Santa Specials - Dean Forest Railway
Passengers take a round-trip journey behind a real steam engine departing from Norchard Station through the forest to Parkend and Lydney Junction. Santa visits passengers at their seats during the ride, and families can visit Santa's elves at Lydney Junction to collect their gifts. On board, all passengers receive a warmed mince pie, adults receive an alcoholic miniature, and children receive an age-appropriate present.
What to Expect
Ride a heritage steam train through the forest to meet Santa.
Event Details
Duration
75 minutes (1 hour 15 minutes).
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Forest of Dean
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Dean Forest Railway
Food & Drink
Every passenger receives a warmed mince pie and adults receive an alcoholic miniature; seasonal afternoon tea, cream tea, picnic bags, bacon rolls, café refreshments and an optional prosecco add-on are also available.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive and family-friendly
Energy Level
Low
Budget
££
Photo Friendly
Moderate
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Adults (ages 18+): £22.50; children (ages 3–17): £22.50; under 3 with present and seat allocation: £22.50; under 3 with present but no seat allocation: £12.50; under 3 with no present or seat allocated: free. Optional food add-ons are offered, but no prices are stated for them. Add a 20cl prosecco for £6.50 (18+). – Get tickets
- Accessibility: Stations and steam trains are fully wheelchair accessible, with limited wheelchair spaces that must be reserved in advance.
- Pets: Dogs are not allowed, except assistance dogs.
Tips & Advice
- Book well ahead, because the Santa Specials usually sell out and advance booking is essential.
- Call before booking if you need a wheelchair space, because space on board is limited and the team will add a note to your booking.
- Tell the railway in advance if friends are on a separate booking, because only passengers on the same booking are seated together automatically.
- Use the platform toilets at Parkend during the short stop while the engine runs round, because the train then runs non-stop to Lydney Junction.
- Pick up any pre-ordered afternoon tea, picnic bag or bacon roll at Whistle's café in Norchard before boarding, because you take it on the train with you.
Special Events & Promotions
- Add a Christmas Afternoon Tea, Cream Tea, Christmas Picnic Bag or Bacon Roll & Hot Drink when booking, collected from Whistle's café at Norchard.
- Add a small bottle of prosecco to your booking (18+ only).
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens on the ride?
The steam train runs from Norchard to Parkend, with a short stop while the engine runs round. It then runs non-stop through the forest to Lydney Junction, and Santa visits everyone at their seats on the way. At Lydney Junction, children collect presents from Santa's elves before the train returns to Norchard.
What does everyone get on board?
Every fare-paying child gets an age-appropriate gift, and each adult gets an alcoholic miniature. Every passenger gets a warmed mince pie.
Can I add food to my booking?
Yes. When you book, you can add a Christmas Afternoon Tea, a Cream Tea, a Christmas Picnic Bag or a Bacon Roll & Hot Drink. You collect it from Whistle's café at Norchard and take it on board.
Is the train wheelchair accessible?
The stations and steam trains are fully wheelchair accessible, but there's limited wheelchair space on board. Call before booking to secure a space.
Will my group sit together?
Everyone on one booking sits together, and you get your seats on the day. If you made separate bookings and want to sit together, tell the railway in advance.
More Christmas Events Near Lydney
More Christmas Events near Stroud
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.