Illustration of Santa in a sleigh-shaped chair in a shopping arcade with a child holding a letter (Santa Express with GWSR)

Santa Express with GWSR

Passengers board a heritage steam train from Toddington Station for a scenic journey through the Cotswolds to Winchcombe, which is transformed into the North Pole. Every child visits Santa Claus in his grotto to receive a special gift and an activity book, along with a snack and drink. Adults are served a mince pie and a hot drink or mulled wine amidst decorated carriages and stations.

Details Official site

Advertisement

Plan Your Visit

When

Tickets

Carer ticket: £ 6:00 per ticket.

Hours

Start: 9:00 AM; end: 5:00 PM.

Ages

All ages

Food & Drink

Children aged 12 months and over receive a snack and refreshment; adults receive a hot drink or mulled wine and a mince pie, and the griddle offers warming drinks and treats.

Accessibility

Carer tickets are available for a £6 fee by contacting the railway office.

Going?

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with young children

Vibe

Festive and magical

Energy Level

Low

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Tips & Advice

  • Book early for a selected date, as the railway advises that demand is high and tickets are offered on selected dates.
  • Arrive in good time for morning check-in so you are ready to board the train.
  • Bring your tickets with you, as visitors are specifically reminded to have them ready.
  • Enter the month and year of birth when booking for a child under 12 months to help staff prepare.
  • Allow for the journey and time at Winchcombe: the train takes 10 to 15 minutes each way, with around an hour and twenty minutes there.

Special Events & Promotions

  • All trains depart from Toddington Station in 2026.
  • Carer tickets are available by contacting the railway office.

Links & Contact

Run by Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Santa train suitable for all ages?

The experience is for families and all ages, and unaccompanied adults are not allowed. Every child meets Santa and receives a gift and activity book.

What refreshments are included?

Children aged 12 months and over receive a snack and refreshment. Grown-ups receive a hot drink and mince pie, with mulled wine among the drink options.

How long does the train experience take?

The journey to Winchcombe takes 10 to 15 minutes each way, with around an hour and twenty minutes there before the return trip.

Do tickets need to be booked ahead?

Tickets are on sale for selected dates, and booking early is advised because demand is described as high. Remember to bring your tickets.

Can visitors request a carer ticket?

Yes. Contact the railway office to arrange a carer ticket.

Browse Christmas in Dunstable

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

Event details verified: