Santa Specials
Embark on a magical journey aboard the Santa Specials at the Swindon & Cricklade Railway. Children can meet Santa in his festive grotto, receive a special gift, and enjoy a memorable train ride pulled by both steam and diesel locomotives. The experience includes a visit to the decorated station and a chance to warm up by a traditional fire before boarding the heritage carriages for a short trip to the 'North Pole'.
What to Expect
Heritage train ride to meet Santa with steam and diesel locomotives.
Event Details
Duration
45 minutes to 1 hour for the round trip, plus time in the buffet coach or cafe.
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Swindon & Cricklade Railway
Food & Drink
Hot and cold drinks and light refreshments available for purchase at the Whistle Stop Cafe and buffet coach.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive, magical, traditional
Energy Level
Low
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
Weather Sensitivity
Low
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: $$ – Get tickets
- Parking: Free parking is available at Blunsdon at owner's risk.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair users can ride in an accessible coach (usually LAURA). Carers accompanying persons with a disability travel free on the same ticket. A request for a Carer’s ticket should be made using the Additional Needs box during booking.
- Pets: Only assistance dogs are permitted.
Tips & Advice
- Book tickets in advance as online sales close the day before the service, and availability is limited, especially for child spaces.
- Arrive at least 15 minutes before your booked train departure time to allow for parking and reaching the platform.
- If you have specific accessibility needs or require a carer's ticket, make sure to note this in the 'Additional Needs' box during booking.
- Children under 2 travel free but can receive a present if requested; contact bookings@swindon-cricklade-railway.org to arrange this.
- Bring your own camera to capture memorable photos with Santa in his grotto, and consider bringing spare coins for the 'singing reindeer'.
Special Events & Promotions
- Quality, age-appropriate gifts for children from Santa.
- Travel by both steam and diesel locomotive.
- Carer travels free with a person with a disability.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included with the Santa Specials ticket?
Each ticket includes a round trip on the Santa Special train, a visit to Santa in his grotto, and an age-appropriate gift for children aged 2 and over. Refreshments are available for purchase.
Can I bring my dog?
Only assistance dogs are permitted on the Santa Specials. Please inform them when making your booking if you need to travel with an assistance dog.
What are the departure times?
Departure times are at 30-minute intervals from 10:30 to 16:15 on running days. Please check the calendar for specific availability and book your time slot in advance.
Is there parking available?
Yes, free parking is available at Blunsdon station, but it is at the owner's risk.
What if I need to travel with a carer?
Persons with a disability who require a carer can purchase their own ticket and bring one carer free of charge. This should be requested in the 'Additional Needs' box during booking.
More Christmas Events Near Swindon
More Christmas Events near Swindon
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.