Your family gets a compartment to itself, decorated and playing seasonal music, and somewhere between Haverthwaite and the shore of Windermere there is a knock on the door: Father Christmas, carrying presents and ready for a family photo. The Tinsel Train runs on six December days in 2026, and several departures went on the first morning of sale. If you want to compare it with other lines first, our UK-wide guide to Santa Specials lists every ride we have checked.
The short version
- Dates: 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20 December 2026; 13, 19 and 20 December were sold out on 4 November
- Departures: 10am, 11.30am, 1pm and 2.30pm from Haverthwaite (LA12 8AL), about an hour there and back
- Price: £125 per compartment for up to four, £30 per extra person, eight at most
- Booking: online only, no refunds or transfers, and babies must be counted and paid for
- Tip: there is no space for pushchairs or car seats, so plan to carry little ones
The Tinsel Train at a glance
- Railway
- Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway
- Departs from
- Haverthwaite station, near Ulverston, Cumbria LA12 8AL
- 2026 dates
- 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20 December 2026
- Times
- 10am, 11.30am, 1pm and 2.30pm
- Duration
- About 1 hour, Haverthwaite to Lakeside and back
- Fares
- £125 per compartment for up to 4 people; each extra person £30, maximum 8 per compartment. Everyone from birth must be paid for.
- Booking
- Online through the railway's shop; sale opened 10am on 4 November 2026 with a waiting room. No refunds or transfers. E-tickets can take up to 5 working days. On 4 November 2026, 13, 19 and 20 December were fully sold out; seats were left on 5 December (10am, 2.30pm), 6 December (10am, 11.30am, 2.30pm) and 12 December (10am).
- Checked
2027 ticket alert
Santa trains sell out fast
The best dates are often gone weeks before December. Leave your email and we will write once, the moment 2027 bookings open in North West England.
The train story to read before you boardRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a little corgi’s first train ride to see his grandparents, hand-painted in real watercolour. For ages 0 to 5.
From Haverthwaite to the lake shore: how a Tinsel Train hour unfolds
A compartment of your own
The thing that sets this ride apart is privacy. Instead of a carriage full of strangers, each booking is a whole compartment, decorated for Christmas and filled with seasonal music. The price covers up to four people, and you can add more at £30 a head up to eight, which suits grandparents, cousins or two families who want to travel together.
Departures leave Haverthwaite at 10am, 11.30am, 1pm and 2.30pm on Saturdays and Sundays in December: the 5th and 6th, the 12th and 13th, and the 19th and 20th. The railway gives the round trip as about one hour, running up the valley to Lakeside, where the line ends beside Windermere, and back again.
The knock on the door
At some point on the journey Father Christmas comes to your compartment with presents and stays for a family photo, so have a phone or camera ready rather than packed away. Every child gets something: children up to ten receive a personalised collectable soft toy, and those aged 11 to 17 get a festive goody bag. All children also get a gingerbread person and a soft drink.
Adults are not forgotten. A 'porter' brings round a seasonal drink, with an alcoholic or alcohol-free choice, plus a treat. If you are the driver, it is worth saying so when the drink arrives.
The visit is the centre of the hour, and because the compartment is yours there is no queue and no audience. Shy children can stay on a parent's lap, and confident ones can chat as long as Father Christmas has time before moving to the next door along the train.
Arriving and getting on
You start and finish at Haverthwaite station, postcode LA12 8AL, just off the main road near Ulverston. The railway has not posted a recommended arrival time for the Tinsel Train, so allow time to park, collect yourselves and find your compartment, and check your e-ticket for any instruction. Because the train runs on a short, scenic branch, there is no change of train and no long wait at the far end.
One rule shapes the whole morning: there is no room for pushchairs or car seats on the train or at the station. Plan on a sling or carrier for babies and leave the buggy in the car. The railway says the ride is best for children aged three to ten, which matches the soft toy and the pace of a one-hour trip.
If your date is already gone
By the end of 4 November, the first day of sale, 13, 19 and 20 December were sold out, and several individual departures on the other three days had gone too. The 10am train had seats left on all three remaining days, which is useful if your children wake early anyway. If nothing fits, look at the Santa Express on the La'al Ratty at Ravenglass, on the west Cumbrian coast, which runs on many more December dates.
Which Tinsel Train slot suits a toddler, a five-year-old or a big sister
With only six days and four departures each, the choice is mostly about what is left. Still, a few things are worth weighing before you click.
