Georgina Crawshaw and her young son enjoy an early festive treat at the always family-friendly Avon Valley Railway
If you’re a train obsessed toddler, there’s only one thing better than breakfast with the Fat Controller (or Sir Topham Hatt, as he’s now known), and that’s breakfast with the (other) big man himself – Father Christmas! So a trip on one of Avon Valley Railway’s Santa Specials has been a long anticipated must for us this festive season.
We are fairly frequent visitors to Bitton Station, but the little man was left open-mouthed by its transformation into a magical winter wonderland. They’ve certainly gone all out on the decorations, with tinsel and twinkling lights at every turn, not to mention Xmas jumpers, elf aprons and Santa hats aplenty!
Add a sprinkling of Christmas music (think classic Sugar Plum Fairy rather than Yuletide pop ballads) and regular snow flurries, and you’d be forgiven for thinking you’ve stepped onto the set of Platform 9¾.
We head straight to the first class dining carriage Martha to find our Breakfast with Santa table, with seats are also available to book on the rest of the train (don’t worry – everyone gets to meet Father Christmas and as well as a gift for each child, there’s a complimentary mince pie or festive snack en route too).
Excitement levels are almost through the roof when we catch a glimpse of a red velvet coat and a pair of shiny black boots – before we know it, a suitably plump and jolly fellow has joined us on board and is leading the whole carriage in a rendition of Jingle Bells and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer!
One by one the small people are beckoned up to say hello, share their wish lists and answer to the obligatory, “Have you been naughty or nice?” question.
I have to say – I’m impressed, not only with the quality of the Santa (he’s top notch – from his luscious curly white beard and half rimmed glasses, to his fur trimmed coat and shiny gold belt buckle) but by that of the gift too. Suitable from birth, the bespoke cuddly toy donkey (ours is aptly named Jennifer after the steam engine on haulage duty today) hasn’t left my wee man’s side and is currently snuggled up next to him in bed!
Back at our table (complete with crisp linen cover, proper napkins and traditional train carriage table lamp) we barely hear the whistle sound to say we’re leaving the station as we tuck into a hearty, full English breakfast served by one of Santa’s helpers. If you can tear yourself away from the top-ups of fresh orange juice, tea and coffee, there’s even the opportunity to alight at Oldland Common and Avon Riverside to watch the locomotive swap ends (a veritable treat in itself).
While the 50 minute journey shoots past too quickly, it does give us time to meet the festive donkeys, Dermot and Danny, on the Bitton Station lawn before we head off to show Jennifer her new home!
Avon Valley Railway Santa Special trains run on various days until 24th December inclusive. Prices start from £17 a seat (£31 for Breakfast with Santa). To book call 0117 932 5538 or visit avonvalleyrailway.org