Here’s something that’s sure to get the kids chuffed on your next Staycation break – meeting Santa on a steam train!
Take a look at our pick of 10 of the best Santa Specials at UK heritage railways this Christmas. No two are the same, but most include seasonal refreshments and music, a free gift from Santa and a photo opportunity. Plus, of course, a ride on a steam train through some of the most scenic countryside in Britain.
All will put you on the right track for a fun Christmassy family Staycation - our holiday cottages nearby all offer a minimum stay of 2 or 3 nights, perfect for a pre-Christmas break! Please remember that these trains are always popular, tickets sell fast and advanced booking is essential.
Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway Santa Specials
When: November 30, December 1, 7-8, 14-15, 21-22 2019
Where: Cheltenham Racecourse or Toddington stations, Gloucestershire
Details: A sell out every year, you really have to buy your tickets as soon as they are released! There are two great ways to visit Santa: either from Cheltenham Racecourse by steam train all the way to Winchcombe (or the North Pole!) through the long tunnel to visit Santa and his elves in his grotto; or from Toddington Station by an early 1960s diesel rail car with Santa and his young elves on board the train, spending lots of time sitting with each family.
Visit gwsr.com for details and to book tickets.
Where to stay nearby: Check out our Lake Lodges at Cotswold Water Park.
West Somerset Railway Festive Specials
When: November 30, December 1, 7-8, 14-15, 21-24 2019
Where: Bishops Lydeard and/or Minehead stations, Somerset
Details: Santa has teamed up with the West Somerset Railway to offer you a range of seasonal steam rides through the glorious Somerset countryside. The beautifully restored engines on this popular heritage line run lots of festive specials including Dunster by Candlelight, Carol Singing Specials and, of course, the chance to meet Father Christmas himself on a train or at his special grotto at Blue Anchor! Adults are catered for too, with festive drinks and mince pies available.
Visit www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk for details and to book tickets.
Where to stay nearby: Explore the joys Christmas on Exmoor has to offer at one of our Exmoor holiday cottages.
Festive Days out with Thomas, East Anglian Railway Museum
When: December 8, 14-15, 21-22 2019
Where: East Anglian Railway Museum, Colchester, Essex
Details: In Essex someone has come up with the ingenious idea of combining the Santa Special with another heritage railway phenomenon; Thomas the Tank Engine. Their Day out with Thomas and Santa offers unlimited rides with Thomas and his friends Daisy, Percy and Toad and, for a small extra charge and pre-booked tickets only, a visit to Santa's Grotto where each child receives a gift from Santa. The Fat Controller will also be on hand to make sure that Thomas is being a really useful engine whilst Rusty and Dusty, Sodor's Station Sweepers, will be causing mischief.
Visit www.earm.co.uk for details and to book tickets.
Where to stay nearby: Check out our holiday lodges at Wakes Colne. Our lodges are dog-friendly and well behaved dogs on leads are welcome at this event.
Santa by Steam - Bodmin & Wenford Railway
When: November 30, December 1, 7-8, 14-15, 21-24 2019
Where: Bodmin & Wenford Railway, Bodmin, Cornwall
Details: Santa has ditched his sleigh in favour of a fun-filled journey through the beautiful Cornish countryside. Join Santa aboard his enchanting steam train for a one hour journey. Whilst on board, the elves will invite you to visit Santa in his magical grotto, where he will surprise your children with a special present. There’s time for a chat and a photo too. Adults can enjoy a seasonal drink and mince pie.
Visit www.bodminrailway.co.uk for details and to book tickets.
Where to stay nearby: Check out our South East Cornwall holiday cottages.
Santa Specials in Kent
When: November 23-24 (RH&DR), 30, December 1, 7-8, 14-15, 21-24 2019
Details: It’s next stop Santa's workshop as Kent’s railways get fabulously festive. Check out the popular Santa Specials on offer at the Spa Valley Railway, the Sittingbourne & Kemsley Light Railway, the Kent and East Sussex Railway and the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway. Children will be able to meet the legendary man in red (providing they have been good) and let him know what they would like for Christmas this year, before collecting a small, free gift.
Visit www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk; www.sklr.net; kesr.org.uk; www.rhdr.org.uk for details and to book tickets.
Where to stay nearby: Whichever experience you choose, we have a cosy Kent cottage nearby!
Steam with Santa - Colne Valley Railway
When: December 7-8, 14-15, 21-23 2019
Where: Castle Hedingham, Essex
Details: Sample the atmosphere and join Colne Valley Railway this festive season aboard a heated vintage Pullman carriage decked out with sparkling lights and decorations. It gently steams along its unique one mile line whilst Santa delivers a present to every child on the train. Whilst here you can visit a working signal, large model railway layout and a Garden Railway (weather permitting).
Visit www.colnevalleyrailway.co.uk for details and to book tickets.
Where to stay nearby: Check out our holiday lodges in Wakes Colne.
Santa Trains at Lappa Valley Steam Railway
Published on Sunday 10th November 2019 by Linnie Clements
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