Families have just one week left to secure discounted tickets for this year’s Santa Express at Weardale Railway, with the popular early bird offer ending at midnight on 31 August.
Returning from 28 November to 24 December, the much-loved experience promises to be bigger and better than ever, transforming Weardale Railway into a magical Christmas destination filled with twinkling lights, festive entertainment, an expanded food and drink offering and a memorable visit from Santa himself.
A limited number of early bird tickets are still available, offering a 10% saving, but with the offer ending at midnight on 31 August and many of the most popular dates already proving popular, families are being encouraged to book now to avoid missing out.
The experience begins at Stanhope Station, where visitors are welcomed into Stanhope Station which will be bedecked in Christmas decorations complete with music, seasonal treats and photo opportunities. Guests then board the heritage train for a magical journey through the winter landscape of Weardale.
Onboard, the carriages are transformed into cosy festive spaces with table seating for families and groups. Mischievous elves entertain passengers throughout the journey with music, laughter and surprises before Santa makes a special appearance to meet every family and present each child with a gift.
This year, visitors can choose from two ticket options. The Golden Ticket, priced from £33, includes the classic Santa Express experience, with a visit from Santa, a gift for every child and shared table seating. For those looking to make the occasion even more memorable, the VIP Ticket, from £43, offers additional space and comfort.
Claire Gibbons, General Manager at Weardale Railway, said: “Every year the Santa Express creates magical memories for thousands of families, and we’re delighted to be welcoming everyone back this Christmas. We’ve already seen fantastic interest in tickets, so we’d encourage anyone thinking of coming to make the most of the early bird offer before it ends on 31 August. Whether it’s your first visit or an annual family tradition, we’re looking forward to making this Christmas our best yet.”
Spanning 18 miles from Bishop Auckland to Eastgate, and operating 16 miles between Bishop Auckland West and Stanhope, Weardale Railway is a heritage line that connects communities while celebrating County Durham’s rich railway history. The railway offers a range of visitor experiences, including driver days, heritage journeys and educational visits, supporting tourism and preserving the area’s railway heritage.
The Auckland Project rescued the railway from administration in 2020 and has invested significantly, funding essential repairs and infrastructure improvements. Weardale Railway now offers a wide range of heritage services and events, including afternoon teas, gin and cheese trains, family events and the popular Santa Express which will be returning this winter.
Weardale Railway is part of The Auckland Project, the regeneration charity transforming Bishop Auckland into a leading visitor destination through its unique collection of heritage attractions, galleries and gardens.
Visitors can explore Auckland Palace, the Spanish Gallery, the Mining Art Gallery, Faith Museum, alongside meticulously restored gardens and the historic 150-acre Deer Park.
With limited spaces for Santa Express across selected dates, tickets are expected to sell quickly.
For more information, to sign up for priority booking access, and to secure tickets, visit: santaexpress.co.uk
For details on Weardale Railway’s full events calendar, visit: weardale-railway.org.uk/events
