All Aboard For The Best Santa Train Rides In The UK 2024
If you’re looking for a Santa’s Grotto with a difference this year, one of these Santa train rides in the UK may be the answer.
These festive train services put on a great show at Christmas and offer a really unique experience.
If you have a child that loves trains in your family, it doesn’t get better than being able to meet Santa on a train (or in his grotto at a train station after the train ride).
These festive train rides are located all over the UK so there’s bound to be something near you.
As ticket prices for these Santa train rides can change, please follow the link to the event website to check prices and book tickets.
Right at the bottom of the post I have included a list of all of the Polar Express train experiences in the UK.
You might also like to read about these fabulous festive light trails in the UK.
**We endeavour to keep the Santa Train ride 2024 dates as up to date as possible but please check on their websites for the most current information. This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something from them, we may earn a small commission but at no extra cost to you. Thank You**
Photo credit: Keighley and Worth Valley Railway.
2024 Santa train rides
I have listed the festive train rides by region to help you locate a Christmas train ride near you.
Santa Trains – South of England
Isle of Wight Steam Railway
The train carriages of the Christmas steam trains receive a Christmas makeover and set the scene nicely for your 10 mile steam train ride through a wintery woodland.
Once back at the station you will get a chance to meet Santa.
They also run a Halloween service (Wizard Week). See here for more UK Halloween trains in case you’re interested.
Dates: Weekends in December and 23rd to 24th December 2024.
Location: The Railway Station, Main Road, Havenstreet, Ryde, PO33 4DS.
Kent & East Sussex Railway
Relax on a 75 minute journey on their steam train during which you will receive a snack box and be entertained. Children will receive an age appropriate present from Santa.
You can also visit the Winter Wonderland back at the station.
Dates: Select dates from 30th November to 24th December 2024.
Location: Tenterden Town Station, Station Road, Tenterden, Kent, TN30 6HE.
Bluebell Railway
These special festive train rides depart from either Sheffield Park or East Grinstead with each one offering a slightly different service so please check their website to book the most appropriate.
During the roughly 2 hour journey, children will receive a chocolate coin and other refreshments will be available.
Santa will be waiting in his parlour with gifts at Horsted Keynes along with traditional amusements and festive treats.
Dates: Select dates from end of November to 24th December 2024.
Location: Sheffield Park Station, East Sussex, TN22 3QL.
Photo credit: Kent & East Sussex Railway
Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway
This special Christmas train service has been running since 1981. You will be able to enjoy a one hour return journey with Christmas related activities including a visit to Santa where children up to 15 years will receive a present.
Dates: Select dates from end of November to 24th December 2024.
Location: Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway, New Romney Station, New Romney, Kent TN28 8PL.
East Kent Railway
Enjoy their festively decorated train and meet Santa and his elves in his grotto.
Dates: Select dates from mid-November to 24th December 2024.
Location: East Kent Railway, Station Road, Shepherdswell, Dover, Kent, CT15 7PD.
Santa Trains – East of England
Epping Ongar Railway
The experience starts with a vintage London bus service at Epping or Ongar. At North Weald you’ll take a return journey on Santa’s special festive train.
During the experience you’ll meet Santa and his friends and all children will receive a present from Santa.
Dates: 23rd November to 24th December 2024.
Location: North Weald Station, Station Road, North Weald Bassett, Epping, Essex, CM16 6BW.
This is one of the closest Santa trains to London. If you’re in London at Christmas – see here for festive things to do with kids in London including where to see Father Christmas in London.
Bure Valley Railway
Festive Express steam trains this December.
The festive express steam train will depart from Aylsham Station on a 1 hour experience which will include festive treats, a 30 minute steam train ride and a visit to see Santa in his grotto.
Each child will receive a present from Santa.
Dates: 2024 dates TBC.
Location: Bure Valley Railway, Aylsham Station, Norwich Road, Aylsham, Norfolk, NR11 6BW.
See also this list of Christmas events in Norfolk for more festive days out.
North Norfolk Railway
Take a steam train ride on the North Norfolk Railway to meet Father Christmas. There will be a present for every child and festive treats for the whole family.
Dates: Weekends from 23rd November to 22nd December.
Location: North Norfolk Railway, Sheringham Station, Station Approach, Sheringham, Norfolk, NR26 8RA.
You might also like to read about our favourite Norfolk beaches that are good for families.
Audley End Miniature Railway
Enjoy a ride through an enchanted woodland on this miniature railway. There will be a festive show in Santa’s Grotto and you will meet Father Christmas and receive a gift.
Dates: Select dates from 21st November to 24th December 2024.
Location: Audley End Miniature Railway, Audley End Road, Audley End, Saffron Waldon, Essex CB11 4JB.
See other festive events in Essex this year.
