Santa Express — Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway

The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway runs the Santa Express as a festive steam journey through the Cotswolds to the North Pole, where Santa Claus welcomes each family. Every child meets Santa, shares their Christmas wishes and takes home a special gift.

All trains depart from Toddington Station. It is a gentle three miles to Winchcombe, which the railway transforms into a magical North Pole for the season, taking 10 to 15 minutes each way, with around an hour and twenty minutes at the North Pole before steaming home again.

The experience includes a gift and a bespoke activity book for every child, a snack and refreshment for children aged 12 months and over, and a hot drink and mince pie for the grown-ups, including mulled wine. Stations and carriages are decorated. The operator says the event is designed solely with children in mind, and that unaccompanied adults are not allowed entry.

A short steam trip of three miles from Toddington to Winchcombe, about an hour and twenty minutes at the North Pole to meet Santa in his grotto, then the train home. Each child receives a gift and an activity book to enjoy on the journey; children aged 12 months and over get a snack and refreshment, and adults a hot drink and a mince pie. A griddle serves warming drinks and treats, and the shop sells gifts.

All trains depart from Toddington Station, Toddington, Gloucestershire GL54 5DT; arrive in good time and remember your tickets. The event is designed solely with children in mind: unaccompanied adults will not be allowed entry. A carer ticket can be arranged through the railway's office. Parents entering a baby under 12 months are asked to give the baby's month and year of birth when booking. A booking fee applies to online purchases. The operator says demand is always high.