AS if a trip on the scenic Watercress Line onboard a majestic steam train is not magical enough, at this time of year you can add in elves, tinsel, songs, magic and a visit from the Big Man himself.

As you travel in a festive traditional train carriage, Father Christmas and his jolly band of helpers visit you in your seat with a special gift for the little ones. There is white wine and mince pies for the grown-ups and soft drinks for the children. But you will need your singing voice to join in with your favourite Christmas songs.

We arrived at Alresford Station in plenty of time for our Santa Special train and were helped with the conundrum of parking in the market town on a December Saturday by a kind guard with the run of the car park.

The station was beautifully decorated, a real fire was burning and Christmas music playing on the platform made us feel festive before we even climbed onboard.

Our two-year-old daughter Poppy could not contain her excitement as she spotted Father Christmas on a carriage of the inbound train and couldn't wait to take her seat.

We were soon tucking into a mince pie picnic at our table and setting off towards Ropley through the beautiful Hampshire countryside.

It wasn't long before we heard a ho ho ho at the door of the carriage and Father Christmas appeared with his entourage ready for a little chat with each child. Poppy was given a delightful gift of a trumpeting elephant puppet, complete with Watercress Line bag.

The elves passed through the train a few times during the hour-long round trip, leading the carriage in festive favourite songs, teaching us new ones and treating us to some jokes and magic.

There was one more visit from Father Christmas, just to check his young guests were behaving themselves, before he sent us all on our way, ready to await his arrival down the chimney in a few weeks time.

As family treats go, this was the perfect way to celebrate Christmas.

LORELEI REDDIN

Santa Specials runs each weekend in December and the week prior to Christmas with prices from £18 for adults and children and £10 for babies.

Visit watercressline.co.uk or call 01962 733810.