The Santa Special, Nene Valley Railway
I have to admit to finding this time of year rather tiresome, yes, I am that person that says 'bah humbug' to it all. Partly this stems from having a ridiculously busy day job that occupies my time and saps my energy right up until the 25th, so when people ask me what I'm doing for Christmas (usually starting the end of August) I genuinely haven't given it a thought but also because the relentless consumerism and pressure to buy, buy, buy, troubles me a lot (and it's hard to escape from too). Despite my Grinch-like feelings for the festivities, I spent most of today on a Christmas themed steam train and loved it, who'd have thought?!
Despite having a stupidly long daily commute by rail (which I moan about frequently), I do actually love train travel and there is nothing more romantic than the gentle rolling of a vintage steam train with your nose pressed against the window and your bum on a tactile vintage bench (well maybe being whisked to the south of France in first class by TGV with a large glass of fizz in hand but that's another story...).
The 'Santa Special' is a trip on the Nene Valley Railway, a heritage railway that uses part of the original London and North Western line from Northamptonshire into Peterborough. There are all sorts of other trips too (Thomas the Tank Engine anyone?). Yes, it's aimed at kids, with a grotto and visit to Santa (all children are given a very generous gift) before boarding the train. Whilst on board, children are given a drink, chocolate and Christmas cracker to fuel their excitement and adults are treated to a miniature of Baileys, whiskey, a small bottle of wine or (to the delight of my father and brother) a large bottle of locally brewed ale, all accompanied by a mince pie.
As well as Santa, there is a slightly dodgy children's entertainer who gets everyone singing along to Christmas tunes on his harmonica. Despite his suspect jokes we all laughed as the local brew worked its magic and the jollity of the whole trip relaxed everyone.
This is a charming, slightly eccentric and very English day out. It's surprisingly (and to it's benefit) un-commercialised (there is only a small souvenir shop) and brings to mind nostalgic black and white films, rose tinted views of the past like the Railway Children and other classics (Hogwarts if you are a Potter fan). There was even a group of school children dressed up as WW2 evacuees on a history trip. I may still be a Grinch but I'd wholeheartedly recommend this trip to anyone.
Despite having a stupidly long daily commute by rail (which I moan about frequently), I do actually love train travel and there is nothing more romantic than the gentle rolling of a vintage steam train with your nose pressed against the window and your bum on a tactile vintage bench (well maybe being whisked to the south of France in first class by TGV with a large glass of fizz in hand but that's another story...).
The 'Santa Special' is a trip on the Nene Valley Railway, a heritage railway that uses part of the original London and North Western line from Northamptonshire into Peterborough. There are all sorts of other trips too (Thomas the Tank Engine anyone?). Yes, it's aimed at kids, with a grotto and visit to Santa (all children are given a very generous gift) before boarding the train. Whilst on board, children are given a drink, chocolate and Christmas cracker to fuel their excitement and adults are treated to a miniature of Baileys, whiskey, a small bottle of wine or (to the delight of my father and brother) a large bottle of locally brewed ale, all accompanied by a mince pie.
As well as Santa, there is a slightly dodgy children's entertainer who gets everyone singing along to Christmas tunes on his harmonica. Despite his suspect jokes we all laughed as the local brew worked its magic and the jollity of the whole trip relaxed everyone.
This is a charming, slightly eccentric and very English day out. It's surprisingly (and to it's benefit) un-commercialised (there is only a small souvenir shop) and brings to mind nostalgic black and white films, rose tinted views of the past like the Railway Children and other classics (Hogwarts if you are a Potter fan). There was even a group of school children dressed up as WW2 evacuees on a history trip. I may still be a Grinch but I'd wholeheartedly recommend this trip to anyone.
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