Santa Specials
Visitors board a heritage train carriage at Blunsdon Station, hauled by steam and diesel locomotives, for a ride north to Hayes Knoll. Upon arrival at the North Pole, families are greeted by Mr Frosty and his helpers before meeting Santa in his decorated grotto to chat, take photos, and receive a gift-wrapped present for each child. Guests can also warm up by the traditional coal fire in the waiting room and enjoy refreshments from the buffet coach or café.
What to Expect
Heritage train ride to visit Santa in his North Pole grotto.
Event Details
Duration
45 minutes to 1 hour.
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Swindon & Cricklade Railway
Food & Drink
Hot and cold drinks and light refreshments are available to buy at Blunsdon and after the grotto visit; visitors may also have time in the buffet coach or Whistlestop Café.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive and cozy
Energy Level
Low
Budget
££
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Adults £17; seniors £16; children aged 2 and over £17, including a present from Santa; children under 2 £10 including a present, or free without a present. One accompanying carer travels free with an appropriate adult, senior or child ticket when required to facilitate a visit by a wheelchair user or another person with a disability. – Get tickets
- Hours: Departures from Blunsdon are listed at 10.30, 11.00, 11.30, 12.00, 12.30, then 13.45, 14.15, 14.45, 15.15, 15.45 and 16.15.
- Parking: Free parking is available at Blunsdon, at the owner's risk. Allow at least 15 minutes to park and reach the platform. There is no connecting service from Swindon Mouldon Hill Country Park.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair users can ride in the accessible coach, and visitors requiring a carer may bring one accompanying carer free of charge.
- Pets: Only assistance dogs are permitted; tell the railway when booking if travelling with one.
Tips & Advice
- Book a day and train time in advance; online ticketing closes at 8:30pm the day before, and booking is essential.
- Bring your confirmation email on a phone or other device; it serves as your ticket, and reach the platform for your booked slot.
- Allow at least 15 minutes for free parking at Blunsdon and getting to the platform; parking is at the owner’s risk.
- Bring spare coins for the singing reindeer outside Santa’s grotto, as the event specifically recommends having them.
- Stick to your booked train rather than an earlier one; passengers on an earlier service may be sent to the end of its queue.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens on the trip?
You board a heritage carriage at Blunsdon and travel to the north end of the line, then reverse into Hayes Knoll, which becomes the North Pole. Mr Frosty and his helpers greet you there. Then you wait with other families to see and talk to Santa in his grotto, with time to take your own photos.
Does every child get a present?
Every child aged 2 and over gets a quality, age-appropriate, gift-wrapped present from Santa. Under-2s can also have a suitable present if you choose that when booking.
Where can we get food and drink?
Hot and cold drinks and light refreshments are sold after your visit and at Blunsdon. You can stop in the buffet coach after the grotto or spend extra time in the Whistlestop Café.
How long does the visit take?
The round trip to Santa's Grotto takes 45 minutes to an hour. You're free to stay longer in the buffet coach or the café.
Can wheelchair users come along?
Yes. Wheelchair users ride in the accessible coach, usually LAURA. One carer travels free on the same ticket when needed; request it in the Additional Needs box when you book.
More Christmas Events Near Swindon
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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.