Nene Valley Railway
Dates: Select dates from end of November to 24th December 2024.
Location: Nene Valley Railway Ltd, Wansford Station, Stibbington, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, PE8 6LR.
Photo credit: Epping Ongar Railway
Leighton Buzzard Railway
Dates: Select dates through December 2024.
Location: Page’s Park Station, Billington Road, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire LU7 4TG.
Mid Suffolk Light Railway
Children up to the age of 10 will enjoy a journey on a steam train from Brockford Station to North Pole Halt. The experience will last around 35 minutes.
Dates: Weekends in December.
Location: Mid Suffolk Light Railway, Brockford Station, Wetheringsett, Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14 5PW.
Buckinghamshire Railway Centre
Enjoy a visit from Father Christmas on board The Panto Express. He will make his way along the train visiting all the children and giving gifts.
Afterwards, enjoy a mini family pantomime, brought to you by a professional touring theatre company!
Dates: TBC for 2024.
Location: Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, Station Road, Quainton, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP22 4BY.
Chinnor Railway
With the 1950s railway carriages named after Santa’s favourite reindeer, which one will you choose? Santa’s elves will welcome everyone on board and entertain the children on their way to meet Santa.
Every child under 12 will receive a gift from Santa in his grotto.
Dates: 23rd November to 23rd December 2024.
Location: Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, Station Road, Quainton, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP22 4BY.
Photo credit: Chinnor Railway
Santa trains – Midlands
Great Central Railway
The Great Central Santa Express
Kids will enjoy a Christmas activity pack aboard the Santa Express and get to meet Santa and his helpers.
Dates: 23rd November to 24th December 2024.
Location: Quorn and Woodhouse Station, Woodhouse Road, Quorn, LE12 8AG.
Midland Railway Butterley
Midland Railway Santa Specials
Dates: 2024 dates TBC.
Location: Midland Railway butterley, Butterley Station, Ripley, Derbyshire, DE5 3QZ.
Severn Valley Railway
Dates: 2024 TBC.
Location: Severn Valley Railway, Station Drive, Kidderminster, DY10 1QX.
Dean Forest Railway
Santa will visit everyone at their seats during the 75 minute journey. You can make the experience extra special by adding a festive afternoon tea.
Dates: Weekends from 26th November to 18th December and then 21st, 21st to 24th December 2024.
Location: Dean Forest Railway, Norchard Station, Forest Road, Lydney, Gloucestershire. GL15 4ET.
Longleat Santa Train
You board the train at Longleat Central Station and are whisked to the ‘North Pole’ where you will meet Santa in his grotto and receive a gift.
Dates: 9th November to 5th January 2025.
Location: Longleat, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 7JS.
Didcot Railway Centre
This is a slightly different Santa train ride experience. Santa has lost his reindeers and you are tasked with helping him find them. At each reindeer station, you will receive a small gift and then upon meeting Santa in his workshop, you will get to choose a gift.
Your ticket does include train rides but this is not the main event.
Dates: Weekends from 30th November and 21st to 23rd December 2024.
Location: Didcot Railway Centre, Didcot, Oxfordshire, OX11 7NJ.
Photo Credit: Alex Caulfield
Santa trains – West of England
Bodmin and Wenford Railway
Dates: Weekends in December and then 21st to 24th December 2024.
Location: General Station, Bodmin, Cornwall, PL31 1AQ.
Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway
Enjoy a festive train ride through the beautiful Cotswolds landscape. Tickets on sale from 3rd September 2024.
Dates: Select dates from 23rd Novemer to 23rd December 2024.
Location: The Railway Station, New Town, Toddington, GL54 5DT.
Yeovil Railway Centre
Your ticket includes a short train ride and then a visit to Santa back at the station.
Dates: Sundays in December and 23rd December 2024.
Location: Yeovil Railway Centre – Yeovil Railway Centre, Yeovil Junction Station, Yeovil, BA22 9UU.
Amerton Railway
Santa Specials – tickets on sale from 1st September.
Enjoy your Christmas steam train ride to Toyland and meet Santa to receive your gift.
Dates: Every Saturday and Sunday in December and Christmas Eve.
Location: Amerton Railway, Stowe-by-Chartley, Nr. Weston, Staffordshire, ST18 0LA.
Avon Valley Railway
Dates: Select dates from end of November to 24th December 2024.
Location: Avon Valley Railway, Britton Station, 3 Bath Road, Bristol, BS30 6HD.
Leek and Rudyard Railway
Dates: 2024 TBC.
Location: Rudyard Station, Rudyard Road, Rudyard, Leek, Staffordshire, ST13 8PF.
Photo credit: Leek and Rudyard Railway
North of England
North York Moors Railway
Families will get to meet Santa aboard the Santa Express and children will receive a gift.
Dates: Weekends from 30th November to 15th December and then 21st to 24th December 2024.
Location: Pickering and Grosmont Stations, Pickering, North Yorkshire, YO18 7AJ.
Ribble Steam Railway
Dates: 2024 TBC.
Location: Ribble Steam Railway, Chain Caul Road, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 2PD.
Keighley & Worth Valley Railway
Dates: Select dates from 23rd November to 24th December 2024.
Location: Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, The Railway Station, Haworth, West Yorkshire, BD22 8NJ.
Middleton Railway
Dates: Select dates from 1st to 24th December 2024.
Location: Middleton Railway, Moor Road, Leeds, LS10 2JQ.
Peak Rail
Santa and Steam Specials – tickets on sale in August 2024.
Dates: Select dates from 30th November to 24th December 2024.
Location: Rowsley South Station, off Harrison Way, Darley Dale, Matlock, DE4 2LF.
Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway
Dates: Select dates from end of November to 23rd December 2024.
Location: Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, Ravenglass, Cumbria, CA18 1SW.
West Lancashire Light Railway
Enjoy a short train ride to Toyland and meet Father Christmas where they will receive a gift.
Dates: 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st and 22nd December 2024.
Location: West Lancashire Light Railway, Station Road, Hesketh Bank, Near Preston, Lancashire, PR4 6SP.
Photo credit: Keighley and Worth Valley Railway
Santa trains in Wales
The Brecon Mountain Railway
Enjoy a 90 minute train ride from Pant Station to Pontistcill where children will meet Santa in his grotto.
Dates: TBC for 2024.
Location: The Brecon Mountain Railway, Pant Station, Merthry Tydfil, Mid Glamorgan, CF48 2DD.
Llanberis Lake Railway
Dates: TBC.
Location: Gilfach Ddu, Llanberis, Caernarfon, Gwynedd, LL55 4TY.
Talyllyn Railway
Enjoy a magical journey on the Santa train to Plas Nadolig.
Dates: 21st to 24th December 2024.
Location: Talyllyn Railway, Wharf Station, Neptune Road, Tywyn, LL36 9EY.
Blaenavon’s Heritage Railway
Santa Steam Specials – tickets available in October.
Dates: 30th November to 22nd December 2024.
Location: Blaenavon Heritage Railway, Furnace Sidings, Blaenavon, NP4 9SF.
Santa trains in Scotland
Note that in addition to the below, there is also the Caledonian Railway Polar Express and Edinburgh Polar Express.
Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway
Relax on a 60 minute return journey to the North Pole (Birkhill) on this special Santa steam train. You will meet Santa onboard and receive a gift.
Dates: Weekends in December 2024.
Location: Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway, Bo’Ness Station, Union Street, Bo’ness, EH51 9AQ.
Strathspey Railway
Hop aboard and enjoy a traditional steam train journey through the beautiful Cairngorms landscape.
There will be mince pies served on the train and children will get to meet SAnta at Aviemore station.
Dates: Weekends in December 2024.
Location: Strathspey Railway Company Limited, Aviemore Station, Dalfaber Road, Aviemore, PH22 1PY.
Photo credit: Strathspey Railway
Santa trains Northern Ireland
Steam Trains Ireland
Dates: 2024 TBC.
Location: Whitehead Excursion Station, Castleview Road, Whitehead, Carrickfergus, BT38 9NA
Polar Express train rides
Perhaps the most well known of the Christmas steam train experiences is the Polar Express Christmas train ride.
Based on the book (and the popular kids’ Christmas movie) – The Polar Express – these Santa steam train journeys offer magical Christmas family days out. There are a number of Polar Express train ride UK locations.
Note: New Polar Express Train rides are being added each year. Full details can be found in our UK Polar Express trains post.
All of the details for the Polar Express trains are in our post but here are the ones running in 2024. We would just say book as early as you can as the tickets sell out fast.
- Yorkshire Dales Polar Express
- South Devon Railway Polar Express
- Churnet Valley Polar Express
- Seaton Tramway Polar Express
- Telford Steam Railway Polar Express
- Mid Norfolk Railway Polar Express
- Spa Valley Railway Polar Express
- Cholsey and Wallingford Railway Polar Express
- Embsay & Bolton Abbey Polar Express
- Caledonian Railway Polar Express
- The Edinburgh Polar Express
- The Birmingham Polar Express
If you haven’t seen the movie or read the book of the Polar Express, you might want to watch it or read it with the kids before your journey.
Some of the train rides have a story reading during the journey and it can be nice to bring your own copy to read along with them.
Some people like to dress up in PJs for the experience. Here are some Polar Express themed ones you might like:
Personalised Polar Express Pyjamas
There are loads of different choices on Etsy.
So – these are the best Santa Train Rides in the UK. Do you have any that you would like to recommend? Let us know in the comments.
