Parents hoping to take their children on a seasonal steam train ride to meet Santa could be disappointed if they leave it too late to book tickets.
The Welshpool & Llanfair Railway reports that while there is still plenty of room on its Santa Special trains this coming weekend, seats on the following weekend are filling up fast.
Each year on the last two weekends before Christmas Santa brings seasonal cheer to young travellers on the trains from Llanfair. Complete with his elves and helpers he joins the train en route to stroll through the carriages, meet the children and give each a gift.
On both weekends trains leave Llanfair Caereinion station each day at 10.45am, 11.45am, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm for a 45-minute return journey. On the train’s return to Llanfair the grown-ups will be offered a complimentary glass of warming mulled wine and every child a fruit drink, with a complimentary mince pie too.
The tearoom will be open selling hot drinks and light refreshments, while the railway shop will also be open for a chance to pick up some last-minute Christmas presents.
Tickets cost £9.50 per person if pre-booked either by calling 01938 810441 or directly through the railway’s website at www.wllr.org.uk. For those who book on the day the price is £10.
Railway spokesman Andrew Charman said that it could well be best to make the journey this weekend to ensure the children are not disappointed. “We’ve plenty of seats this weekend – but the following weekend it’s looking rather busier.”