Santa Specials
Passengers board a heritage steam train at Sheffield Park to journey through the Sussex countryside in private compartments or reserved carriage seats. Each child receives an activity pack with games and puzzles, along with a collectible toy presented directly by Santa. At Horsted Keynes, families can disembark to enjoy a traditional Christmas fair complete with fairground attractions and seasonal stalls.
What to Expect
Heritage steam train journey to a festive fair at Horsted Keynes
Event Details
Duration
The whole experience takes around 2 hours.
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Bluebell Railway
Food & Drink
Seasonal treats are available at the Christmas fair.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Nostalgic and festive
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Adult from £35; child from £10. Classic fairground rides and family attractions are included in the ticket price. – Get tickets
- Hours: Morning: 10.00am and 11.05am; afternoon: 1.00pm and 2.05pm.
- Parking: Free parking at Sheffield Park Station, with disabled bays, a coach park and EV charging points in the car park nearest the station.
- Accessibility: Buggies and prams aren't suitable on board because of limited space, but you can leave them at Sheffield Park Station and collect them on your return.
- Pets: Dogs are not permitted on these services; registered support dogs are the only exception.
Tips & Advice
- Get to Sheffield Park in good time, because trains can't be held and missing your departure means no refund or rescheduled trip.
- Bring warm winter clothing, because some of the attractions at the Horsted Keynes Christmas fair are outdoors and not under cover.
- Leave the buggy at home or drop it at Sheffield Park Station, since space on the platforms and in the compartments is limited.
- Book early to get the morning or afternoon departure you want, and allow around two hours for the whole trip, including the fair.
- Have your camera ready when Santa hands each child their collectible toy, as it makes a great photo to keep.
Special Events & Promotions
- New for 2026: every child gets a specially designed activity pack of games, puzzles and keepsakes at their seat.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens on the train?
You ride behind a heritage steam locomotive from Sheffield Park towards Horsted Keynes, in your own compartment or at reserved seats in the open carriages. Every child finds an activity pack with games, puzzles and keepsakes waiting at their seat.
What's at the Christmas fair at Horsted Keynes?
There are classic fairground rides and family attractions, all included in your ticket. You'll also find seasonal stalls, festive treats, Christmas music and a decorated heritage station for photos. You get time to explore before you get back on the train.
Do children get to meet Santa?
Yes. Santa gives every child a collectible toy in person, which makes a good photo moment.
Can we bring a buggy or pram?
They aren't suitable because there's limited space on the platforms and in the compartments. You can leave them at Sheffield Park Station and collect them when you get back.
How long does the whole trip take?
The whole experience takes around two hours. Arrive on time, because trains can't be held and a missed train means no refund or rescheduled trip.
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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.