Santa Special on the Watercress Line – A review
Thank you for coming to read our blog ‘Santa Special on the Watercress Line – A review’.
We decided to do this when our eldest had just turned 3 and our youngest was about 3 months old. The idea being that it was relatively easy and if Father Christmas wasn’t a hit with our 3 year old, then at least we’d had a nice festive train ride!
Click here for 2021 prices and Covid protocols.
Buying Tickets for the Santa Special and Prices
We booked the tickets as soon as they were released in August (I’m not normally that organised but our youngest daughter was due the first week of September so I was keen to get stuff done in advance!)
Fares (includes booking fees) (as of 2018)
Nov 30th, 1st, 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st-23rd December
Adult – £18
Child aged 1 – 16 years – £18
Baby under 1 year – £10
24th December
Adult – £19
Child aged 1 – 16 years – £19
Baby under 1 year – £11
There are 10 dates available (as of 2018) from the 30th November through to Christmas Eve, we decided to go for 23rd December. There are various slots throughout the day starting at 10.40am and finishing at 3.50pm. After some research we decided on the first train of the day. This was for a number of reasons, but mainly as we read that parking at Alresford can be very difficult so getting there early on in the day would mean we’d be more likely to find somewhere to park.
The other option would have been the last train of the day as this can be atmospheric with the sun setting and lights coming on, but we”ll do that next time!
Getting to the Watercress Line and Parking
The day arrived for our trip on the Santa Special on the Watercress Line, and it was cold and crisp and ideal for a wintery day out. We headed off to Alresford really early and were there by 9.30am. Even at that time we were one of the last to get parked – the car park is tiny. There are volunteers on hand to guide you to parking should you need it but it is worth adhering to their advice of arriving with plenty of time for your train as you may unexpectedly have to walk from where you park.
You can’t take buggies or prams onto the station or onto the Train so we brought the sling with us (boy is it a saviour in times like this!) and our youngest spent most of her time snuggled up in it.
As we’d arrived early we had plenty of time to go to the toilet and have a look at the steam engine before getting on the train. It actually made it quite stress free that we had plenty of time. Seats are allocated in advance so we knew there was no rush to get a seat.
The ‘Santa Special’ Steam Train, Watercress Line
As our youngest was under 1 she didn’t have her own seat, and had to sit on our laps. This did mean that we had an extra person sitting around our table for 4 but it wasn’t a problem as our daughter was so young. Had she been nearer 1 it might have been a bit snug! The train filled up quickly and we were off bang on 10.40am.
The carriage was festively decorated and the staff gave us a friendly welcome on arrival. As we got on board we were offered white wine and a mince pie and our eldest had orange juice and a cookie.
With a puff of steam we were off. Shortly afterwards the Elves came through the carriage to sing a couple of Christmas songs. Now this wasn’t as cringy as it sounds! It was actually festive and fun and the enthusiasm from the Elves really made everyone get into the Christmas spirit.
Father Christmas on the Santa Special on the Watercress Line
There was much excitement as we saw Father Christmas enter the carriage at the far end and slowly but surely make his way down to us. He was authentic and smiley and very engaged with our daughter. On this first visit he gave both girls a gift. He asked their age so it was age appropriate. And then he moved on to see the others in the carriage.
Shortly afterwards Father Christmas came back down the train for photos. Our daughter happily sat with him for a picture which was lovely (and unexpected – I thought she’d freak out!)
Final Thoughts
Thanks for reading our Santa Special on the Watercress Line – A review.
We had a really lovely day out on the Santa Special on the Watercress Line. I particularly liked that the sole focus wasn’t just Father Christmas – the whole day was special with the Festive Train and the Elves. It’s not the cheapest option, but for what you get and considering the helpers are all volunteers I think it’s a fantastic festive day out and one we will definitely be doing again.
If you are interested in booking a festive train Experience for 2021, check out this great post on the Polar Express here.
Planning on taking the ultimate trip to Lapland this Christmas? Then check out this guide to Lapland on a budget.
If you’d like more about days out in Hampshire, check out our post on Peppa Pig World in Paultons Park, here.
