The Santa & Steam Christmas Story

It was a cold and dark winter's morning when the driver and fireman arrived at the railway to ensure that the engine and carriages are warm for Santa and his guests, although most of the day's visitors would still be snuggled in their cosy beds dreaming of Christmas, the team were working hard as the snow was falling at the Churnet Valley railway.

As the excited boys and girls begin to arrive at Cheddleton station we see Great Western Tank engine number 4277 slowly approaches the platform.

The Santa Express leaves Froghall with her first train of the day. With the snow falling, the festive cheer was high as Santa and his helpers met all of his special guests their seats. Santa and Steam is a wonderful experience of memory making and Christmas tradition creating, for all the family with the wonderful music, festive treats and tipple, you will be sure to enjoy the day. This is indeed a special way to meet Santa Claus and spend time with special people at this magical time of year.

The adventure begins! The Santa and Steam Special patiently waits for the green signal. The snow begins to fall on the sleepy valley as guests inside the warm and cosy train sit in ore of Santa and his helpers. It's a chance for young and old to share a Christmas experience that everyone will enjoy.

What a day! As Santa and Steam 2024 come to an end the day's crew pose with their Rudolf whilst Santa and his helpers, enjoy a sherry, mince pie and a rest. Ensuring the Santa Express headboard is gleaming in pride of place for all guests to see. Make memories with us this Christmas aboard the Santa Express at Churnet Valley Railway.

Hotspur makes light work as she pulls the Santa Express along the Churnet Valley Railway. Santa Claus himself has confirmed that the views whilst you sit back and relax in our festive carriage and wait for him to visit are breathtaking. Our volunteers who are full of festive cheer, will be sure to make you feel at home as you enjoy this magical Christmas experience.

Class 33 "Sophie" passes though sleepy Consall as she takes charge of the Santa and Steam Express with the steam engine in the rear, we will be sure to keep you warm this Christmas. Consall signifies the half way point in the line and that's when Santa knows it is time to come and say hello to all of his guests.

The volunteer fireman is preparing his fire for the last trip of the day for the festive Christmas Santa and Steam train experience. All of our staff are volunteers who work tirelessly to keep the wheels turning, mince pies going and Christmas lights bright. 2024's Santa and Steam train ride is not to be missed as the Churnet Valley Railway pull out all the stops to make your experience magical!

With the crew ready for the day ahead, Santa and his helpers are ready to board the Santa Express Steam engine. Staffordshire's hidden valley comes to life as the nights draw in and the festive cheer grows. Santa's Train ride a magical experience and becomes a family tradition for all of the family.

With fresh snow on the ground number 4277 heads the Santa and Steam Special. Sitting quietly in the background you can see S160 6046 as she prepares for her turn with the Santa train ride.

Final preparations complete Santa checks his makeshift sleigh for the day before jumping on-board. With the festive cheer throughout the carriages, the treats for the little ones and the sherry and mice pie for the adults, all of Santa's special guests settle in for a visit from Santa and his helpers. Santa's Christmas Train will be sure to get you in festive spirit if you aren't already!