REVIEW - SANTA SPECIAL TRAIN RIDE | THE EAST LANCASHIRE RAILWAY | 23/11/2025

THE EAST LANCASHIRE RAILWAY SANTA SPECIAL TRAIN RIDE – A TRULY MAGICAL FAMILY CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE

The East Lancashire Railway Santa Special Train Ride is one of those Christmas experiences that instantly becomes part of your family’s festive tradition. On Sunday 23rd November, I boarded this much-loved seasonal adventure with my husband, our two children, my parents and my brother — and from start to finish, it felt wonderfully magical, beautifully organised and packed with festive joy.

Booking ahead of December meant we secured slightly cheaper tickets, which made this already special experience feel like even more of a bargain. From the moment we arrived, it was clear why the Santa Specials have been delighting families for decades.

🎄 A FESTIVE START AT BURY BOLTON STREET STATION

The experience begins at Bury Bolton Street Station, which is transformed into a winter wonderland before you even step on board the train. We arrived around an hour early, and I’m so glad we did. With fewer crowds, the children were able to take everything in at their own pace.

Friendly conductors checked tickets and gave the children their Santa badges, which help Santa choose the right gift later on — a lovely thoughtful touch. From there, the festive encounters began almost immediately. Elves handed out candy canes, while Mrs Claus, an Ice Princess and a dancing Christmas tree took time to chat, pose for photos and interact warmly with the children.

What really stood out was how inclusive and thoughtful the experience felt. The characters took genuine time to speak directly to the children, engaging with them warmly and at their own pace. Many of the characters also used BSL alongside speech when interacting with families, which is such a meaningful and inclusive touch for those who need it. Alice especially loved the attention and interaction from the characters and had the biggest smile on her face throughout.

Along the way, beautifully detailed animatronics — including reindeer, carolling polar bears and a talking tree — added to the magic. Adults were offered festive goodie bags, and when I asked for a non-alcoholic alternative, this was happily accommodated without fuss.

🚂 FESTIVE FUN ON THE PLATFORM

Once on the platform, the atmosphere only grew more exciting. Festive characters mingled with families, sang Christmas songs and danced with the children, while a sleigh photo opportunity added another memorable moment. There’s also a charming gift shop housed inside a train carriage, filled with festive treats and classic train-themed toys. The children also enjoyed having a look in the gift shop and each chose a BigJigs wooden Christmas train to take home — a lovely keepsake, with prices starting from around £10.99. There is also a café on the platform, with indoor seating and additional tables available outside. The café sells snacks as well as hot and cold drinks — my parents picked up a couple of teas, while Lawrence and I grabbed a bottle of Fanta and a sausage roll each.

When our steam train finally pulled in, the excitement was palpable. The carriages were clearly labelled, and once inside, seating was well organised, making boarding easy. Once underway, the festive fun continued throughout the 80-minute round trip to Rawtenstall and back.

🎶 CHRISTMAS CHEER ON BOARD

On board, the carriages were filled with music, laughter and festive cheer. Elves and characters moved through the train leading songs and poems, while children received activity books, crayons, chocolate coins and a drink. A traditional brass band travelled through the carriages too, encouraging sing-alongs to classic Christmas songs — a real highlight that added such warmth and charm to the journey. A lyric sheet was also handed out, making it easy for everyone to join in and sing along with the brass band.

🎅 A MAGICAL MEETING WITH SANTA

The moment everyone waits for arrived as the elves encouraged the children to call for Santa — and when he appeared, it was truly magical. Each family had one-on-one time with Santa, including the chance for photos and a gentle chat. Watching Alice and Leo speak to Santa for the very first time, their faces full of excitement, was incredibly special.

Santa presented each child with a gift in a branded drawstring Santa Special bag — a lovely keepsake. The gifts were age-appropriate science kits, which we’re looking forward to enjoying together at home.

❄️ PRACTICAL EXTRAS & ACCESSIBILITY

One of the things I really appreciated about the Santa Specials is how thoughtfully everything is planned. Toilets are available both on the platform and on the train, buggy storage is provided, and accessible routes are clearly marked. Guests can also bring their own food on board, which is helpful for families with specific needs.

Your ticket also includes free entry to the Bury Transport Museum, making this a full festive day out rather than just a train ride.

⭐ FINAL THOUGHTS

The East Lancashire Railway Santa Special Train Ride is everything you hope a Christmas experience will be — immersive, inclusive, beautifully festive and genuinely magical. From the characters and music to the steam train journey and personal visit from Santa, every detail feels carefully considered.

At the price we paid, it felt like fantastic value, especially considering the length of the experience, the entertainment, the gifts and museum entry included. More than anything, it created memories we’ll treasure forever — Alice’s huge grin while chatting to Santa and Leo’s awe at the steam engines are moments I’ll never forget.

✨ A heartwarming, joy-filled festive adventure that truly captures the magic of Christmas. ✨

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Five stars – and a Christmas tradition in the making.

🎄 SANTA SPECIAL – AT A GLANCE

📍 Location: Bury Bolton Street Station, East Lancashire Railway

📅 Dates: Selected dates from late November to Christmas Eve🚂 Duration: Approximately 80-minute steam train round trip to Rawtenstall and back💷 Prices: Prices vary by date, with earlier dates generally cheaper (booking fees apply)🎅 What’s Included:– Winter wonderland walkthrough at Bury Bolton Street Station– Festive characters including elves, Mrs Claus and Santa– One-to-one visit with Santa and a gift for every child– On-board brass band and sing-alongs (lyric sheets provided)– Children’s activity pack, drink and chocolate– Festive refreshments for adults (non-alcoholic alternatives available on request)– Free entry to the Bury Transport Museum

🚗 Parking: Limited parking near Bury Bolton Street Station; nearby council car parks available. Free parking is available at Heywood Station if using the Santa Shuttle.🚋 Travel: Metrolink services run to Bury. A heritage diesel shuttle is also available from Heywood on selected dates.

♿ SEND & Accessibility: Accessible routes available, buggy storage provided, toilets on platform and train. Trains can be loud — ear defenders may be helpful for noise-sensitive children. SEND-specific Santa Special services are also available.

🔗 Official Website & Booking: East Lancashire Railway – Santa Specials