Winter Steam Train Experiences : Warming & Family Friendly!

As the nights are drawing in, what could be better on a cold and frosty winter’s day than being warmed up with friends and family by the heat of a classic steam engine? Such fun and very atmospheric too.

Steam trains keep on running in winter

Heritage Railways operate all year round and there are many of them all across the UK, so there is almost certainly one located near you. 

There is something really special in winter about the sights, sounds, smells at the steam railway. And, best of all, feeling the warmth from the coal fires burning brightly to create steam to power the train.  

Special winter steam train experiences & events

Even better news is that heritage railways are not just for train spotters and rail enthusiasts. They offer loads of brilliant days out, experiences, themed events and family-friendly activities catering for people of all ages and budgets.

So keep reading for some great Christmas steam train experience gift ideas – or a special treat for yourself and your loved ones this winter!

Santa & steam trains

As Christmas approaches, how about a train trip to the North Pole to meet Santa? Some heritage railways run ‘Santa Specials’ – short trips where festive refreshments are provided and all kids receive a gift from Santa himself.

Grown ups aren’t left out either, there’ll be mince pies and mulled wine galore! What’s not to love about a Santa Steam Train Experience in Somerset?

Food & drink special departures

Perhaps the best way to experience the nostalgia and charm of classic trains is with one of the many on-board dining options, including lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. 

First Class dining cars are in beautifully restored classic carriages, with lots of varnished wood, polished brass fittings, vintage fabrics and lamps with a low glow on every table. 

Enjoy traditional multi-course meals served by uniformed waiters and waitresses at your table as the scenery rolls gently past. A great way to sit back and relax with family members of all ages, whilst someone else does the cooking, washing up – and driving!

It’s murder on the steam train!

A really fun rail dining experience is a ‘Murder Mystery’ train experience. They are hugely popular.

Enjoy an on-board dinner whilst professional actors stage a murder, which you and the other passengers will be encouraged to help solve! An absolute must for all fans of Agatha Christie and her fictional detective Hercule Poirot:

Luxury steam train experiences

For the ultimate dining experience on board a classic train, Into The Blue offers Pullman Dining experiences by Belmond. 

Named after the luxurious sleeping carriages of the American railroad company founded by George Pullman, indulge yourself with a silver service five-course lunch as you travel through stunning countryside. 

For our finest rail dining experience you will definitely want to get in the mood by dressing up in your Sunday best:

Continental Christmas shopping in Paris – Ooh la la!

OK, so it’s not a steam train, but we couldn’t leave this one out. Into The Blue offers a day trip to Paris by Eurostar, which includes lunch on a River Seine cruise in a classic glass-top boat.

Surely this has got to be the perfect romantic day out in winter to combine sightseeing and Christmas shopping?

Steam train trips & experiences for all seasons

It’s not just winter steam train experiences and rides that are breathtaking. The scenic countryside views change with the seasons and are stunning in Spring, Summer and Autumn too. 

So for more information and to book your family-friendly days out, visit the Into The Blue website here:   https://www.intotheblue.co.uk/excursions/train-experiences/