SpotatrainSpotatrain
Illustration: A lit steam train crossing snowy English countryside under a full moon
Illustration, not a photo of this event.

Christmas

Santa by Train — East Kent Railway

  • Run by East Kent Railway Trust
  • Shepherdswell station (East Kent Railway) — Shepherdswell, England, United Kingdom

Next: Nov 22 – Dec 24, 2026

A festive heritage train ride from Shepherdswell station in Kent with a visit to Santa's grotto, where each family receives a personalised gift, on selected days in the weeks before Christmas.

Updated

See everything in England1 spot · 10 live cams · 5 experiences · 186 events

Next edition

Nov 22 – Dec 24, 2026

Sun 22 Nov; Sat–Sun 28–29 Nov; Sat–Sun 5–6, 12–13 and 19–20 Dec; Tue–Thu 22–24 Dec. Several departures a day, bookable by date.

Book on the official siteAdd to calendar (.ics)Google Calendar

About this event

The East Kent Railway Trust runs Santa by Train from its station at Shepherdswell, near Dover. The operator describes a train decked out in twinkling lights, with festive music, followed by a visit to Santa's grotto where each family receives a personalised gift with their name on. Photos in the grotto are free.

The railway is a four-mile round trip between the villages of Shepherdswell and Eythorne on a former Kent Coalfield line, passing through chalk-lined cuttings and the Golgotha Tunnel.

What to expect

A train ride with twinkling lights and festive music, then a visit to Santa's grotto where each family receives a personalised gift with their name on; the operator says photos in the grotto are free and that the wait in the grotto can be up to 20 minutes. It advises dressing for an outdoor event. Free parking and no hidden charges, according to the operator.

Practical info

Departs from East Kent Railway, Station Road, Shepherdswell, Dover CT15 7PD. Each ticket reserves four seats together; every booking needs at least one adult over 18, and children's names must be entered accurately. Arrive at least 20 minutes before departure. No physical tickets are issued: bring ID or the booking email. Refunds only if the railway cancels the event. Disability access information is on the operator's Disability Access page; telephone 01304 832042.

Where it happens

Skip map
Map content ends

Spots and live cams nearby

Where to watch trains within 100 km of Shepherdswell.

Gift ideas for the family

Train-themed gifts, picked against our published criteria. No brand pays to be listed here.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. How we pick our gear

Frequently asked questions

Where does Santa by Train leave from?▾
From the East Kent Railway station at Station Road, Shepherdswell, Dover CT15 7PD. The operator says parking is free.
What happens after the train ride?▾
The operator describes a visit to Santa's grotto where each family receives a personalised gift with their name on. Photos in the grotto are free, and the wait can be up to 20 minutes.
How many seats does a ticket cover?▾
Each ticket reserves four seats together, and you may book several sets of four in one booking. Each booking must include at least one adult over 18.
When should we arrive?▾
The operator asks you to arrive at least 20 minutes before your departure time.
Do we need to print tickets?▾
No physical tickets are issued. Bring ID or your booking email receipt to check in.
Can I get a refund?▾
The operator says no refunds are issued unless the East Kent Railway cancels the event; all bookings are final.
What should we wear?▾
The operator asks you to dress appropriately for an outdoor event.

Sources

Dates checked on Nov 8, 2026 from the official site: eastkentrailway.co.uk. Schedules can change — always confirm with the operator before you travel.

Official website: eastkentrailway.co.uk

More christmas trains in England