Festive Express

  • 5th - 6th Dec 2026
  • 12th - 13th Dec 2026
  • 19th - 24th Dec 2026
  • 30 Minute Steam Ride
  • Visit Santa's Grotto
  • Personalised Child's Gift
  • Festive Snack Box Included
  • Pre-Booking Essential

Book Tickets

Visit Santa at Bure Valley Railway

The Festive Express is a true family favourite taking place on specific dates throughout December. Your ticket includes the steam train journey, a visit to Santa, a personalised present for every child and snack box with festive treats. No hidden costs and feel free to take as many photos as you like in Santa's Grotto.

It's a truly magical way to celebrate the season together. From the moment you arrive, the experience is designed to be relaxed, memorable and full of festive cheer, so you can simply enjoy the occasion.

Looking At The Festive Displays At Bure Valley Railway

Christmas Magic for the Whole Family

The Festive Express begins the moment you arrive at Aylsham Station, where festive decorations, twinkling lights and seasonal touches create a warm Christmas welcome - and the excitement builds ahead of meeting Santa.

Climb aboard for a 30-minute steam train journey to Brampton and back, with the opportunity to watch the locomotive run round the train before returning to Aylsham.

Back at the station, children will be welcomed to Santa’s sleigh before visiting his grotto to meet Santa and his elves, and receive a carefully selected personalised present to take home. Photos are welcome so you can capture the special moment.

Your Festive Express experience also includes a Christmas snack box filled with homemade treats, which can be enjoyed in the Whistlestop Café or in your carriage during your visit.

Collecting A Festive Snack Box At The Whistlestop Cafe

Practical Information

The Festive Express includes a Christmas snack box with homemade treats to be collected from the Whistlestop Cafe. Enjoy while at the station or when in your carriage. Free parking, toilets and baby changing facilities are available at Aylsham Station. Please be aware there are no facilities at Brampton. Space for buggies on trains is limited, so we recommend travelling with collapsible pushchairs where possible.

  1. Santa And His Elf On The Rail Tracks At Bure Valley Railway for the Festive Express

    Book The Festive Express

    Join us this December for a magical visit to see Santa's Grotto and ride the Bure Valley Railway. Book your tickets early to avoid missing out.

    Book Tickets

FAQs

Yes, please feel free to bring your own food. This can be eaten while on the train or in the allocated picnic areas outside. We do ask, however, that adults only consume food purchased from the cafe when seated in the Whistlestop Cafe. 

Yes, the train and all areas of the Bure Valley Railway are dog-friendly. Please keep furry pals on leads at all times, clear up after them, and be mindful of others travelling from our stations. Please book your dog a ticket at the same time as purchasing your ticket(s).

The Bure Valley Railway only has two terminal stations with facilities. There are three request stops along the line at Brampton, Buxton and Coltishall, however these are halts designed for walkers and have no facilities.

The journey is 45 minutes each way.

Space is limited for prams and pushchairs. Please opt for collapsible buggies if possible. Please check. Call us on 01263 733858 to confirm space for prams etc.

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The Bure Valley Railway line surrounded by Norfolk countryside

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