The most magical time of the year is here! Christmas is around the corner and all over the world, festive spirits are in full swing. There are many destinations in Europe that are delightful to visit during the Christmas holidays. England is inarguably one such location that is noteworthy to visit during Christmas. A visit to England during Christmas is not only about viewing grand Christmas trees, enjoying Christmas carols, or feeling the chilled Christmas vibes, but you can also try out the unique experiences the country has to offer. Wouldn’t it be nice to ride a steam train through wintry wonderlands soaked in the Christmas spirit? There’s more to the English Christmas experience than just shopping and strolling in the city. Experience the enchantment of scenic railway journeys in UK on a Christmas steam train ride, where snow-dusted landscapes add to the charm of England’s festive season. A magical Christmas steam train journey is one of the wonderful ways to spend the holidays with family in England. Combine the dazzling displays of Christmas light trails in UK with the enchanted rides provided by Christmas steam trains in England to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit. Want to know more about it? Check out these charming unique train rides that are delightful experiences to enjoy with family on an English Christmas holiday and book your UK visa accordingly.
The Christmas Train of Lights at Dartmouth
Image Credit: dartmouthrailriver.co.uk
Get onboard a steam train brilliantly lit with vibrant lights. The Christmas Train of Lights is a one-of-a-kind steam train ride in England that adds a flamboyant touch to your English Christmas. Decked up in millions of colourful illuminations, the steam train starts its journey from Queen’s Park Station, Paignton, and ends at Dartmouth. The whole journey takes you through a kaleidoscope of lights that adorn the train carriages as well as outside on the route, tunnels, and the scenic woodlands, all the way till you reach the destination station.
Where: Queen’s Park Station, Torbay Road, Paignton TQ4 6AF
Dates: Select dates from 30th November 2024 to 23rd December 2024
Polar Express Train Experience
Christmas steam train rides are the Best Tourist Attractions in England. Perhaps the most acclaimed Christmas train journey to enjoy in England is the Polar Express Train ride from Yorkshire. It is one of the best Christmas Steam Train 2021 rides to check out for those visiting England during Christmas. Based on the 2004 blockbuster movie – The Polar Express, the whole journey on the train is be jampacked with meet and greet from characters of the movie. Sit down and sip on rich and delicious hot chocolate while the Singing Chefs start the storytelling sessions and Christmas carols. Of course, Santa will also accompany you on this North Pole tour. You and your family are encouraged to wear pajamas to recreate the experience of passengers on board the express train in the movie. Overall the experience is quite enticing and memorable to enjoy. Apart from Yorkshire, you can enjoy this ride at Buckfastleigh Station at South Devon Railway and Tunbridge Wells West on the Spa Valley Railway.
Where: Bolton Abbey Station, Bolton Abbey, Skipton BD23 6AF
Dates: Selected dates from 15th November until 24th December
North Norfolk Santa’s Special Train
Image Credit: nnrailway.co.uk
A Christmas train experience is also a beautiful way to escape the chilly weather and enjoy the beauty of winter’s landscapes from the warmth of a cozy carriage decked out in Christmassy decor. Taking the north Norfolk Santa Special Train is a great way to view the beautiful countryside of England while enjoying hot cocoa and Christmas treats. The presence of Santa on board the train and the beautifully decorated Christmas trees would be a hit with kids. A Festive Platter is available to add a grand Christmas feast to your experience which includes a delicious array of brie and cranberry petit pains, Scotch eggs, homemade quiches, sandwiches, and much more. The train will take you to Santa’s Grotto from Sheringham and then return you to Weybourne.
Where: Sheringham Norfolk NR26 8RA
Dates: 23rd November to 22nd December 2024
Isle of Wight Steam Railway Christmas Special Train
Another exceptionally enchanting Christmas train experience to enjoy while in England is the Isle of Wight Railway Christmas Special Train. Santa Claus is leaving his reindeer sleigh to be with you and your family on this vintage steam train. Gear up for a Victorian traditional Christmas when you embark on the Christmas train at Havenstreet that takes you on a charming ride across the wintry countryside till you reach the North pole station. The enjoyment continues after you return back to Havenstreet with loads of activities and Christmas fun that can be enjoyed with the whole family.
