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

Images © Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway

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

Image © West Somerset Railway

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

Image © 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

Image © Bodmin & Wenford Railway/Barry Bateman

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

Image © Spa Valley Railway

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

Image © 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

Image © Lappa Valley Steam Railway

When: December. 14-15, 21-24 2019
Where: Benny Halt, St Newlyn East, Cornwall
Details: Every year Santa makes some special stops in magical places to see the boys and girls, and Lappa Steam Railway at St Newlyn East is one of those places. Board the narrow-gauge vintage Santa Train bound for Santa's festive grotto at East Wheal Rose where children will meet and receive a specially selected gift from the man himself. Tickets include your return steam ride and entrance to the leisure park where you can enjoy shows from an entertainer, rides on the miniature woodland railway, pedal cars, children's play areas, crazy golf (weather permitting), woodland walks and a toddler's path maze.
Visit www.lappavalley.co.uk for details and to book tickets.
Where to stay nearby: Check out Rosemundy Villa in St Agnes and Trencreek Farmhouse near Tregony.

North Norfolk Railway Santa Specials

When: November 30, December 1, 7-8, 14-15, 21- 24 2019
Where: Sheringham, Norfolk
Details: Imagine the excitement of a steam train journey to Santaland! North Norfolk's 'Poppy Line' operates unique Santa Specials from Sheringham to Weybourne through some of Norfolk's most beautiful winter scenery. Children receive a soft drink and chocolate treat onboard, with a mince pie and sherry thrown in for the adults! Santa is waiting by his open fire at Weybourne Station (magically transformed into Santaland), to give the children a warm welcome and an appropriate gift for their age. There is also a children’s entertainer and a licensed buffet car.
Visit www.nnrailway.co.uk for details and to book tickets.
Where to stay nearby: Check out Banningham Coach House, Banningham.

Santa Specials on the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway

When: December 7-8, 14-15, 21-24 2019
Where: Woody Bay Station, Parracombe, Exmoor
Details: Hop aboard a nostalgic two-mile return festive journey from Woody Bay Station to Killington Lane and take in Exmoor’s wintry countryside in style, with views of the scenic moorland to one side and the North Devon coast to the other. Youngsters are in for a special treat too, as every junior passenger has a one to one with Santa in his magical Woody Bay grotto and receives an individually named gift.
Visit www.lynton-rail.co.uk for details and to book tickets.
Where to stay nearby: Check out Tawstock Castle and ourExmoor holiday cottages.

Santa Specials on the Bluebell Line

When: November 30, December 1, 7-8, 14-15, 21- 24 2019
Where: Sheffield Park or East Grinstead stations, East Sussex
Details: The Bluebell Railway offers a magical Christmas experience as it makes its way through glorious Sussex countryside on a festive rail ride to remember. Departing from Sheffield Park or East Grinstead, Santa and his elves will be on board to greet all of the children and give out presents (he won’t forget the grown-ups, there’s a mince pie for them!). On arrival at Horsted Keynes, you’ll find an amazing Christmas wonderland, with reindeer to meet, a Victorian fairground, a special Elf House and a Christmas pantry filled with yummy treats.
Visit www.bluebell-railway.com for details and to book tickets.
Where to stay nearby: Check out Brooks Lodge in Piddinghoe.

Main blog image: © Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway