arrive at picturesque railway bridges just in time to see a steam locomotive whiz by.
Eve traveled in the first class carriage (pictured) which was “super cosy, with big, comfortable seats.”
The tables were decorated for Christmas
I wonder how many would-be train riders lined up for families waiting to board the Santa Steam Express in Victoria?
The atmosphere was one of happy excitement, with the driver and the rest of the crew relaxed and friendly, while passengers took turns posing for photos in front of the attractive locomotive, decorated in British Rail’s signature Apple Green livery.
On board, our first class carriage was super cosy, with large, comfortable seats around tables for two or four, festive garlands and carols. The addition of themed coloring activities for all children allowed the adults to enjoy mulled wine and mincemeat in peace. Tickets in the standard class are a little cheaper, but you have to do without the mulled wine with tea or coffee.
As we left the station there was a roar of excitement.
Santa and his elves went through the wagons to hand out presents to the youngsters, explains Eve (stock photo)
Eve describes the experience of riding the Santa Steam Express as “being part of a Christmas movie.”
We crossed the Thames at Grosvenor Bridge, passed Battersea Power Station and on through the Barnes and Chiswick areas. It felt like we were part of a Christmas movie as the children and adults we met along the way were full of joy.
Santa and his elves walked slowly through the carriages, spending time at each table, chatting with the youngsters and handing out gifts. The round trip took an hour and 15 minutes which may be a bit long for very young children but at 9 my daughter was in her element.
Children stay true to the magic of Christmas for just a quick blink and you miss the moment. However, the memories of our Christmas ride on the Santa Steam Express will last much longer.
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James is an author and travel journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a love for exploring new cultures and discovering unique destinations, James brings his readers on a journey with him through his articles.
