Santa Express Experience — Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway

The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway is a 15-inch-gauge steam railway running seven miles from Ravenglass, which the operator calls the only coastal village in the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Lake District National Park, to Dalegarth for Boot. Its Santa Express Experience turns that journey into a festive outing.

The experience begins in the Ravenglass Railway Museum, where Santa's elves, led by the Head Elf, tell classic Christmas tales in an interactive storytelling session. Passengers then board the Santa Express for a 40-minute steam train ride through the Eskdale Valley to Dalegarth Grotto.

At Dalegarth, Santa's team guides families to their table, where a complimentary drink and pre-ordered food are served while they wait. A magician and his festive puppet friend entertain, children have activity packs on the table, and each family group is called up to meet Santa, with every child receiving a Christmas gift.

Two seating levels are sold. Standard seating has food available as an add-on; Upgraded seating includes a festive brunch or afternoon tea, served in an exclusive seating area at Dalegarth, for adults and older children; food is not included for under-fives. All passengers in a group must book the same seat type so they can sit together. The railway also sells a separate, shorter version for pre-school children on two dates.

Storytelling with the elves at Ravenglass, a 40-minute steam ride to Dalegarth, a drink and a table at Santa's grotto, entertainment from a magician and his puppet friend, and a gift from Santa for every child. The operator lists the whole experience at 2 hours 50 minutes.

Meet at Ravenglass Station, Main Street, Ravenglass, Cumbria CA18 1SW; parking at the station is free. The experience starts with a complimentary hot chocolate before boarding. At Dalegarth the operator provides a non-alcoholic festive punch or tea/coffee for adults and a fruit shoot for children, plus a festive activity pack for children. Food can be pre-ordered when booking (or added by phone on 01229 717171 at least 10 days ahead) and extra food and drink may be ordered on the day, subject to availability. Gluten-free sandwiches are available on request and dairy-free needs are met by the vegan options; because of restricted availability at Christmas the operator cannot accommodate other dietary requirements. All passengers in a group must book the same seat type, Standard or Upgraded.