The chugging pistons and piping chimney of a steam train winding through the countryside in winter evokes a true sense of Christmas past.
Many of the UK’s heritage railway lines make the most of the opportunity by decking their carriages with tinsel and fairy lights, serving mince pies, hot drinks and a whole lot of cheer. You’ll even get the chance to meet Santa.
From the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and the East Lancashire Railway to the Llangollen Railway in Denbighshire, here are some of the UK’s best Santa train experiences for 2022.
Looking for more things to do this Christmas? Check out BBC Countryfile Magazine’s favourite Boxing Day walks and winter wildlife spectacles.
Discover more festive delights:
- Britain’s best Christmas markets 2022
- Christmas tree guide: how to choose the perfect tree, plus homemade decoration ideas
- Best country houses to visit in the UK this Christmas
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Best Santa trains for 2022
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway, Pickering and Grosmont, North Yorkshire
Santa Express, 3 to 24 December
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Picture Shows
Join Santa and his team of elves as they return for magical journeys for all the family aboard the famous Santa Express. Special services will be running four times daily on the 3 and 4 December, 10 and 11 December, and from 17–24 December.
You can board at either Pickering or Grosmont Station, before meeting Mr Claus and his jolly helpers. All children with receive a special gift. Tickets for this hour-long magical return adventure aboard the Santa Express sell out quickly, so book now for a festive journey you won’t forget!
- Find out more about the North Yorkshire Moors Railway’s Santa Special
East Lancashire Railway, Bury, Lancashire
Santa Specials, 26 November to 24 December
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- Find out more about the East Lancashire Railway’s Santa Specials
Britain’s best train journeys
Climb aboard a scenic train and journey through some of Britain’s most majestic countryside, from Scotland’s Highland coast to the quiet hills and vales of the Cotswolds.
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Longleat, Wiltshire
Santa Train, 10 November to 8 January
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As part of Longleat’s enchanting Festival of Light, you’ll get to board the Santa Train for a trip to the North Pole. After chugging beside the stunning Half Mile Lake disembark at North Pole Halt, a magical snow-covered winter wonderland where Father Christmas will be waiting for you in his grotto.
- Find out more about Longleat’s Santa Train
Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway, Bo’ness, West Lothian
Santa Steam Trains, 4 to 24 December
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Climb aboard Bo’ness and Kinneil’s festively decorated historic carriages for a trip to the North Pole (known to some as Birkhill). You can reserve a seat in a shared carriage or book your own private compartment.
Children can fill in their Christmas Wish Card and post it in the magic post box, before meeting Santa. Entertainment includes festive singers and a magician, and there will be complimentary seasonal refreshments for everyone.
- Find out more about the Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway’s Santa Steam Trains
Llangollen Railway, Llangollen, Denbighshire
Santa’s Christmas Specials, 3 to 24 December
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Make magical family memories this Christmas with a trip on one of Llangollen Railway’s Santa Specials. Before you board, adults will receive a festive drink and mince pie and children will get a drink and a sweet treat. A decorated steam train then transports you through the Dee Valley from Llangollen to Lapland (Carrog). During the journey children will receive a present from Santa.
- Find out more about Llangollen Railway’s Santa Specials
Spa Valley Railway, Tunbridge Wells, Kent
The Polar Express, 18 November to 23 December
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Fans of The Polar Express movie will love this adventure through Kent’s winter countryside. From Tunbridge Wells, board the historic Spa Valley Railway and start your magical journey to the North Pole and back.
You’ll meet your favourite characters from the movie, including the Conductor, dancing chefs, a mysterious ghost, and of course the magical Santa Claus himself. Don’t forget to wear your pyjamas to make the whole experience even more cosy!
- Find out more about the Spa Valley Railway’s Polar Express
Keighley and Worth Valley Railway, Oxenhope, West Yorkshire
The Elf Explorer, 26 November to 24 December
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Meet one of Santa’s North Pole elves at Oxenhope Station, then write a wish list for Santa himself before boarding The Elf Explorer for a fun-filled adventure.
Santa’s depot Café will be open throughout the day at Oxenhope, where you’ll be able to indulge in festive treats, or you can wait until you’re onboard The Elf Explorer for hot and cold drinks.
- Find out more about the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway’s Elf Explorer
South Devon Railway, Devon
The Polar Express, 18 November to 23 December
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For Devon-based families, this The Polar Express experience offers movie fans the chance to step into the film itself. During the live theatre onboard the train, you’ll have the chance to meet all your favourite characters. Your journey to the North Pole may be delayed from time to time as caribou wander across the tracks, but don’t worry, Santa will be there to keep the magic alive.
- Find out more about The South Devon Railway’s Polar Express
Severn Valley Railway, Kidderminster, Worcestershire/Shropshire
Santa Trains, 26 November to 24 December
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The Seven Valley Railway is going all out this Christmas with a range of steam train experiences. Book one of the Santa Trains and travel from Kidderminster to Arley to see the all-new pantomime, or take the Enchanted Express where Dame Julie Walters provides the narration for your magical train ride from Bridgnorth, with Christmas characters on board. Steam in Lights offers visitors the chance to travel from Bridgnorth, while the Carol Trains take you from Kidderminster to The Engine House at Highley for live entertainment from local choirs and bands.
- Find out more about the Severn Valley Railway’s Santa Trains