What’s on offer?

Mince pies, plus a leisurely jaunt across the countryside, in a wonderfully restored railway carriage. Santa and all his little helpers come visiting and the kids get a nice present for behaving – sort of.

How did you get there?

Easy for us, we only had to drive to Blaenau. Ffestiniog from Trawsfynydd, 10 minutes in the car.

How long did you stay?

We took the earlier train at 11am so by noon when we finally got back to the car , the kids were starving and it was time to go home. We could have stopped at a café in Blaenau Ffestiniog, there’s a lovely one just around the corner from the station, but for us it was easier to go home.

Did you take a brolly?

No, once again we were lucky with the weather and had a bright frosty day to enjoy the scenery. Umbrellas aren’t really necessary. except in the foulest weather as you are either at the station or on the train most of the time.

What did you do there?

At Blaenau Ffestiniog train station we collected our prepaid tickets from the office. Once on board we were offered refreshments by the buffet car staff, all jauntily clad in elf gear, as we travelled along the railway towards Tanybwlch.

As it was such a sunny day we were treated to lovely views across the mountains and through the woods. Santa came to say hello, along with the head elf, and gave the kids each a present, which they promptly unwrapped. – so much for waiting for Christmas Day – and spent the rest of the trip arguing over them.

Santa was jolly, and his selection of terrible Christmas jokes were quite funny. I should think by Christmas the elves will probably have strangled him though. At Tanygrisiau, Snow White appeared bearing trays of mince pies, and Captain Hook and Tinkerbell showed up as well. After a leisurely half an hour and a flurry of photo opportunities with Santa and his merry crew we re-boarded the train and headed back to Blaenau. Adults were treated to a glass of sherry and a mince pie and refreshments were again available if you wanted them. All the elves came past to say hello to the kids as we travelled back to the station and Captain Hook entertained the kids all the way home.

How much did it cost you?

Adults and children over the age of two cost £9.75, each in third Class and toddlers cost £2.75, First class costs a little more. Parking at Blaenau Ffestiniog station is only £1.50 for up to 4 hours, though it’s free at Porthmadog.

How about food and drink?

Hot and cold drinks were readily available en-route but the trip wasn’t really long enough to warrant having food. There are several nice cafés in Blaenau Ffestiniog worth a visit.

Are there any shops?

The ticket office sold a collection of train paraphernalia as well as other trinkets, which appealed to kids.

Is it ok for kids?

Couldn’t have been better. After the initial terror at seeing a man in a very red suit covered with a beard and hat even our youngest warmed up to Santa and his elves. It was a very pleasant day out for all involved.

Can people with disabilities get around?

Festiniog Railway Company operates narrow-gauge trains on its two railways – some carriages have extra-wide doors for standard-width wheelchairs. Blaenau Ffestiniog station has ramped access routes and adapted toilets. Call Porthmadog Booking Office (01766 516024) in advance for more detailed advice. No charge for guide or assistance dogs travelling on trains.

What were the best bits?

Santa’s terrible jokes, the kids getting the presents – especially the youngest – plus mince pies and the beautiful scenery from the railway track.

Opening Times?

Santa trains run on weekends in the run up to Christmas, so hurry and book now. Saturdays and Sundays from Porthmadog to Tanygrisiau, trains run at 10.30am, 12.40pm, and 2.50pm. Details at 01766 516070 or www.festrail.co.uk