For those who haven’t travelled on a Santa Special train before here is what to expect:

Your train will leave from Sittingbourne Viaduct station so you will arrive here and access the station using our step-free route. Checking-in at the Ticket Office you will be issued with your ticket pack which details your trip and includes personalised Christmas cards for the children in your party. You will be asked for the children’s names when booking your tickets.

After the 15-minute journey to Kemsley Down, behind one of the original steam locomotives, you will be met by Santa or his elves. Passengers with Group 1 tickets (this will be in your pack) will go to Santa’s Grotto whilst other ticket holders, or those not visiting Santa, go directly to the Footplate Café.

Santa’s Grotto: children will need to be accompanied by one adult, they will queue to meet Santa in his grotto, have a few minutes to speak to him and then select an unwrapped gift from a selection of age appropriate toys. They will then head across to the Footplate Café.

Santa’s Workshop: new for 2025! There will be a craft activity which you can take home with you.

Footplate Café: adults will be able to collect their seasonal refreshments (sausage roll, mince pie, an item from the tray, tea/coffee/hot chocolate) which is part of the fare, additional food & drinks can be purchased (children do not receive food – they’ve got a present from Santa!). You will be asked for details of any food allergies or preferences when booking your tickets.

Each Ticket Group will be called for when it is time to change activity.

The train will then return to Sittingbourne Viaduct station at the time shown on your ticket to complete the entire trip within two hours.

Fares this year are £17 for over 3s and £10 for under 3s, this includes the return train fare and present for children or refreshments for adults. Please state in your booking or email admin@sklr.net if you have an adult who would like to see Santa or any other Santa-related requests.

The train

For full details of the train and how to book – click here.

Fares

Trains depart Sittingbourne Viaduct station at 11am, 12pm, 2pm & 3pm.  There will be NO tickets available on the day.

Coach A is reserved for parties requiring a wheelchair accessible coach – email admin@sklr.net to book into the coach.

The 11am and 2pm trains will be available to book online from August.

The 12pm and 3pm trains are reserved for large group bookings until 1st November when any remaining tickets may become available.

If you have any further questions or would like to book for a large group such as a whole coach, Beavers or a school party, please email admin@sklr.net