Santa Express Train Ride
Passengers board festively decorated heritage carriages for a steam-hauled journey through the Quantock Hills from Bishops Lydeard to Williton and back. Festive refreshments and a gift from Santa await at each table upon departure. During the ride, Santa visits each group to meet guests.
What to Expect
Steam-hauled return journey through the Quantock Hills with a visit from Santa.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
West Somerset Railway
Food & Drink
Festive refreshments are provided at each table; snacks and beverages are available to buy in the welcome marquee, but not aboard the train.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive and nostalgic
Energy Level
Low
Budget
££
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Low
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Adult and child tickets: £29.50 for December 5–13, £31.00 for December 19–23, and £32.50 for December 24. The page also lists Adult - Santa Express, child tickets aged 1–2, 3–5, 6–8 and 9+ (including the listed girl/boy options), and an accessible wheelchair space at £29.50; Under 1 - Child Santa Express is £10.00; Carer - Santa Express is free. Under-1s are charged £10 each so they receive a gift. Carers travel free with a fare-paying passenger and have a seat only. – Get tickets
- Hours: December 5 and 6: 11:00, 14:00; December 12: 11:00, 14:00; December 13: 10:30, 13:30; December 19, 20 and 23: 10:30, 13:30, 16:00; December 24: 10:30, 13:30.
- Parking: There is a station car park, with on-street parking on the road leading to it if the car park is full. A small disabled car park beside the marquee can also be used to drop off passengers who cannot walk down from the main car park. Car park access is limited to vehicles under 2.1 metres. The page advises arriving at least 45 minutes before departure.
- Accessibility: Four wheelchair spaces are available per train for passengers remaining in their wheelchairs, and carers travel free with a paying passenger.
- Pets: Only assistance dogs are permitted on the Santa Express. Passengers must notify the railway when booking or contact them after booking.
Tips & Advice
- Book your selected departure in advance, as seats are limited and tickets are non-transferable.
- Arrive at least 45 minutes before departure; parking may be limited and missed trains may not be transferable.
- Show your digi-ticket at marquee check-in to receive your table number, then wait there until staff call you to the platform.
- Leave buggies and pushchairs in your car or the provided space, as they cannot travel aboard and stored items are at your own risk.
- Wear warm clothes even though the train and marquee are heated, and consider a torch for later departures because some car-park areas are unlit.
Special Events & Promotions
- You can pre-book goodie bags and hot chocolate and collect them at check-in.
- Carers travel free with a fare-paying passenger (seat only). Bring proof of eligibility to check-in.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens on the Santa Express?
You ride in decorated heritage carriages behind a steam engine through the Quantock Hills, from Bishops Lydeard to Williton and back. A gift from Santa and festive refreshments are waiting at your table. Santa comes round to meet everyone on the way to Williton.
Where do we park?
Use the station car park, which only takes vehicles under 2.1 metres. If it's full, there's plenty of on-street parking on the road leading to it. A small signposted disabled car park next to the marquee can also be used to drop off anyone who can't walk down from the main car park.
Can we bring a buggy on the train?
No. Pushchairs aren't allowed on board. Leave them in the car, or use the space provided at your own risk.
Where can we get food and drinks?
The welcome marquee has a pop-up shop and buffet for gifts and snacks. There's no food for sale on the train. Card payments are taken, but bring some cash in case the signal drops.
Where are the toilets?
The only station toilets are at the top of the slope next to the car park. The train toilets are for emergencies only.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.