Babies. A baby still needs a place in the compartment count and a ticket, because the railway asks for everyone from birth to be paid for. As there is no space for pushchairs or car seats, the morning trains are often easiest: babies tend to be calmer before lunch, and you can carry them straight from the car. The ride is only an hour, so a nap in a sling is realistic.
Three to five, the railway's sweet spot. The railway says the ride is best for children aged three to ten, and the personalised soft toy lands well at this age. A 10am or 11.30am departure leaves the afternoon for a nap. Children of this age can be shy when Father Christmas appears at the door; a small compartment with only family around tends to help.
Older children. Children of 11 to 17 get a goody bag rather than the toy, and older siblings often enjoy the private compartment as much as the visit. The 2.30pm train fits around a morning out, and on a clear day you may get the last of the light over the lake.
Budget. Because the price is per compartment, it works out cheapest when you fill it. Four people pay £125 together; a family of six pays £185 and eight pay £245. A couple with one baby still pays the full £125, so this is not the cheapest Santa train in the North West, but it is one of the most private.
Weather. December in the southern Lakes can be wet and dark early. A morning train gives you more daylight for the drive and for any walk at Lakeside or Haverthwaite. If snow or ice is forecast, check the railway's page on the morning, as the operator is the only one who can confirm that trains are running.
Which day. Every date costs the same, so the real difference is how close to Christmas you want to go. The first weekend, 5 and 6 December, had the most seats left on 4 November. It also gives the soft toy a few weeks of cuddles before the big day, which younger children tend to love.
A branch line built for Windermere's steamers, and the people who saved it
The line you ride was never meant to stop at Haverthwaite. According to the railway's own history, it was built by the Furness Railway as a branch from the main line near Ulverston to a pier at Lakeside, so that tourists could step straight from the train onto the lake steamers. James Ramsden cut the first sod at Haverthwaite in November 1866, and the branch opened on 1 June 1869, at 7 miles 73 chains long, before all its stations were even finished.
In 1872 the Furness Railway bought the Windermere steamers outright, tying train and boat together for decades. Traffic fell away in the twentieth century. Winter passenger services stopped before the Second World War, and British Railways closed the whole line to passengers in September 1965; the railway's history gives 5 September, while another source gives the 6th. Goods trains carried on to Haverthwaite and the Backbarrow ironworks until April 1967.
Preservation began almost at once. A group of enthusiasts formed a company to buy the line, and on 26 March 1970 the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway Company was set up to save the upper part of the branch. Plans to improve the A590 trunk road over part of the old trackbed meant the lower section was lost, along with the link to Ulverston and the national network, which is why today's trains run only between Haverthwaite and Lakeside.
The line reopened to passengers on 2 May 1973. The Bishop of Wakefield, Eric Treacy, cut the tape, and the first special was hauled by two LMS tank engines, numbers 42085 and 42073.
- 1866James Ramsden cuts the first sod at Haverthwaite on 22 November
- 1869The Lakeside branch opens on 1 June, built to carry tourists to the Windermere steamers
- 1872The Furness Railway buys the lake steamers outright
- 1965British Railways closes the branch to passengers in September
- 1967The ironworks closes and the last goods trains stop in April
- 1970The Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway Company is formed on 26 March
- 1973The heritage railway reopens on 2 May, with the Bishop of Wakefield cutting the tape
Sources disagree slightly on today's length: the railway's own history speaks of saving the upper 3½ miles, while other summaries give 3¼ miles. Either way it is a short, gentle run, which is exactly why a one-hour Christmas ride fits so well.
For a six-year-old: a long time ago this train carried holidaymakers to the big lake to catch a boat, and when the trains were going to disappear, a group of grown-ups bought the line so children could still ride it.
Ulverston's Dickensian weekend and other December plans near Haverthwaite
The nearest big festive event is in Ulverston, a short drive west of the station. The town's Dickensian Christmas Festival runs on 28 and 29 November 2026, according to the festival's own site. That is the weekend before the first Tinsel Train, so it is a separate trip rather than an add-on, but if you live nearby it makes a good warm-up for the season.
On the day of your ride, the simplest plan is to stay close. Lakeside, at the far end of the line, sits on the shore of Windermere, and on a bright morning a short walk by the water is a lovely way to stretch little legs after the drive. The railway has not said whether Tinsel Train passengers can leave the train at Lakeside, so treat the lake as something to see from the window unless your ticket says otherwise.
