Swindon and Cricklade Railway - Santa Specials

Santa Specials 2025

The dates of our Santa Specials for 2025 are 29th and 30th November, 6th & 7th, 13th & 14th, 20th and 21st December.

Our Santa Specials are an opportunity to travel by train to visit Santa in his decorated Grotto at the North Pole.

Your visit begins at Blunsdon where you have the opportunity to visit the decorated station and café, or spend a few minutes in the gift shop. There’s usually a traditional coal fire in the waiting room to warm any frozen fingers. But don’t miss your reserved train!

You then board your pre-booked Santa Special at Blunsdon Station and take a seat in a compartment of one of our heritage carriages. The travel time to the North Pole is about 10 minutes (Wow!) but the Santa Special takes you to the northern end of the line before you reverse back into the station at Hayes Knoll (aka the North Pole!).

As you alight from the carriage at the North Pole you’ll be greeted by Mr Frosty and his helpers before you join other families for the short, excited wait to see Santa. Once inside the Grotto, Santa’s helpers will ensure you get to see and talk to Santa, with enough time for you to take your own memorable photos.

For every child over 2yrs old, Santa will have a quality, age-appropriate gift-wrapped present for your child to take away. (Children aged under 2 travel free but can also be provided with a suitable present if required).

After leaving the grotto you may have time to take a refreshing drink in our buffet coach before your return journey by the Santa Special to Blunsdon Station.

The round trip to and from Santa’s Grotto should take from 45 minutes to 1hr but you are free to spend more time in the Buffet Coach or the Whistle Stop Café if you wish.

Free parking at Blunsdon Station

Booking Essential

Booking

Pre Booking Essential on website