Santa Steam Specials — Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway

The Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway runs its Santa Steam Specials as a steam train ride from Princes Risborough Station, Platform 4, to Santa's Enchanted Workshop and Grotto at the "North Pole" station. The operator describes the experience as a festive treat for children, who can share their Christmas wishes with Santa himself.

During the journey the elves entertain children with activity packs, puzzles, handouts, games and Letters-to-Santa. The Enchanted Workshop has a forest Christmas scene with a log cabin, reindeer and other forest animals, and the operator warns that the experience includes flashing lights. The operator also lists a Winter Wonderland model railway and a Spiral model railway running, tank engines Thomas, Percy and Sir Handel among the attractions, and face painting for 3 to 11 year olds while the train is in the platform at Chinnor.

Travel is in 1950s carriages named after Santa's reindeer, with seats booked at tables to keep families together. The ticket includes a hot or cold drink and a mince pie or biscuits, a visit with Santa and a present for each child aged 1 to 12; babes in arms receive a small gift without a ticket. The operator says adults and teenagers do not receive a gift.

A steam ride of about one hour and thirty-five minutes in total, elf entertainment on the way, Santa's grotto at the "North Pole" station, a drink and a mince pie or biscuits, and a present for every child. The operator notes that the experience includes flashing lights.

Trains leave from and return to Princes Risborough Station, Platform 4, HP27 9DN. Parking is Chiltern Railways pay-and-display at the station. Departures are at 10:30, 12:30 and 14:30. A wheelchair space is available only in a separate area of the train, limited to one wheelchair user and one carer. Buggies and strollers cannot be carried on the train and must be left on Platform 4 or in the car. Small dogs on a short lead are welcome on the train but not on the seats, and dogs other than assistance dogs cannot enter Santa's Grotto. Tables seat four, so bookings in other numbers may share a table; ask in the additional information box at checkout to sit with another family. The operator reserves the right to substitute a diesel locomotive for steam. Bookings can be made on the railway's own shop; phone 07979 055366 (10:00 to 16:00) or email bookings@chinnorrailway.co.uk.