Santa Express Experience

at Ravenglass Eskdale Railway
Ravenglass Available from Tue 23 Dec to Tue 23 Dec

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Book the Santa Express Experience at Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway

  • Begin your festive adventure with Elf-led storytelling in the Ravenglass Railway Museum
  • Enjoy a magical 40-minute steam train ride through the stunning Eskdale Valley
  • Meet Santa and his helpers at Dalegarth Grotto for gifts, entertainment, and festive cheer
  • Relax with a complimentary drink served at your table
  • Perfect for families looking for a unique Christmas experience in the Lake District

Santa Express Experience at Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway:

  • Dates: 23rd December 2025
  • Duration: Approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes
  • Age Restrictions: Suitable for all ages! Under 18's must be accompanied by an adult
  • Location: Ravenglass Station, Ravenglass, Cumbria CA18 1SW
  • Tickets include: Meet Santa in Dalegarth, elf-led storytelling, return train travel, festive drinks, activity packs, and a special Christmas gift for children
  • Please note: All passengers in a group must book the same seat type, Standard or Upgraded. This ensures you can sit together and that the team can provide the right service for everyone.

The Ultimate Festive Railway Experience

Start your journey at Ravenglass with interactive storytelling led by cheerful elves in the Railway Museum! Next, you'll climb aboard the Santa Express for a scenic steam train ride through the Eskdale Valley, filled with festive excitement. Enjoy activities and entertainment on your journey before arriving at Dalegarth Grotto to meet Santa and his merry helpers, enjoy entertainment from Stu Di Doo the magician and relax with delicious festive food served at your table.

  • Festive Food & Drink: Upon arrival at Ravenglass, you'll be treated to a complimentary hot chocolate! As you arrive at Dalegarth, you'll receive a free non-alcoholic punch, tea, coffee or fruit shoot for children
  • Elf-led Storytelling: Begin your journey at Ravenglass, where cheerful elves bring Christmas tales to life in the Ravenglass Railway Museum!
  • Interactive Storytelling: Join the Head Elf as you're taken on an interactive storytelling experience to start your festivities
  • Santa Express Journey: Climb aboard for a 40-minute steam train ride through the stunning Eskdale Valley, filled with Christmas excitement as you make your way to Dalegarth Grotto!
  • Dalegarth Grotto: Santa and his team of merry helpers will be waiting to welcome you and guide you to your table
  • Stu Di Doo the Magician: Enjoy family-friendly entertainment from Stu Di Doo and his festive puppet friend and they make magic and hand out activity packs!
  • Meet Santa: Family groups will be called up to see Santa in a personal meet and greet experience
  • Special Gift: Applicable ticket holders will receive a free gift from Santa, a very special, limited-edition 150th Anniversary teddy bear

Important Information:

  • Free parking at Ravenglass station
  • Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your start time and check in at the booking office
  • Tickets are valid only for the date/time specified and are non-transferable
  • Dogs are not permitted (except assistance dogs)
  • Only passengers who have travelled on the Santa Express will be admitted to Dalegarth station
  • Please note: All passengers in a group must book the same seat type, Standard or Upgraded. This ensures you can sit together and that the team can provide the right service for everyone.

Book your Santa Express Experience today and receive instant confirmation via email & SMS!

Location

Ravenglass & Eskdale Steam Railway

Station,
Main St,
Ravenglass,
CA18 1SW
Show on Google Maps

How to find us

Please note: All Santa Express train rides depart from Ravenglass Station.

  • Address: Ravenglass & Eskdale Steam Railway, Station, Main St, Ravenglass CA18 1SW
  • What3Words: reverses.restore.driven

Parking:

  • Parking is available with ticket booths located at both stations. 
  • Pay at the machine by card or use the Flowbird car parking app available from Apple and Android stores. 

