The entire rail network closes down on Christmas Day.

Nearly all the network also remains closed on Boxing Day, one of the big days for people to get out and about, visiting friends and relatives, and, increasingly, going shopping.

Most train operators have completely ignored their passengers, happily keeping their trains in the sidings. Even Gatwick Express is running buses instead of trains between London Victoria and Gatwick airport.

However some trains are running on Boxing Day.

Stansted Express runs from London Liverpool Street, every half an hour from 05.00 until 23.00, to Stansted Airport, calling at Tottenham Hale, Harlow Town and Bishops Stortford. The first train from Stansted is 06.00 with the last at 23.59.

Heathrow Express is providing a service from London Paddington.

Thameslink, which usually provides an excellent Boxing Day service, is restricted this year to running between Bedford, Luton and Kentish Town because of engineering works in the King’s Cross-St Pancras area.

Connex South Eastern is running trains between London Charing Cross and Ashford, Kent.

C2C is running trains between London Fenchurch Street and principal stations to Southend.

South Central is running trains between London Victoria and East Croydon.

Luckily the London Underground is running, although with a restricted service and with some stations closed. Most London bus routes are also running. More information can be found at http://thetube.com

Before travelling on national rail , it is best to check with rail enquiries: 0845 484950. But be persistent. Last year they initially insisted there were no Thameslink trains running on Boxing day.