Santa Express — Weardale Railway

The Weardale Railway runs its Santa Express from Stanhope Station in County Durham. The operator says the station is dressed for the occasion with twinkling lights, festive music and elves, and that the journey through the Durham Dales is led by Santa's team of mischievous elves, with festive entertainment on board.

Father Christmas joins the train and travels through each carriage, meeting every family. The operator says there is a small present for each child under 16 and adds that there may even be a reindeer on the loose.

All seating is around tables. Gold seats are the main experience, in carriages of 64 seats set out as tables of four; VIP seats are in a separate carriage of 32 seats with larger seats and more space. The operator lists the journey at about one hour, and says all services are timetabled and leave from and return to Stanhope Station.

About one hour on board, with extra time for boarding and leaving the train. Christmas music, elves and festive entertainment, and a visit from Father Christmas in every carriage with a small present for each child under 16. Food and drink are not sold on the train, but items bought from the concessions on the platform can be taken aboard. The operator suggests warm layers, woolly hats, Christmas jumpers and sturdy shoes, as there may be some outdoor queuing before boarding.

Departs from and returns to Stanhope Station, Weardale, County Durham DL13 2YS (what3words: went.loving.exclusive). The operator asks passengers to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure and says to allow about 15 minutes to park and reach the platform. Parking is a short walk from the station, over uneven ground and a pedestrian bridge; a car-parking charge is paid when booking, and a limited number of Blue Badge spaces next to the platform must be booked in advance. Tickets are sold online only, through the operator's FareHarbor booking page: not by phone, at any station or at events. Seats are priced per seat whatever the age of the passenger; anyone aged two or over needs a ticket, and under-twos travel free on an adult's lap. Up to 16 seats can be booked online; the operator takes larger groups by email. Each ticket is for one specific train. There are no toilets on board, but toilets and baby changing are at the station. Only registered assistance dogs are allowed. If the operator cancels a booked service, it offers an alternative service or a refund of the ticket face value.