By Public Transport:

  • Northern Rail run train services to Ravenglass station from Carlisle, Whitehaven, Maryport and Grange-over-Sands from Monday to Saturday
  • Carlisle links with Avanti West Coast direct from London, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Manchester, and Birmingham (and intermediate stations), there is a link connecting with Newcastle and the East Coast mainline too
  • There is a ramped walkway from the mainline to Ravenglass station

By Car:

  • From M6 junction 36, follow the brown Western Lake District signs to Broughton-in-Furness, passing Newby Bridge on the A590 and turning right at Greenodd onto the A5092. From Broughton, follow the A595 to Silecroft T junction (turn right) and beyond
  • From M6 junction 40, follow the brown Western Lake District signs past Keswick and Bassenthwaite Lake on the A66 towards Cockermouth, turn left at the Cockermouth roundabout onto the A5086, then follow the A5086 to Egremont where it joins the A595, and turn left for Ravenglass following the A595
  • Please note, the station entrance is a concealed turning on the left between two railway bridges
Facilities
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Dog-friendly
  • Food and drink
  • Paid parking
More Info
Are Ravenglass and Dalegarth Train Stations wheelchair accessible?

Yes, both stations are wheelchair accessible, with a range of facilities and assistance located onsite if required. 

Ravenglass Station

  • All public areas apart from the playground (accessible via gradual ramp) are on the same level with no steps
  • The walkways are tarmac/paving (approx. 230cm wide)
  • There are ladies and gents toilets, plus an accessible toilet and baby changing facilities, all with level access
  • A wheelchair is available from the ticket office, please enquire for availability
  • The Museum is accessible off the main car park via a ramp/walkway (door width 180cm)
  • Changing Places facility on platform 1. Access by RADAR key between 9-5pm.
  • There is level access through a double door entrance (140cm)
  • Staff are happy to assist with any out of reach items in the shop
  • Hearing loop in operation
  • Wide walkways to manoeuvre inside

Dalegarth Station

  • Parking is on a stone/gravel surface with clear signposting from the road
  • Accessible parking (not designated) is near the entrance displaying a Blue Badge, additional parking is not bayed (both Pay and Display)
  • To access the main platform exit the car park up a ramped walkway onto the main platform (tarmac surface)
  • There are ladies and gents toilets, plus an accessible toilet (doorway width 95cm) on the main platform
  • There are heated covered outside seating options on the car park level
  • Main entrance is through double doors
  • Ticket counter is low level (94cm tall)
  • Additional café seating is available downstairs with toilet and baby changing facilities (access via car park or via stairs from upper level, no lift)
Is Ravenglass Eskdale Railway dog-friendly?

Dogs are permitted on the trains, in the gift shops, ticket offices and the lower floors of the Turntable and Fellbites cafés.

  • Please keep your dog on a short lead.
  • Assistance dogs are welcome throughout the site.
  • There are ‘paws for a drink’ water bowls around the site or please ask a staff member.

PLUS: Treat your furry friend to a year of adventure with the Dog Rover Season Ticket, where you can enjoy 12 months of train rides and pawsome walkies by the Ravenglass coast. Each dog receives a dog season ticket and a stylish bandana!

Is there food and drink available at Ravenglass Stations?

Yes, both Ravenglass Station and Dalegarth Station provide eat in and takeaway services at the onsite cafes.

  • Ravenglass Station: The Turntable
  • Dalegarth Station: Fellbites licensed cafe

Both eateries offer a fantastic range of hot and cold food and drinks alongside sweet treats and light bites. 

Can you visit the Ravenglass Railway Museum?

Yes! Located at the Ravenglass Station, the Ravenglass Railway Museum is open from 9am daily whilst trains are running.

  • Entry is FREE
  • Donations are welcomed and encouraged
Where can I get the cheapest tickets for Ravenglass Eskdale Railway?

You can get cheapest tickets for Ravenglass Eskdale Railway on Lovetovisit.com. Lovetovisit guarantees price match or better, so you always know you'll get the best price.

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