Santa's Steam Specials and The Elf Express

The Severn Valley Railway runs two Christmas family trains. Santa's Steam Specials leave Kidderminster Station and travel by steam train to Arley and back, with 30 minutes each way. Passengers sit in a private compartment or at a reserved table, and at Arley Station there is a professional Christmas theatre show starring Santa and his friends. Each child receives a present and every passenger a sweet treat (a gingerbread biscuit). The full experience lasts at least two and a half hours.

The Elf Express leaves Bridgnorth Station and runs to Highley and back, approximately 75 minutes, without leaving the train at Highley. Passengers sit in private compartments on a steam train, meet Santa and other characters on board, and every child receives a present. Adults receive a bespoke wooden tree decoration. The railway developed the show with Wise Owl Theatre Company.

Both tickets include a complimentary child Freedom of the Line ticket for a later day out (terms apply). The railway also runs relaxed Santa's Steam Specials, Carol Trains between Kidderminster and The Engine House at Highley, a Festive Afternoon Tea and a Christmas Cracker Express for schools and playgroups.

Santa's Steam Specials: a half-hour steam journey each way between Kidderminster and Arley, a theatre show at Arley, a present for each child and a gingerbread biscuit for all passengers. The Elf Express: a private-compartment steam journey of around 75 minutes with live performance, storytelling and puppetry, Santa on board and a present for each child.

Santa's Steam Specials depart from Kidderminster Station (DY10 1QX); departures run through the day and online bookings close at 9am the day before, with any remaining tickets sold on the day at the booking office. The Elf Express departs from Bridgnorth Station (WV16 4AX); arrive up to 45 minutes before the departure time; the Bridgnorth car park is ANPR-controlled. When booking the Elf Express, give the names and ages of all children so they receive a gift. Children under two travel free and do not count towards group size. Dogs are not permitted on the Elf Express (assistance dogs welcome). Buggies must be folded and stored on the train. Steam locomotives are subject to availability and may be replaced by diesel to avoid cancelling a service.