SpotatrainSpotatrain
Illustration: A festive steam train with a wreath on a frosty winter morning near a village
Illustration, not a photo of this event.

Christmas

Santa Specials — East Somerset Railway

  • Run by East Somerset Railway
  • Cranmore Station — Cranmore, England, United Kingdom

Next: Dec 5–24, 2026

A 30-minute steam train ride from Cranmore Station in Somerset to the "South Pole" and back to meet Santa, held on selected days before Christmas.

Updated

See everything in England1 spot · 10 live cams · 4 experiences · 126 events

Next edition

Dec 5–24, 2026

Dec 5–6, 12–13, 19–20 and 22–24. Several timed sessions a day, between 10:30 and 17:30.

From £20 (as published by the operator)

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

About this event

The East Somerset Railway invites families to visit Santa by steam train at Cranmore Station in Somerset. The operator describes a 30-minute ride on the Santa Special train to the "South Pole", after which passengers return to visit Santa and receive a gift.

Every child is given a goody bag to take onto the train, which the operator says contains colouring sheets, crayons and a family Santa quiz sheet. A balloon modeller works on the train, turning balloons into animals, hats and swords.

Refreshments are served at the station: the operator lists mulled wine, soft drinks, biscuits and mince pies. The railway has a large free car park a short walk from Cranmore Station.

What to expect

A 30-minute ride on the Santa Special steam train to the "South Pole", then a return to the station to visit Santa and receive a gift. Each child has a goody bag with colouring sheets, crayons and a family Santa quiz sheet, and a balloon modeller makes balloon animals, hats and swords on the train. Refreshments are served at the station.

Practical info

Cranmore Station, Cranmore, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 4QP. The railway has a large free car park a short walk from the station, and its station cafe and ticket office are on site. Tickets are sold online through the railway's ticket portal and are sold by the child's age band, with adult and carer tickets. Phone: 01749 880417.

Where it happens

Skip map
Map content ends

Spots and live cams nearby

Where to watch trains within 100 km of Cranmore.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Santa Special ride?▾
The operator describes a 30-minute ride on the Santa Special train to the South Pole, after which passengers return to visit Santa.
What happens when we get back?▾
After the ride to the South Pole, passengers return to visit Santa, and receive a gift, according to the operator.
What do children get on the train?▾
Every child has a goody bag to take onto the train, with colouring sheets, crayons and a family Santa quiz sheet. A balloon modeller makes balloon animals, hats and swords on board.
What refreshments are served?▾
The operator says refreshments are served at the station, including mulled wine, soft drinks, biscuits and mince pies.
Where does the train leave from, and is there parking?▾
From Cranmore Station, near Shepton Mallet in Somerset (BA4 4QP). The railway says it has a large free car park a short walk from the station.

Sources

Dates checked on Oct 8, 2026 from the official site: eastsomersetrailway.com. Schedules can change — always confirm with the operator before you travel.

Official website: eastsomersetrailway.com

More christmas trains in England