Best Christmas Train Rides

Best Christmas Train Rides

A Christmas train ride is a perfect day out for all ages. From Polar Express experiences to steam trains with mulled wine and mince pies, there’s sure to be an option that suits you. Christmas trains are also a great multi generational activity.

The South West of England has lots of fabulous options to choose from, so take a look at the best Christmas train rides in Devon, Dorset, Somerset and Cornwall with a mention for a few others across the UK.  The experiences vary a great deal so be sure to check the details.

Best Christmas Train Rides in Devon

South Devon Railway – Polar Express Special

This Christmas you can ride on a genuine steam train at South Devon Railway.  You will be entertained by Santa and his elves on this beautiful and authentic steam train. The Conductor and his crew will make an appearance on your journey to the North Pole, and will even clip your Polar Express tickets so you feel like you are really in the film! More details and book tickets here.

The Train of Light- Dartmouth

As the name suggests, this magical train journey will take you on a lit up experience through the enchanted forest, transformed by an array of twinkling lights and feature displays. The Dartmouth Train of Light was the first of it’s kind is train ride, it’s a real a show, perfect for all ages it will certainly get you in the Christmas spirit.

You can also have the chance to meet Santa, however that is a separate booking option so be sure to book Train of Lights plus Santa. Starts at Queen’s Park Station, Paignton.

Click here for more details and to book your place.

Seaton Tramway Polar Express

It’s all aboard the Seaton Tramway Polar Express this Christmas on the iconic narrow gauge Seaton Tram which runs on selected dates in November and December.

You can meet Father Christmas at his home at the North Pole, enjoy a warm mug of hot chocolate and a treat plus children get a gift from Father Christmas himself. Along with carol singing and Christmas lights, it doesn’t get more festive than this. Rides start from Seaton in East Devon. Click here to book tickets.

Lynton & Barnstaple Railway

Christmas Specials will be operating for Christmas and New Year on this North Devon narrow gauge railway. All passengers will be offered a free mince pie and a hot drink and the restored heritage carriages will be decorated for the festive season.

The complete trip lasts about 25 minutes. Currently trains operate between Woody Bay Station (Postcode: EX31 4RA) and Killington Lane Halt, other sections of the track are still being restored.

Tickets are purchased on the day. Current National Trust Members are entitled to a 20% Discount per person. More details here. 

Best Christmas Train Rides in Somerset

East Somerset Railway

This heritage steam train operates from Cranmore near Shepton Mallet. On the Santa Specials train this year (3rd –  11th December), you will take a magical train ride to the North Pole, where you will meet Santa, and each child will receive a gift from Santa.

There will be goody bags available for children to enjoy on the train, complete with colouring sheets, crayons and a family Santa sheet quiz. You can also enjoy a balloon modeller on the platform, and refreshments at the North Pole including mince pies and mulled wine.  More details and to book click here .

West Somerset Railway Train of Lights

Enjoy a range of different special events over Christmas including the fantastic Winterlights experience (train of lights), Santa Specials, festive afternoon tea and carols on this popular steam train line that runs from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead.

Spectacular lineside displays will light up the route to the amazement of the whole family for the Winterlights train. When you  arrive at Crowcombe Heathfield, you can look out at the famous station steeped in festive spirit.

For the Santa Express, step aboard the festively decorated heritage carriages, filled with Christmas cheer and excitement and take a wonderful journey through West Somerset’s winter woodlands. Santa’s presents and refreshments will be waiting at your table and he’ll be along for the ride to ensure you have received them! This is a round trip to Williton with plenty of time aboard to soak up the experience, get in the festive spirit or relax with some refreshments whilst enjoying the journey.  More here.

Yeovil Railway Centre

The Santa Specials at the Yeovil Railway Centre are a lovely experience for everyone from ages 1 to 100. You start your visit with short train ride a decorated heritage carriage. The track is about 1/3rd mile long, the train ride is full of fun for the children but not long enough for them to get bored.

Visitors then make their way to the ex GWR Transfer Shed, where Santa will be ready to receive his visitors. More details here.

Somerset & Dorset Railway Santa Specials

Trains run from the restored Victorian era station at Midsomer Norton over one mile of the once mighty Somerset & Dorset mainline railway. The Santa Special will feature a round trip along the railway (diesel and steam locomotives are used).

