Santa's Little Helper Express

at Ravenglass Eskdale Railway
Ravenglass Available from Fri 12 Dec to Fri 12 Dec

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Book Santa's Little Helper Express tickets & spend Christmas at Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway

  • 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
  • Receive your special Christmas gift to keep forever
  • Designed for under 4's - perfect for families with younger children!

Santa's Little Helper Express at Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway:

  • Dates: 12th December 2025
  • Duration: Approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes
  • Age Restrictions: Suitable for all ages 4 and under
  • Location: Ravenglass Station, Ravenglass, Cumbria CA18 1SW
  • Tickets include: 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.

One of the best children's Christmas events in Ravenglass

Climb aboard the Santa's Little Helper Express for a scenic steam train ride through the Eskdale Valley, filled with festive excitement! Admire the scenic views before arriving at Dalegarth Grotto to meet Santa and his merry helpers, receive a special free gift & tuck into tasty treats.

  • 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
  • Santa's Little Helper 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
  • Meet Santa: Get ready for your magical moment as families are called up in groups to meet Santa in Dalegarth!
  • Special Gift: Applicable ticket holders will receive a free gift from Santa, a festive railway book to keep

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's Little Helper Express will be admitted to Dalegarth station
  • Your seat allocations for the train and Dalegarth station will be issued on the day of your visit. Please check in at Ravenglass booking office on arrival.
  • 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's Little Helper Express 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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