- Train Rides
- All Ages
Visit Santa by Train at Colne Valley Railway
Colne Valley Railway · Halstead, Essex · 5th December to 23rd December 2026
About this event
Colne Valley Railway at Castle Hedingham, near Halstead, runs Visit Santa by Train on Saturday 5, Sunday 6, Saturday 12, Sunday 13, Saturday 19, Sunday 20, Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 23 December 2026. Santa trains leave from platform 1, and you choose a time slot when booking.
The train for this event is a vintage Bubble Car rather than a steam locomotive. After your ride you meet Santa indoors in his grotto, and every child chooses a gift in the workshop with the elves. Children can also write a letter with an elf and make reindeer food.
Once you have seen Santa, the ticket gives you unlimited train rides and access to the site for the rest of the day, so you can stay as long as you like. The buffet car sells food and drink at extra cost; it can cater for vegetarians but not for food allergies or intolerances.
Dogs are welcome for £4, get a present of their own and must stay off the seats. There is free parking for around 150 cars, the site is pushchair friendly and has toilets and baby changing. Some outside areas can be slippery or have puddles in wet weather. The 2025 event sold out, so book ahead.
Unlimited train rides after Santa
Once you have seen Santa, your ticket covers unlimited train rides and access to the site for the rest of the day. There is no set finish time, so you can make a full day of it at Castle Hedingham.
A gift chosen in the elves' workshop
Every child meets Santa indoors in his grotto and then chooses a gift in the workshop. Letter writing with an elf and reindeer food making are part of the visit, so there is more to it than the train ride.
Dogs welcome, with a present too
Dogs travel for £4 and receive a present of their own, as long as they stay off the seats. With free parking for around 150 cars, toilets and baby change, it is an easy visit for the whole household.
Plan your visit
Dates and times
5th December to 23rd December 2026
Saturday 5, Sunday 6, Saturday 12, Sunday 13, Saturday 19, Sunday 20, Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 23 December 2026
Time slots are chosen when booking
Arrive no earlier than 30 minutes before your booked time
Unlimited train rides for the rest of the day after seeing SantaAges
All Ages
Getting there
VIP Pass
Members save at selected Christmas days out
Frequently Asked Questions
Most asked questions relating to Christmas.
From Santa's grottos and magical light trails to winter farm parks, theme park celebrations and immersive festive experiences, the UK has plenty of Christmas days out for all ages. Our Christmas Events hub highlights the most popular and top-rated options to help you choose the perfect adventure.
