Christmas at Bressingham Steam, South Norfolk – Father Christmas, Dad’s Army and Victorian Gallopers

Father Christmas on the Gallopers at Bressingham: photograph James Hoye

Father Christmas, his wife and elves are visiting Bressingham Steam, near Diss, South Norfolk, in the run up to Christmas, arriving every day by steam car. As well as meeting Father Christmas, visitors will be able to enjoy a Dad’s Army Christmas at 'Walmington-on-Sea' and take rides on a steam train and Bressingham’s celebrated Victorian steam Gallopers roundabout.

Father Christmas visits are on 30 November and 6, 7, 13, 14 and 20 to 24 December.  Entry on each day will be from 2pm to 5pm, closing no earlier than 6pm, except for Christmas Eve when entry is from 11am to 2pm. On 14, 21 and 22 December Bressingham Steam will also open from 12noon to 2pm.

Please book in advance to guarantee meeting Father Christmas. Tickets in advance are: adult  £9.50, children 3-12 £11.00 (includes a present) and under 3s £5.00 (for a present). Tickets bought on the day are £1 extra. To book, t. 01379 686900, online www.bressingham.co.uk/Christmas, or in person at the ticket office.

The 'Polar Express' at Bressingham Steam: photograph James Hoye

Steam train rides on the ‘Polar Express’ will be on the 2.5 miles (4km) Nursery Line and the Victorian steam Gallopers, which were built by Savages of King’s Lynn in 1897, will be dressed in Christmas finery with rides for all to enjoy.

The Dad’s Army exhibition, home of the national Dad’s Army collection and recreating Walmington-on-Sea, will also be decorated for Christmas. Walk down the high street and see Captain Mainwaring’s bank, Corporal Jones’ butcher’s shop and enjoy a children’s entertainer in the Church Hall. Children can also dress up in Dad’s Army uniforms.

The Gallopers Café will be open at the same time as the Steam Museum, serving hot drinks, snacks and a range of home made cakes. It’s the perfect place to come and warm up after the rides.

Bressingham Steam IP22 2AA is 2½ miles from Diss on the A1066. T. 01379 686900, www.bressingham.co.uk.

Bressingham Steam & Gardens, reg. charity no. 266374, was founded by the late Alan Bloom in 1961. The Steam Heritage Centre and Gardens are open daily for the main season from April to the end of October.