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 the bairns to meet Father Christmas. During the trip, the festivities begin with carol singing and then sweetie munching! The train returns to Alford Station where tea, coffee and squash is available along with some delicious mince pies, shortbread and Christmas pudding. Then the children are taken through by Santa's little helper to meet the great man himself. After a wee chat and a whispered Christmas dream present conversation, each child is given an early present from Santa.

Alford Valley Railway

Trains leave every 30 minutes and 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.

Nurseries and Playgroups can book their train departure time for the fridays.

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

Alford Valley Railway
85 Main Street
Alford
AB33 8AD

019755 62811

Website: TBA

More places to take the children.

More Christmas events in and around Aberdeen.

We also run the www.findextrawork.co.uk website where there is information about earning more money from a range of part time and full time jobs which can be done at home or out and about. Visit for more information.

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.

Watch the latest videos on YouTube.com