ENGLAND - Mince pies, steam trains and a sprinkle of movie magic
Hop aboard the North Yorkshire Moors Railway for an A-list adventure through the North York Moors National Park this winter. Homemade Christmas sandwiches and mince pies are on the menu for the Festive Travel and Treats package (25 November 2025 to 4 January 2026), or tuck into a three-course festive dinner with all the trimmings aboard the Christmas North Yorkshire Pullman (25 November 2025 to 4 January 2026). Both experiences are served as part of a 36-mile (58km) round trip on a vintage steam or diesel train through moorland and forests from Grosmont to Pickering, as seen in the first Downton Abbey film. Passing through colourful Goathland Station, the route brings a sprinkle of magic to each journey too: it starred as Hogsmeade station in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
The Severn Valley Railway’s Santa Steam Specials (29 November to 24 December 2025) are just the ticket for a festive and family-friendly day out. Departing from Kidderminster, the steam-hauled service whisks passengers through the Worcestershire countryside to Arley Station, where the exciting story of The Great Christmas Train Rescue is brought to life on stage with marionettes from War Horse’s Director of Puppetry, Matthew Forbes. Or, for a twist on a Christmas tradition, visitors can join musicians from across the region aboard the Carol Trains (12 to 23 December) for a night of singing. If the railway looks familiar, that’s because it’s appeared on the big screen in The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and Enola Holmes.
Join a North Pole VIP on the Bluebell Railway’s Santa Special (29 November to 24 December 2025). Set off from Sheffield Park Station on a magical steam train journey through Sussex, with hot cocoa and live music along the way. Then, young visitors will meet Father Christmas himself at Santa’s Parlour. Alternatively, come face-to-face with the Ice Queen at SteamLights (23 November to 28 December 2025), the railway’s dazzling light show. Both the train and trackside will be adorned in festive illuminations during the two-hour immersive experience. Each of the Bluebell Railway’s stations showcases a different era in history, so a ride here really is like travelling back through time.
SCOTLAND - Highland views, six-course feasts and elves on the loose
Climb aboard the Northern Belle this winter for a festive rail journey with a seven-course Christmas Lunch (19 December) served in vintage style. Departing from Glasgow and Edinburgh, the diesel service uses carefully restored, 1930s-era carriages harking back to the golden age of British rail travel. Visitors are welcomed with champagne and canapes, followed by a seven-course festive feast upon departure – all prepared onboard by busy chefs in the kitchen carriage.
All aboard the Strathspey Railway’s Elf Express (on select days from 6 to 24 December) for sweeping views of the Highlands’ wintry landscapes by steam train, taking in Britain’s most northerly steam-hauled preserved railway station. Father Christmas and his posse of cheeky elves are set to make a star appearance on the heritage railway’s festive service, which runs from Aviemore to Broomhill in the Cairngorms National Park. For a special treat, upgrade to first class and enjoy a festive ‘steam’ tea, or opt for the observation carriage with its cosy armchairs and panoramic windows.
The Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway – as seen in Outlander – will be dressed in its Christmas finery for its Santa Stream Trains (6 to 24 December 2025). On the 60-minute round trip from and back to Birkhill Station along the Forth Estuary, Santa will make a guest appearance, handing out gifts to all lucky children. There’ll also be live singers and magicians bringing extra festive spirit to the experience, while guests can upgrade to a private compartment for an added dose of luxury. A ride on the Bo’ness and Kinneil’s miniature railway and a peek at its model railway are included in the standard ticket price.
WALES - Santa’s grotto, coastal runs and corks popping all the way
Feast on a top-notch Christmas meal on the rails aboard the Northern Belle’s Christmas Lunch service (5 December 2025), departing from Cardiff and Swansea and winding its way along the South Wales coast. The journey passes through towns like Bridgend, Port Talbot and Neath before returning. Guests are treated to red-carpet service before they’ve even stepped onto the train, where they’ll enjoy seven courses of festive dining. And that’s not all: there’s a welcome Champagne reception with canapes, along with a bottle of wine for two during the meal. Musicians playing festive tunes will keep the Christmas spirit going on board with more entertainment from a roving magician.
See the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) by steam on the Brecon Mountain Railway’s Santa Special (29 November to 23 December 2025). The abridged four-mile (6km) return trip from Pant Station to Pontsticill will be pulled by an American-built Baldwin steam train and includes an extra-special stop-off at Santa’s Grotto, where live entertainment awaits. Complimentary seasonal treats will be served up en route.
Carmarthen’s Gwili Railway welcomes Father Christmas on its steam-hauled Santa Specials (6 to 23 December 2025), departing from and returning to Abergwili Junction station. The line follows the River Gwili through farmland and wooded hills, with illuminated trains putting on a real show. Or see in 2026 on the railway’s New Year’s Eve Special, with an on-board buffet.
