Jetstream Tours boat ride to Santa's grotto

Forget train rides or wintery walks through picturesque gardens, families in Kent can make a far more unusual journey this year in their quest to see Santa.

Jetstream tours is offering children and their parents the opportunity to visit the man of the moment by boat this December, with a special sailing along the River Medway.

Families can jump aboard the Jacob Marley river cruiser for a scenic trip to the ‘North Pole’ before Santa joins in all the fun.

And with mulled wine and mince pies for the parents and a gift for the children, the Kent-based firm say it is sure to be an unforgettable, magical journey.

Jetstream’s Christmas Carol Santa experience will take place every Saturday and Sunday in December.

Leaving from Rochester Pier at 10.30am and 12.30pm, the river cruiser passengers will take in the sights along the River Medway – including Rochester Cathedral, Rochester Castle, the Historic Dockyard Chatham and Upnor Castle.

The boat will then dock at the ‘North Pole’ at Chatham Marina when Father Christmas will meet and greet every child and give them a present.

Passengers will then be taken back along the same route to Rochester Pier.

Jetstream Tours managing director Richard Bain said: “No Christmas is complete without a trip to see Santa and this year we thought we’d put on something extra special.

“Not only will families get to enjoy a fun journey along the river and see some of Rochester, Strood and Chatham from a totally different viewpoint, but Santa will be there waiting at the end of it."

The Jacob Marley comes with a fully-equipped refreshments bar and toilets and the choice of staying inside or outside during the 90-minute trip.

And with Rochester’s Dickensian Christmas Festival taking place on December 3 and 4 and Rochester Christmas Market taking place at Rochester Castle Gardens during the first two weekends of December, there is sure to be plenty of Christmas spirit in the area.

Tickets are £15 per person (free for children under the age of one) and must be booked in advance by clicking here.