The Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway has been running its popular Santa Specials since 1981. Although a lot has changed in the past 40 years the core of the experience remains the same – steam trains and Santa Claus!
Santa Specials include a return train journey from New Romney to Hythe, seasonal refreshments, and the main event – a visit to Santa in his Grotto, with a quality, age related gift for all booked children up to 15 yrs. Arrive early and visit the Model Railway Exhibition at New Romney before your train journey begins.
Add to your experience by selecting a All-Day Festive Breakfast before your departure to Hythe. Arrive early, and tuck into your Festive Feast at the Heywood Buffet, before visiting Santa at Hythe.
Our quiet train will run on Sunday 26th November @ 15:20 this year! This experience will be tailored to our passengers with special needs, autism and enhanced sensory needs. Find more details below, or book your quiet train tickets here.
Plus… Bonus rides at Hythe - A steam locomotive will be pulling coaches for families to ride the length of Platform 3 at Hythe (subject to availability).
Pre-booking online is essential
Wrap up warm - we always advise our passengers to wrap up warm during the winter months. We will try to keep queues to a minimum but some queuing may happen outdoors. You’re welcome to bring a blanket for extra cosiness on the train journey.
A photographer will be in the grotto to take photographs which will be available to purchase on the day.
Dogs
Please note that this experience is not suitable for dogs.
Sat
25th
November
2023
-
Sun
26th
November
2023
(With quiet train)
Sat 2nd December 2023 - Sun 3rd December 2023
Sat 9th December 2023 - Sun 10th December 2023
Sat 16th December 2023 - Sun 17th December 2023
Thu 21st December 2023 - Sun 24th December 2023
This experience will be tailored to our passengers with special needs, autism and enhanced sensory needs, the quiet train will run on 26th November this year.
Our Christmas lights will not be flashing! They will still be lit up for those who want to feel the magic, but they will be on constantly.
We will turn the music down! Christmas carols will be played below our normal volume.
We won’t shout about Santa! Our tannoy announcements will be switched off during this period.
There will be less whistling while we work! We’ll keep train whistling to a minimum and only whistle when it is necessary.
We will take our time! Whilst this ‘Santa’s Quiet Train’ benefits from 60 minutes at Hythe, we will welcome fewer children & adults, giving more time for individual enjoyment.
Skip the queue! Santa’s Grotto is where you will wait to see the full array of Christmas decorations but if queuing is difficult, we are happy to give a return time to visit Santa and by pass the Grotto.
There will still be a couple of whistles on the journey from New Romney to Hythe
Our level crossing systems make a 2-tone bleeping sound (for safety) when the trains cross them. This will happen a couple of times on your journey.
Join the Bug Club, our children's membership for visitors under 11 years old. Enjoy Children's Week and lots of other benefits! Free access to the Model Railway Exhibition for all Bug members.
Buy Membership NowThe perfect railway keepsake. A memorable addition to a booking for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries and retirements. Choose from a range of colours and designs with wording of your choice. A great gift to take away with you. Must be ordered 4 weeks in advance.
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