Father Christmas returns to the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway

The UK has gone through some of the hottest days on record but the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway (GWSR) is already making tracks through the snow with its popular steam-hauled ‘Santa Express’.

Tickets became available at the beginning of September and are already selling fast, according to the GWSR’s marketing manager, Catherine Johnson.

“For the first time since 2019, the full steam Santa Express train service will operate from Cheltenham Racecourse, running through the glorious Cotswold winter scenery and dark Greet Tunnel to the North Pole at Winchcombe,” she explains. 

“The last couple of years have seen our Christmas trains restricted with reduced capacity because of Covid social distancing rules, while trains were run from Toddington over just three miles – it’s really exciting that we’re are back to full operation!”  

Every family will enjoy a personal audience with Father Christmas while all youngsters receive an exciting gift. These special family encounters take place in Santa’s grotto within a specially-converted railway carriage at North Pole station. This will make it a magical occasion for all the family,” Catherine Johnson says. 

In addition, a range of entertainment is being laid on as well as refreshments – including the railway’s famous mince pies, at North Pole station. The event is entirely organised by an enthusiastic team of GWSR volunteers who are dedicated to making sure that everyone has a memorable day on the railway. 

Santa Express services operate every weekend from 26th November to 18th December plus 21st to 23rd December. Tickets can be booked online at www.gwsr.com.

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For more of the best Cheltenham events happening near you soon see our helpful Festivals and Major Events Guide.