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Royal Forester Dining

Top Tips

Book early to avoid disappointment - bookings taken from September onwards.

Arrive at least 30 minutes before your train to ensure the family have time to use the facilities and find your allocated seats.

Wrap up warm - you can always take layers off if you get warm, but as it is a December event, the days are normally very cold.

Bring games, books and colouring for example for your children to play with while you wait to see Santa. We provide some entertainment on the train but with an hour long journey, and a long train for Santa to walk through, children may need extra entertaining while you wait!

Visit our shop for some great present ideas for Christmas before you leave! Stocked full of railway books and videos, Thomas the Tank Engine toys, gifts and books. Jigsaws, other books and puzzles also available.

We stock probably the largest range of Thomas the Tank Engine themed gifts in the South-West of England and South Wales.

We now offer a mail order service if the item you require is not currently in stock.

Call (01594) 845840.

For an unusual present why not buy a gift voucher to dine on the Royal Forester dining car train in 2009 or a full day loco Driver Experience Course for that special person!

'We regret that dogs (except guide dogs) are not permitted on the Santa Trains'

Santa Specials in 2009

An exciting and wonderfull way to start your Christmas festivities!

Imagine the excitement - the sound of a steam train pulling you through the mysterious forest as Santa moves through your train to meet each child at your reserved seats! Don't forget to bring your cameras to snap the magical monent when each youngster talks to Santa!

Every child receives a worthwhile present during the journey. Adults are not forgotten and receive a miniature and a mince pie. Join the families who return each year to enjoy the great fun and excitement. Its good value and a splendid way to start the holiday!

Do allow some time to have a snack in our cafeteria car and browse in the well stocked shop at Norchard for some Christmas presents!

The fares and further information

The fare is fully inclusive of the train ride, on-train seasonal fare and worthwhile presents for the children - as appropriate. There are not many places where Santa comes to see you in your specifically reserved seats on a steam train!

Prices frozen to help with the credit crunch! The price for adults and children is the same as last year, £12 per person (or just £11 if you book on line - please see next column).

New this year: We have introduced a mid-week date, Wednesday 9th December, especially for schools and other groups. Special reduced rates apply - please phone Lynne on 01594 845840 for full details and a quotation for your group

Tickets for children are split into age and gender categories, namely:

- Under 3's
- Girls 3-9 years
- Boys 3-9 years
- Girls 10+
- Boys 10+

Children under 2 can travel free provided they do not occupy a seat or receive a present in which case tickets need not be booked for them.

We endeavour to warm all winter trains by good old fashioned steam heat, but ensure you come wrapped. Please see the left hand column for more ideas and information.

Santa trains are not always suitable for wheelchair passengers, so please discuss with our booking staff if anyone in your party has any special needs and we will make every effort to help and make your time with us enjoyable.

Booking Alterations :- A £5 administration fee per booking will be charged for any subsequent booking alteration.

We regret that refunds cannot be made after the tickets have been issued.

For enquiries please call 01594 845840.

Dates, Times and Booking 2009

Santa Days 2009

5, 6, 9*, 12, 13, 19, 20 & 24 December 2009

* Please phone 01594 845840 to book tickets for this date - 9th December.

How to book your Santa Tickets

1. Use our secure on-line booking service AND SAVE MONEY - £1 per ticket!...

... This is the easiest way for you - and us!

2. Download and print, then complete and post the booking form (address on form) available as a PDF file linked below:

Santa 2009 Leaflet & Booking Form

*Download time should take about one minute for all but the slowest of internet connections.

3. Telephone our 24 hour answerphone on 01594 841164 to leave your name and daytime telephone number and we will ring you to complete your booking.

Our Santa Special Booking Form has been saved as a PDF file which should easily open on your computer. If not, you need the FREE Adobe Acrobat Reader software for your computer which can be downloaded here

Enjoy a Seasonal Meal
aboard the Dining Train

The Royal Forester runs on the evenings of December 12th and 19th for a Christmas meal with sherry reception in luxurious Pullman style for £34.50.

The Royal Forester also runs for Sunday lunches ion selected dates in 2009.

Why not sample this superb service? Also available for private hire for weddings, celebrations and corporate hospitality.

Royal Forester Gift Vouchers make splendid presents.

For all ROYAL FORESTER enquiries and bookings, please call 01594 845840 between 11am and 4pm daily.

Royal Forester Dining Car web page

Service Disclaimer
The Dean Forest Railway Company Limited strives to offer the services and facilities offered as advertised, but cannot be accountable for unforeseen circumstances. We reserve the right to alter or cancel services and facilities advertised and accept no responsibility as a consequence of any changes.

Note that any alterations to your Santa Special bookings will incur an extra £5 administration fee per booking to cover costs of the change.

Pictures: Mark Lawson, Premium Dining Car interior: Peter Adams

Originally designed & programmed by: Mark Lawson.