Where: Havenstreet Isle of Wight PO33 4DS
Dates: 7th, 8th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 20th to 24th December
Avon Valley Railway Santa Specials
Enjoy a mince pie or seasonal biscuit while you say hello to Santa and take a tour of the Avon Valley Railway line. Upon returning to Bitton Station, there will be another chance to see Santa, and everyone who made the nice list will get a holiday treat. In addition, you’ll get to greet the lawn’s Christmas donkeys. Or how about having Santa for breakfast? Enjoy a breakfast while travelling in first class. Santa will then make his rounds on board, giving each youngster a unique delivery.
Where: Bitton Station, Bath Road, Bitton, Bristol, BS30 6HD
Dates: Select dates from the End of November to 24th December 2024
Dean Forest Railway Santa Specials, Gloucestershire
Image Credit: deanforestrailway.co.uk
This Christmas, visit the Dean Forest Railway for an opportunity to take a trip on a real steam train and have a photo taken with Santa! The train will leave Norchard Station and go first to Parkend Station, where it will stop briefly while the engine runs. After leaving Parkend, the train will go nonstop through the woodland until Lydney Junction Station. During this time, Santa will visit each person at their seat. You will next visit Santa’s Elves at Lydney Junction to pick up your gifts before making your last 75-minute trip back to Norchard Station.
Where: Norchard Station, Forest Road, Lydney, Gloucestershire GL15 4ET
Dates: Selected dates from 23rd November to 24th December
East Somerset Railway Santa Specials
You can get to North Pole Station straight with a 30-minute steam train ride. Children can meet Santa at this location and receive a gift, provided they are on the nice list. There is enough to keep everyone in the holiday spirit, including entertainment, drinks, and goody bags for the youngsters, all included in the ticket fee. The well-liked Santa by Starlight event, where sparkling lights in the night sky add magic to the festivities.
Where: Cranmore Railway Station, Cranmore, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 4QP
Dates: 1st December to 23rd December 2024
Northampton and Lamport Railway Santa Specials, Northamptonshire
Free onboard refreshments consist of a glass of sherry and a mince pie for adults and a fruit shoot and a sweet treat for children. All tickets include these complimentary offerings. Children can write letters to Santa while travelling by rail. You’ll meet Santa in his workshop when you get off the train, and every child gets a present there.
Where: Pitsford Rd, Chapel Brampton, Northampton NN6 8BA
Dates: Selected dates 1st to 22nd December
Epping Ongar Railway Santa Specials, Essex
The incredibly joyous Epping Ongar Railway Santa Specials are a great opportunity to take your family to see Santa on his special train. The journey begins when you board one of their heritage buses at Ongar or Epping Underground station. You can get into the holiday mood at North Weald Station by enjoying a bite from their festive food booth and listening to a brass band perform live.
Where: Station Approach, Chipping Ongar, Ongar CM5 9BN
Dates: Selected dates from the 23rd of November until the 24th of December
Takeaway
Christmas in England doesn’t have to be a usual trip to London and its neighbouring cities, viewing the Christmas décor. For a festive getaway, explore UK Staycation Locations that feature scenic steam train routes, perfect for a winter wonderland experience in 2024. England’s gorgeous Christmas steam trains are an impressive way to soak up the Christmas spirit and enjoy traditional Christmas festivities onboard a chugging steam train. The Christmas train journeys in England take about 2 to 3 hours to finish and hence can easily fit into a day trip experience on your UK holiday. It is also an amazing way to get away from the city vibes and enjoy a quintessential, Christmas experience. These trains are quite popular among locals and visitors and thus can get sold out quickly. As there are a limited number of seats, it would be a good idea to reserve the tickets months in advance and arrange for a carriage ahead of time to avoid disappointment later on. A Christmas train experience is a wonderful way to make your England Christmas experience extra special and unforgettable.