Santa Specials
Embark on a magical Christmas journey with Santa's festive steam train through the Derwent Valley. Children will meet Santa at their seats and receive a special gift, while adults can enjoy a glass of wine and a mince pie. Professional entertainers will provide festive cheer throughout the approximately 1 hour and 10-minute round trip from Rowsley South Station.
What to Expect
Santa's festive steam train journey with gifts and entertainment.
Event Details
Duration
Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Darley Dale
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Peak Rail LTD
Food & Drink
Children receive a drink and snack. Adults receive a glass of wine and a mince pie. Dietary requirements can be catered for upon pre-booked request.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive, magical, family-oriented
Energy Level
Low
Budget
$$$
Photo Friendly
Weather Sensitivity
Low
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: $$$ – Get tickets
- Parking: Large free car park available at Rowsley South Station. Limited free parking at Darley Dale Station. Council pay and display parking at Matlock Station Platform 2.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair users can be accommodated in a specific space in coach F (one party of up to two people plus one wheelchair user per train). Contact santa@peakrail.co.uk or 07514 953353 for details. Assistance dogs are allowed on all services.
- Pets: Assistance dogs only allowed on trains. Well-behaved dogs are restricted on special events like Santa trains.
Tips & Advice
- Book tickets in advance, especially for popular dates, as seating is sold by table and individual seats are not available.
- Arrive early to ensure you can park, especially at Darley Dale Station where parking is limited.
- Contact the organizers directly if you have specific dietary requirements or need to arrange for a child under 18 months to sit on a knee.
- Wheelchair users should contact the event organizers in advance to arrange for the accessible space in coach F.
- Check the specific departure times for your chosen date, as the 16:00 departure does not run on Christmas Eve.
Special Events & Promotions
- Tickets held at 2025 prices for early December dates.
- Dietary requirements can be catered for upon pre-booked request.
- Alterations to bookings accepted until November 20, 2026, with a £25 administration fee.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included with my Santa Special ticket?
Tickets include a return train journey (approx. 1 hour 10 minutes), a suitable gift for each child, a drink and snack for children, and a glass of wine and mince pie for adults. Dietary requirements can be catered for upon pre-booked request.
Can I change my booking or get a refund?
Alterations to bookings (adding people, changing date/time) are subject to availability and a £25 administration fee, accepted until November 20, 2026. No refunds are issued after purchase, except if Peak Rail cancels the service.
Are dogs allowed on the Santa Special trains?
Only assistance dogs are allowed on the Santa Special trains due to limited space and safety reasons. Well-behaved dogs are generally allowed on other services but are restricted on special events.
How is seating arranged for the Santa Special?
Tickets are sold by table (tables of 2, 3, 4, or 6) or compartment of 6. Individual seats are not sold. Up to two children aged 0-18 months can sit on a knee per table/compartment.
What are the departure times for the Santa Specials?
Trains depart at 10:30, 12:20, 14:10, and 16:00. The 16:00 departure does not run on December 24th.
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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.