On arrival at the Station, adults are served refreshments including mulled wine or hot chocolate and mince pies from the platform which they can then take onto the train.
During the train ride,  Santa’s Helpers will distribute a goody bag containing festive treats and a drink from the buffet trolley. On arrival back into the Midsomer “North Pole” platform Children will be invited to visit Father Christmas in his Train Carriage Grotto and all children will receive a wrapped gift.

The Station Shop and Emporium will be open for last minute gift ideas. The Railway Museum and Pill box will also be open to visitors.  All the details here.

Best Christmas Train Rides in Cornwall

Bodmin Heritage Railway – Santa Steam Specials

Enjoy a ride aboard the The Bodmin and Wenford Railway steam train in Cornwall this Christmas. Once back at Bodmin General, children will have the chance to see Santa, receive a gift and have a photo taken with him, as well enjoy Christmas themed arts and crafts activities.

Also at Bodmin General station this Christmas, enjoy festive story time with Santa. Children can write a list for Santa, have a hot chocolate and cookie with his elves, before listening to Santa read a story.

Afterwards, Santa will walk through the train, collecting everyone’s lists whilst giving every child a copy of his bedtime story book. For this event the train will remain in the station for the duration of the event. More details here.

Lappa Valley Steam Train – Newquay

Enjoy a magical train ride through the woodland in Lappa Valley in Cornwall.  Children will also be given the chance to meet Father Christmas and every child will receive a Christmas gift in Santa’s grotto. Enjoy music from a traditional fairground organ as well as the fun crazy golf and adventure play areas while you wait to see Santa. Festive fun for all the family.  Book your spot here. 

Best Christmas Train Rides in Dorset

Swanage Railway Polar Express

For this Polar Express experience the historic steam locomotive and carriages will be filled with singing, dancing and interaction for families.

The train will be festively decorated for the one-hour evening round trip passing the historic ruins of Corfe Castle and reaching the North Pole. All ages will enjoy the trip and pyjamas are encouraged!   More details and to book here.

Moors Valley Railway

There will be Christmas Santa trains running at Moors Valley Railway, a narrow gauge miniature railway line running around the park . Choose from Santa specials or just enjoy a train ride with all the lovely Christmas lights.

Moors Valley Country Park is a large over 200 acres of woodland and outdoor adventure areas near Bournemouth.  More details and to book here. 

More Christmas Train Rides in The South West

Dean Forest Railway

Ride on board a real steam train where you will head through the wintery Forest of Dean to Parkend Station, after a short break at the station, you will head back to Norchard Station.

All children over 2 will receive a present and warm mince pies will be served on the train for you to enjoy. When booking, you can even add on a yummy Christmas afternoon tea to enjoy on board!

Dean Forest is in Gloucestershire, near Lydney on the North side of the River Severn. More details and book here.

Avon Valley – Santa Steam Specials

Enjoy this festive train ride complete with mince pies, biscuits and Santa passing through the carriages as you travel.  When you return, each family will be able to meet Santa again and all children will receive a lovely present.

The fun doesn’t stop there, each family will have to chance to take a group photo to remember the day and meet the festive donkeys at Bitton Station (south east of Bristol). You can book tickets here.

Gloucestershire Warwickshire Santa Express

The GWSR is a volunteer run steam and diesel heritage railway in the English Cotswolds. Trains runs from Broadway to Cheltenham Racecourse offer glorious views across the Vale of Evesham, the Malverns and Wales, and eastwards the Cotswolds. Booking now for Santa Specials here.

Santa Train at Longleat

As part of a trip to Longleat this winter you can also take a magical train ride to visit Santa himself in this woodland grotto at Longleat this Christmas. With warm drinks, mince pies and even a gift from Santa this magical train ride will be a welcome addition to the festive season. Enjoy the stunning and popular Christmas Lights  at Longleat as well as a visit to the animal safari.

Christmas is Coming! 

I have to admit I love doing the research for posts like this – who knew there were so many railways offering Christmas train rides. I am also sure I will be notified about a few more when this is published.

If you are looking for other ideas for Christmas then so look at my ideas for Christmas Days Out with Teenagers (all good for adults as well) and keep an eye on the events listings and other seasonal posts that I will try to update as soon as information is released.