- 1,5 hours Duration 1,5 hours
Enjoy a nostalgic evening tour behind one of our vintage steam locomotives whilst tucking into a delicious pie with mashed potatoes and seasonal veg followed by a choice of desserts.
Quick Details
Visit the Dean Forest Railway this Christmas for your chance to ride behind a real steam engine and meet Santa and his elves!
To ensure social distancing, Santa himself will now be in his grotto at Norchard Station, where you will visit him before your trip, at your chosen time (please note, each available timeslot will disappear when booked, so the earlier you book the more choice you will have). You will have a few minutes to talk with Santa, and he will give each child a special ticket to take on the train. Once you’ve booked your departure you will be sent a link to book your timeslot to visit santa (times start 75 minutes before departure, and finish approximately 15 minutes before departure).
The train will depart from Norchard Station, heading to Lydney Junction. Once there, Santa’s elves will be waiting on the platform with age-appropriate presents for the children, in exchange for the magical tickets from Santa.
At Lydney Junction we will also have warmed mince pies for everyone to collect, as well as the miniatures for the adults (all included in the ticket price), as well as hot chocolate available to buy.
The train will then depart Lydney Junction and head non-stop through the forest to Parkend Station. There will be a short break at Parkend (where toilet facilities are available if needed), before returning back to Norchard Station to complete your 80-minute journey.
When booking you can add on a special Christmas Afternoon Tea, with a turkey, cranberry & stuffing sandwich, cream tea (two scones, clotted cream and strawberry jam), a slice of Christmas cake and a hot drink (with options of tea, hot chocolate and a range of coffees), or for something lighter just the Cream Tea, or a Christmas Picnic Box (with a turkey, cranberry & stuffing sandwich, a slice of Christmas cake and a hot drink).
Our cafe will be offering seasonal take-away refreshments all day. Our shop is well stocked with toys and gifts for both young and old. Plenty of stocking filler ideas!
Advance booking is required for this event, as seating is limited, in order to comply with current restrictions, and in previous years most trains at full capacity were sold out in advance.
The train will depart from and return to Norchard Station (GL15 4ET).
Please ensure that your booking is compliant with current goverment guidance for visiting a tier 2 area. Full information available here.
Under 2s travel free, but will not receive a present, and will not be included in the passenger count (so for households/support bubbles of more than 8 once under 2s are included they will need to sit on someone’s lap).
Limited wheelchair spaces are available – please call before booking to ensure this space.