THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride: Classic Tickets

Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway
Available from 14 November 2025 to 24 November 2025

About The Polar Express at Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway

  • Dates: 14th November – 24th December 2025
  • Duration: Please allow 90 minutes for your experience (60-minute steam journey + 30-minute pre-show)
  • Age Restrictions: Suitable for all ages!
  • Meeting Point: Bolton Abbey Station, Skipton, BD23 6AF

Spend Christmas in Yorkshire this December and climb aboard The Polar Express Train 

Step into the storybook world of The Polar Express, where candle-lit platforms, heritage steam engines, and misty dales recreate the magic of the beloved 2004 film. From the moment you arrive, you’re not just a passenger - you’re part of the journey to the North Pole.

Don your Christmas pyjamas, grab your golden ticket, and get ready to meet dancing chefs, singing conductors, and Santa himself. As the train whistles through the Yorkshire countryside, the story unfolds around you - complete with hot chocolate choreography, golden ticket punches, and a visit from Mr. C, who gifts each child the iconic silver sleigh bell.

What’s included in Classic Tickets for The Polar Express Train?

All passengers (adults and children) receive:

  • Hot chocolate
  • Golden ticket
  • Reserved seats in our Polar Classic historic carriages
  • Freshly baked cookie
  • Silver Sleigh Bell from Santa – the first gift of Christmas!
  • Magical photo ops and festive cheer throughout

Tickets sell fast - especially for peak weekends - so grab your golden ticket today and make this Christmas one to remember on The Polar Express experience at Embsay & Bolton Railway. Tickets delivered instantly via email & SMS.

Location

Bolton Abbey Station

Bolton Abbey,
Skipton,
BD23 6AF
Show on Google Maps

How to find us

By car:

A65, from the M6 (The West): Follow the A65 towards Skipton, and follow the brown signs for ‘Embsay Steam Railway’ to get to Embsay Station (this will involve turning left onto the A59).

For Bolton Abbey Station, continue along the A59 towards Harrogate, and alongside part of the railway, until ‘Bolton Abbey Station’ is signposted.

A65, from Ilkley and Otley (The East): Follow the A65 until you reach the junction with the A59. Turn left and follow the brown tourist signs for ‘Embsay Steam Railway’ to get to Embsay Station.

For Bolton Abbey Station, turn right onto the A59 and follow this road (which runs alongside part of the railway) until the station is signposted as ‘Bolton Abbey Station’.

A59, from Liverpool, the M6 and Preston (The West): Follow the A59 towards Skipton, and then follow the signs for ‘Embsay Steam Railway’ to get to Embsay Station. If you want to get to Bolton Abbey Station, continue along the A59, towards Harrogate and alongside part of the railway, until it is signposted as ‘Bolton Abbey Station’.

A59, from York, the A1 and Harrogate (The East): Follow the A59 towards Skipton, following the signposts marked ‘Bolton Abbey Station’ for Bolton Abbey Station. For Embsay Station, continue past Bolton Abbey Station, and follow the road, alongside part of the railway, towards Skipton. Follow the signs for ‘Embsay Steam Railway’. 

By Rail & Bus:

The nearest national rail stations are at Skipton and Ilkley.

NYCC minibus 14 from Skipton (Mon – Fri)
Cravenlink bus 873 from Skipton, Ilkley and Bolton Abbey (Sundays / Bank Hols)

To BOLTON BRIDGE (Devonshire Arms Hotel – easy 20 minute walk to Bolton Abbey Station)

NYCC minibus 74A from Ilkley and Grassington (Mon/Wed/Fri)
Cravenlink bus 873 from Skipton and Ilkley (Sundays / Bank Hols)
DalesBus 874 from Leeds, Ilkley and Grassington (Summer Sundays / Bank Hols)

More Info
Is The Polar Express Train Ride in Embsay + Bolton Steam Railway wheelchair accessible?

Yes - wheelchair spaces are available in Premium Coach D, which features a widened doorway and ramp access. Accessible toilets are located at Bolton Abbey Station, though there are no toilets onboard the train.

What age is The Polar Express Train Ride in Embsay + Bolton Steam Railway suitable for?

The experience is designed for all ages, from toddlers to grandparents. Children under 2 can travel on laps for a small fee.

Where does The Polar Express Train Ride in Embsay + Bolton Steam Railway depart from?

All Polar Express rides at Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway depart from Bolton Abbey Station, located near Skipton in North Yorkshire. The postcode is BD23 6AF, and there's a large free car park onsite. 

How long does The Polar Express Train Ride from Embsay + Bolton Steam Railway experience last for?

The full experience lasts approximately 90 minutes, which includes a 60-minute steam train journey and a 30-minute pre-show with carols, character meet-and-greets, and photo ops.

What should you wear to The Polar Express Train Ride in Embsay + Bolton Steam Railway?

Christmas pyjamas are encouraged - they’re practically the uniform! But since December temperatures in the Yorkshire Dales can drop to 0°C, it’s smart to layer thermals underneath and bring hats, gloves, and blankets for little ones.

What's included in The Polar Express Train Ride tickets?

Classic tickets include: 

  • Reserved seating in heritage carriages
  • Hot chocolate and freshly baked cookie
  • Golden ticket
  • Silver sleigh bell from Santa - the First Gift of Christmas

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