Bookings are open, and selling fast, for the ever popular Santa Specials at Middleton Railway.
The railway is currently closed during November as it prepares for Santa’s arrival.
The Santa Special Trains start running on Sunday 1 December 2024. Each child aged up to 10 years inclusive for whom a fare has been paid will be given a present by Santa whilst travelling on the train. Once the train has arrived back at Moor Road adults (including children 11 or over) will receive a hot drink and a mince pie. For children there will be juice and biscuits and a chance to visit Santa in his grotto.
Trains run from 9:30am-3:30pm on weekends up to Sunday 22 December, plus Tuesday 24 December – Christmas Eve. Tickets booked in advance cost £13.50 (adults and children 16+), £8 (young people 11-15), £17 (children 3-10), £11.50 (children under 3). Babes in arms, with no seat and no present, travel free. Tickets are £1 dearer if not booked in advance and on Christmas Eve.
Advance booking is strongly recommended and mandatory for Christmas Eve. Trains have fully sold out in recent years.
The 9:30am train on 1, 7 & 8 December will be Quiet Trains with more space on the coaches for people with disabilities, or who wish to be spaced out so as to enjoy a quiet atmosphere.
Full details at www.middletonrailway.org.uk/santa-2024
The Middleton Railway was built in 1758 and is the first railway authorised by an Act of Parliament, the first to have commercially successful steam locomotives, in June 1812 and also the first standard gauge preserved railway, opening in June 1960. It has operated trains every year since opening in 1758.
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