Summer trains of the Alford Valley Railway and the Father Christmas Trains in Alford Aberdeenshire. Includes photos of the Santa Train and details of the Ghost Train run by Alford Valley Railway

Alford Train

Alford Valley Railway in Aberdeenshire is a two foot narrow gauge railway run by volunteers taking passengers on a return train trip from the Alford Railway Station to the picturesque Haughton Park. The trains are changed in accordance to the seasons. So in the summer passengers can take a trip on the colourful train pictured above whilst during the run up to Christmas the Alford Valley Railway run the Santa Train. Other seasonal train trips include the Easter trains and the Ghost Train at Halloween.

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Alford Santa Train

Each Christmas, usually in the first two weekends in December, the Alford Valley Railway operates a special 30 minute train ride to take children to meet Father Christmas on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday. During the Santa Train trip, the festivities begin with carol singing and song sheets are helpfully provided by the volunteers. The Santa Train service includes a trip through Alford Golf Course to Haughton Park and then the train returns to Alford Station where tea, coffee and squash is available along with some delicious mince pies, shortbread, biscuits and Christmas pudding. Then the children are taken through by Santa's little helper to meet Father Christmas in the Station Waiting Room. Each child is able to talk to Father Christmas and receive a present.

Alford Valley Railway

Trains leave every 35 to 40 minutes from 10am with the last Santa Train departing the Alford Station at 3.30pm. The musical organ plays a range of warming tunes to help pass the time. More entertainment is provided by the guards and the railway clown. Toilets can be found on the railway platform, none are on the trains.

The cost of the Alford Santa Train is £4 for each adult and £5 for each child, which includes a Christmas gift for the children.

Nurseries, Playgroups, Schools or Party Groups can book their train departure time for the fridays only. Early booking of the Alford Santa Train is recommended to avoid disappointment. No bookings can be made on the Saturdays or Sundays but exceptions may be made if you have a large group or require special needs. It is recommended to contact the Alford Valley Railway staff as early as possible via alfordvalleyrailway.org.uk or using the contact info further below.

The Alford Valley Railway Santa Specials are fantastic seasonal value offering a magical Christmas experience for all the family and especially the children. The cost of tickets includes music on and off the train and gift stalls.

This Aberdeenshire Santa Specials have been running successfully for several years thanks to the local volunteers. These include individual volunteers, Guides, Scouts who give up their free time and work hard to make this Christmas event, the highlight of the Alford Valley Railway year. The AVR Company is extremely grateful for their continued help, but more importantly, it is grateful for your support.

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History Of Alford Valley Railway

The line and station was opened in 1859 and closed in 1965 after the Beeching Report. It served as a link to Aberdeen and Inverness.

Alford Valley Trains

In 1979, a group of railway enthusiasts created the narrow-gauge railway using salvaged 2' track, wagons and locomotives from New Pitsligo village. The track was opened in 1980 and more wagons and locomotives have been acquired over the years. The trains usually operate between May to September, with the special Santa and Easter trains running as special events.

How To Get To Alford Valley Railway

From Aberdeen take the A944 and head towards Alford. If you pull into the lay-by as you enter the village, you can see the Aberdeen Angus Statue. Continue through and be prepared to take a right turn - the railway is sign posted. The car park can be found on the left and the entrance is straight ahead. After your visit to the Alford Valley Railway, you can take a short walk to the left to go to the Grampian Transport Museum. Read a review about the Museum.

Contact Alford Valley Railway

The Manager
Alford Valley Railway
85 Main Street
Alford
AB33 8AD
Telephone: 07879 293934 or 019755 63942

Website: www.alfordvalleyrailway.org.uk

More places to take the children.

More Christmas events in and around Aberdeen.

Ghost Train

At Halloween time the Alford Valley Railway team run a ghost train for children and their families. The ghost train departs from the Alford Valley Railway Station and passengers on the ghost train are told scary stories from the volunteers. The lights are switched off and since the track goes through fields it is atmospherically dark and things get really spooky when the sound effects are switched on! Those running the train and facilities dress in Halloween costumes such as wizards, witches, ghosts and skeletons.

Once the ghost train returns to the railway station children can play Halloween games such as apple dooking and taking part in colouring competitions.