If you have a second day in the area, the coast has another Christmas steam ride: Ravenglass's narrow-gauge Santa trip up Eskdale runs on many more dates, including weekdays just before Christmas. Families coming from Lancashire can also look at Santa's steam adventure along Preston Docks, which is an easy stop on the drive north or south.
For indoor plans, markets and grottos in the wider North West, our Christmas with kids guide for the Manchester area collects family events we have checked for December 2026. It is the nearest of our city guides, and handy if you are combining the Lakes with a few days in the city.
Kendal, about 25 minutes away by car, is the nearest larger town if you need lunch, a supermarket stop or a rainy-afternoon plan on the way home. We have not confirmed a 2026 Christmas market there, so check the town's own listings before you build a day around one.
Haverthwaite practicalities for parents: carriers, compartments and the rules on tickets
Pushchairs and car seats
The railway is clear that there is no space for pushchairs or car seats, either on the train or at the station. Bring a sling, carrier or simply strong arms, and leave everything with wheels in the car. If you are travelling with a newborn and wonder how this works in practice, ring the railway before you book.
Accessibility at Haverthwaite
There is one wheelchair-accessible compartment on each departure. Because there is only one, book it by phone on 015395 31594 rather than hoping it is free online, and ask about access at the station at the same time.
Loos, warmth and gingerbread in the compartment
The Tinsel Train page does not say whether there are toilets on board or whether the compartments are heated. Ask the railway both questions if you have a toddler in nappies or a child who feels the cold. Children get a gingerbread person and a drink and adults get a drink and a treat, but the page does not describe a café service, so bring snacks if your family needs more.
Tickets, refunds and e-tickets
Tickets are sold online only and there are no refunds or transfers, so check your date and departure carefully before paying. The railway warns that e-tickets can take up to five working days to arrive. If yours has not come after that, contact the railway rather than rebooking. Every person counts, including babies, and a compartment takes eight at most.
Parking and arrival at Haverthwaite
The railway has not published parking details on the Tinsel Train page. Ask when you book whether there is parking at Haverthwaite and how early to arrive. Allow extra time on the A590 on December weekends, when traffic into the Lakes can be slow.
Weather at Haverthwaite
Rain is more likely than snow, but the platform is outdoors and the days are short. Dress children for the walk from the car rather than for the warm compartment, and keep one dry layer in a bag.
Who the ride suits best
The railway itself describes the Tinsel Train as best for children aged three to ten. Teenagers are still welcome and receive a goody bag, but if your group is mostly older children, weigh the private compartment against a longer day out on another line. For a family with a baby and a four-year-old, the format is close to ideal: short, private and unhurried, with nobody else's crowd.
Preparing children for the visit
Because Father Christmas arrives at your own compartment door, the moment can feel sudden for a small child. It helps to tell them in the car that he will knock during the ride, and that they can hold your hand or sit on your knee. Older siblings can be put in charge of listening for the knock, which gives them a job and keeps the surprise alive for the little ones.
What to bring for a Tinsel Train morning
Without a pushchair and with only an hour on board, it pays to pack light and pack smart.
- A baby sling or carrier, since pushchairs and car seats are not allowed
- Your e-ticket, saved on your phone and printed in case of poor signal
- A charged phone or camera for the family photo with Father Christmas
- Wipes for gingerbread fingers in a decorated compartment
- A small bag for the soft toy and goody bag on the way back
- A waterproof layer for the walk from the car at Haverthwaite
- Nappies and a change mat, as on-board toilets are not confirmed
- A soft drink or water for the driver if you plan to skip the adult drink
The Lakeside branch and its Tinsel Train in numbers
- 1869: year the Lakeside branch opened, on 1 June
- 7 miles 73 chains: length of the original branch
- 1973: year the heritage railway reopened, on 2 May
- 3¼ to 3½ miles: length of today's line, depending on the source
- 24: Tinsel Train departures across six days in December 2026
- About 1 hour: the round trip from Haverthwaite to Lakeside
- 8: maximum number of people per compartment
- £125: price of one compartment for up to four people
Getting to Haverthwaite from Kendal, Lancaster and Preston
Haverthwaite sits just off the A590 between the M6 and Ulverston, so most families arrive by car; times below are approximate without traffic.
| From | Drive time (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Kendal | about 25 minutes |
| Lancaster | about 45 minutes |
| Preston | about 1 hour |
More Santa trains within reach of the southern Lakes
If the Tinsel Train is full on your weekend, these are the closest Christmas rides we have checked.
