nene valley railway

I was dragged along by the grandkids to the station near our caravan site called Ferry Meadows. I was expecting the usual dreary station with a grumpy looking man behind a ticket window as is common on these heritage railways. What a nice surprise. There was a young teenager in the lovely building. He was so helpful and informative and knew the answer to any question I could throw at him instantly. The train arrived and was a welcome relief from the cold. The journey was fascinating with countryside, bridges, tunnels and urban views. We will definitely be back next time we are around.Thanks Nene Valley!

Lovely heritage railway in very pretty countryside. We did the Pump Trolley experience on a lovely blue sky evening and can honestly say it is one of the most fun activities we have done, and it certainly gets the blood pumping! The guide with us was very friendly too. Really want to do this again.

Located west of Peterborough - just off the A1, between the junction of the A47 and A605.Sadly very little of the original rolling stock (engines and coaches) survive. The 7 mile bit of preserved track is a pleasure to go along, even though the the steam loco pulling you is foreign. The actual view is pleasant - but not beautiful like the "Blubell Line".Well worth a visit -make sure its a steam day -they run Diesels too.

I went on a Santa Special trip on Christmas Eve with my grandchildren aged 8 and 6. It was a really underwhelming experience! Santa was very unconvincing, there was nothing magical about his "grotto" though the gifts he gave were good. We travelled first class, but were not very impressed with a cup of lukewarm coffee and a cold mince pie to justify the extra expense. Dave the clown seemed weary of the whole experience and the children hardly noticed him! The gift shop lacked appeal - a missed opportunity as people were going in to shelter from the cold. I had high hopes of a lovely Christmas outing but felt that so much more could have been done to make it really special. Please try harder, it could be wonderful!

I use the cafe at the station on a regular basis, the food is well presented and the pricing more than acceptable. The added bonus for whoever I happen to be with is the heritage railway, both steam trains and diesels. Not forgetting Thomas, who is in pieces going through an overhaul.

Fantastically restored steam railway. Comprehensive time table featuring both steam and diesel locomotives. good little cafe and magnificent views across Ferry Meadows.

Took the Grandchildren on the Nene Valley Railway on one of the Santa Specials. It is well organised and the volunteers at the station and on the Trains are lovely helpful people. Good value for money with Santa coming round on the train giving out sweets to the kids and alcoholic drinks and a mince pie to the Adults. Even on the coldest of days the Trains are always nice and warm and it is a pleasant way to spend a couple of hours

We visited Santa on 21st December 2014. We were a group of 6 with a 1 and 3 year old and I have to say that it was a wonderful day out for all ages. Great entertainment whilst waiting in the queue for Santa, A funny child friendly Magician and Brass Band. Once aboard the train, we were greeted with a Clown to get the children into the spirit of things. Just a lovely traditional vibe about it. We will return and would recommend it. The Christmas gift Our Son received from Santa was spot on too, Thank you.

Want with my kids,they really enjoyed, everything was nice and clean, I will definitely go wither my family and friends,

Took our grandson here for the thomas tank engine weekend, had a great time there.The railway itself is a pretty standard type of preserved railway venue. But the thomas engine was fantastic it truly did look the part not just a face attached to any engine but a full replica., my grandson was amazed.

What a lovely morning. We arrived extra early so there was no queueing, a lovely walk to Santa, all the while being entertained by a magician. Had the children in the party mesmerised (7y,5y 2y). Very brief visit but presents good quality and age appropriate (although the 5y old boy was given a girls present wrapped in boys paper, but it was exchanged very quickly and with no fuss!) The staff were brilliant, the refreshments good value, and Santa came on board and talked to each family. Very good value for money!

Bought the most expensive compartment tickets as parents xmas pressie. 4 adults and 2 under 4's. The train ride, sandwich buffet and service was excellent- although the onboard entertainment didn't come to us- which was slightly unfair!!!. Well worth the money all in all. The really disappointing bit was meeting Santa. It was merely a conveyor belt of children past him- with enough time for a snatched present and photo opp. A real shame. Completely ruined it for the kiddies after over a 30 min queue!!! Far too busy for just one Santa. Definitely needs rethinking. (2 santas?) otherwise lower your kiddies expectations well in advance!!!

I took my daughter and my 3 year old grandson on our first trip on Nene Valley on Dec 20th. A lovely day. Atmosphere festive, organised. Volunteers very pleasant. Choir singing as we queued short time to see Santa, briefly. Santa gift lovely, good quality and age appropriate. Train ride jolly, refreshments fine, clown OK, passengers sang Christmas songs spontaneously. Christmas music playing would have helped any lulls in the fun on return journey. No disappointments, thank you, as the excitement was very high!

Booked on Santa Special at last minute but dealt with pleasantly over phone and welcomed by name at Wansford Station! Car Park not large enough for Christmas specials with many cars parked along approach road though we found a place in the car park.Welcome was efficient and friendly and we were directed to Santa's Cabin. As other people have said, we were not encouraged to hang around - the age & gender appropriate present was dispensed but Santa did not ask what children wanted for Christmas. However Santa did come along the train and did ask our 5-year old what he wanted for Christmas. The present was of reasonable quality for both children.While waiting for the Santa Special entertained by a choir singing carols and a pint-sized steam engine going up and back along the track.The Santa Special was hauled into the station by a diesel loco - not sure what pulled us on the journey.The kids were given a drink and chocolate and adults a mince pie and a choice of drinks - beer, wine, Baileys or Bells whisky.Seating was in an old carriage which hadn't been re-upholstered but was ok for the 50 minute or so trip to Peterborough and back.There was a children's entertainer and Santa came and said hello; however the entertainer stayed at one end of the carriage which was a shame.Overall not bad though not cheap at £18.50 a head including children. However, making the grotto/cabin experience better and ensuring all children could see the entertainer would have made it a really memorable treat for the kids.Will go back in the summer to spend time looking at the various attractions at Wansford and other stations.

We took our Grandson on this and it was worth every penny and minute. The whole things was well organised, staff very polite and everything you need at this time of year. The santa gift wasn't a cheap tacky made in Jibberobia or something. Well done to you guys and thank you from us. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year