THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride — Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway

The Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway hosts THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride from Bolton Abbey Station, near Skipton in North Yorkshire. The operator says the magic of the 2004 motion picture is re-created so families can be immersed in the sights, sounds and intrigue of the story, and asks guests to wear pyjamas just as in the movie.

Singing, dancing chefs serve hot chocolate and a freshly baked cookie while the book by Chris Van Allsburg is read, with characters showing the picture pages so the whole carriage can follow along. Santa and his elf assistant then arrive in each carriage and give everyone a silver sleigh bell, the first gift of Christmas, before carols accompany the return to Bolton Abbey.

The operator schedules a steam engine to pull the train. It sells Premium and Classic tickets, and offers an accessible coach and a more relaxed sensory coach. Trains are operated by Yorkshire Dales Railway Museum Trust (Holdings) Limited.

Arrive 15 to 30 minutes before the time on your ticket. Guests are welcomed in a heated and decorated marquee about 30 minutes before departure, with Christmas music, carols and a short opening scene. The journey itself lasts 60 minutes, and the operator says to expect up to 90 minutes on site. Pyjamas are encouraged, with sturdy closed-toe shoes and weather-appropriate clothing for waiting outside.

Trains leave from Bolton Abbey Station, Bolton Abbey, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 6AF; the operator warns that some sat-navs send drivers to the old petrol station (now Route 59 Cafe) 200 yards up the road, and that the station has a large car park. Timings are strict: doors are locked at set cut-offs even if the train has not left the platform. Dogs are not allowed, except assistance dogs, which sit under the table. Pushchairs and car seats are not allowed on board; they can be left on the platform at the owner's risk. An accessible coach is available on every train and is booked by phone (01756 710614); a sensory coach runs on selected dates. Prices shown at checkout include booking fees.