- Santa Express Experience on the Ravenglass & Eskdale line Ravenglass, North West England
- Ribble Steam Railway's Christmas train at Preston Docks Preston, North West England
- East Lancashire Railway Santa trains from Bury Bury, North West England
More for Christmas train families
Tinsel Train at Lakeside & Haverthwaite: parents' questions
When does the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Tinsel Train run in 2026?
On 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20 December 2026, with departures at 10am, 11.30am, 1pm and 2.30pm each day.
How much is the Tinsel Train at Haverthwaite?
A compartment for up to four people costs £125. Each extra person is £30, up to eight people in total.
Is the Tinsel Train sold out for 2026?
Partly. On 4 November 2026, 13, 19 and 20 December were fully sold out, while some departures were still available on 5, 6 and 12 December. Check the railway's booking page for the latest.
When did Tinsel Train tickets go on sale?
The sale opened online at 10am on Wednesday 4 November 2026, with a waiting room on the railway's website.
Do babies go free on the Lakeside Tinsel Train?
No. The railway asks for everyone from birth to be counted and paid for, so a baby takes up one of the places in your compartment.
How long is the Tinsel Train from Haverthwaite?
About one hour, running from Haverthwaite to Lakeside on Windermere and back.
Where does the Tinsel Train leave from?
From Haverthwaite station, near Ulverston, postcode LA12 8AL. The page does not give parking details, so ask the railway when you book.
Can I take a pushchair on the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Tinsel Train?
No. There is no space for pushchairs or car seats on the train or at the station, so bring a sling or carrier for little ones.
Are there toilets on the Tinsel Train?
The Tinsel Train page does not say. Ask the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway before you travel if you have young children.
Is the Tinsel Train heated?
The railway does not mention heating on its Tinsel Train page. Dress children in layers and ask the railway if this matters to you.
Does Father Christmas visit every compartment on the Tinsel Train?
Yes. Father Christmas comes to each compartment with presents and joins a family photo.
What present do children get on the Haverthwaite Tinsel Train?
Children up to ten get a personalised collectable soft toy, ages 11 to 17 get a festive goody bag, and all children get a gingerbread person and a soft drink.
What is the best Tinsel Train departure with a baby?
A morning train, at 10am or 11.30am, usually works best, as babies are often calmer then and you can carry them straight from the car.
What is the weather like for the Tinsel Train in the Lake District?
December in the southern Lakes is often wet and gets dark early. The compartment is indoors, but bring waterproofs for the platform and car park.
When did the Lakeside branch first open?
The Furness Railway opened the branch from near Ulverston to Lakeside on 1 June 1869 to carry tourists to the Windermere steamers.
When did the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway reopen?
The heritage railway reopened to passengers on 2 May 1973, eight years after British Railways closed the branch to passengers.
Is there a Christmas market near Haverthwaite in 2026?
Ulverston, a short drive from Haverthwaite, holds its Dickensian Christmas Festival on 28 and 29 November 2026, the weekend before the first Tinsel Train.
Are there other Christmas trains near Kendal or Lancaster besides the Tinsel Train?
Yes. The Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway's Santa Express and the Ribble Steam Railway at Preston are both within reach, and our Santa trains in the UK guide lists every ride we have checked.
Is the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Tinsel Train wheelchair accessible?
There is one wheelchair compartment on each departure. Book it by phone on 015395 31594.
Can we bring our dog on the Tinsel Train at Haverthwaite?
The Tinsel Train page does not mention dogs. Ask the railway before booking, since you will be sharing a small compartment with Father Christmas.
2027 ticket alert
Santa trains sell out fast
The best dates are often gone weeks before December. Leave your email and we will write once, the moment 2027 bookings open in North West England.
Sources
- Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway: official page (lakesiderailway.co.uk) (opens in a new tab)
- Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway: official page (lakesiderailway.co.uk) (opens in a new tab)
- Railway history (Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway) (opens in a new tab)
- Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway (Wikishire) (opens in a new tab)
- Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway (steamlocomotives.org) (opens in a new tab)
- Ulverston Dickensian Christmas Festival 2026 (dickensianfestival.co.uk) (opens in a new tab)
Checked on the railway’s official pages on 4 November 2026. This train is run by Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway. Rally Takes the Train is a children’s picture book; we are not partners with or affiliated to the railway. Book only on the official site and check dates and fares before you travel.
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