The Elf Express
Families travel inside private compartments on a heritage train ride from Bridgnorth to Highley and back. The immersive journey features live performance, interactive storytelling, and puppetry with characters including Mrs Claus, Cracker the Elf, and Gingersnap the Gingerbread Man. Santa stops by every compartment to deliver a special gift to each child, while all passengers receive a gingerbread biscuit.
What to Expect
Heritage train journey featuring private compartments, theatrical characters, and Santa visits.
Event Details
Duration
The return train journey takes approximately 75 minutes.
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Severn Valley Railway
Food & Drink
All passengers receive a gingerbread biscuit; no other food or drink is specified for the event.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive and theatrical
Energy Level
Low
Budget
£££
Photo Friendly
Moderate
Weather Sensitivity
Low
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Compartment for four people £164.00; compartment for six people £246.00; additional passenger £41.00. Children under two do not count towards the group size, travel free of charge and receive a present. The ticket includes seats in a private compartment, a return train journey of approximately 75 minutes, an onboard meet-and-greet with Santa and other characters, a present for each child, a gingerbread biscuit for all passengers, a wooden tree decoration for adults, and a complimentary child ‘Freedom of the Line’ ticket for a day out in 2027, subject to terms and conditions. – Get tickets
- Hours: 10.00am, 12.15pm, 2.30pm and 4.45pm.
- Parking: Bridgnorth Station has an ANPR-controlled car park costing £4 per day. Arrive up to 45 minutes before the selected departure time.
- Accessibility: A specific wheelchair space must be reserved on the train if your booking contains a wheelchair, and assistance dogs are welcome.
- Pets: Dogs are not permitted; assistance dogs are welcome.
Tips & Advice
- Arrive up to 45 minutes before your selected departure so you are ready to board your scheduled train.
- Enter all children’s names and ages when booking so Santa’s gifts can be prepared for them.
- Reserve a specific wheelchair space when booking if your compartment includes a wheelchair user.
- Leave buggies at home if possible; if you bring one, fold it down and store it on the train.
- Allow about 75 minutes for the return journey, and remember that passengers stay on the train at Highley.
Special Events & Promotions
- Children under two travel free and receive a present.
- An additional passenger can be added to a compartment booking for groups of five or seven.
- The 2026 Elf Express features brand-new helpers on Santa’s train.
- Each child’s ticket includes a complimentary ‘Freedom of the Line’ ticket for a day out in 2027, subject to terms and conditions.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is The Elf Express suited to?
It is presented as a family experience, with Santa delivering a gift to each child. Children under two do not count toward the compartment group size.
Do I need to book a compartment, and what should I include when booking?
Seats are in private compartments for four or six people. Include the names and ages of all children travelling so they receive a gift.
What happens during the train journey?
The return journey includes live performance, interactive storytelling, puppetry, a Santa meet-and-greet, and appearances by his helpers.
Are food or treats included?
All passengers receive a gingerbread biscuit. Adults also receive a wooden tree decoration, and each child receives a gift.
What should I know about travelling with a wheelchair or buggy?
Reserve a specific wheelchair space when booking. Leave buggies at home if possible; otherwise, fold one down for storage on the train.
More Christmas Events near Kidderminster
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.