At Peak Rail you do not buy a seat for the Santa Special, you buy a whole table or compartment, from £40 for two, so your family has its own corner when Santa and his helpers come down the carriage. The train leaves Rowsley South, just north of Darley Dale, for a return run through the Derwent Valley on nine dates in December 2026. To see what else runs in your area, browse our UK Santa Special listings.
The short version
- Dates: nine December 2026 dates, the weekends of 5 and 6, 12 and 13, 19 and 20, plus 22, 23 and 24
- Departures: 10.30am, 12.20pm, 2.10pm and 4pm from Rowsley South (no 4pm on Christmas Eve)
- Fares: sold by table or compartment, from £40 for a table of two on 5 and 6 December
- Booking: online; changes only until 20 November 2026 with a £25 fee, no refunds
- Tip: trains leave from Rowsley South, not Matlock town, so set your sat nav to DE4 2LF
The Peak Rail Santa Special at a glance
- Railway
- Peak Rail
- Departs from
- Rowsley South station, DE4 2LF, near Darley Dale and Matlock, Derbyshire
- 2026 dates
- Saturday 5, Sunday 6, Saturday 12, Sunday 13, Saturday 19, Sunday 20, Tuesday 22, Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 December 2026
- Times
- 10.30am, 12.20pm, 2.10pm and 4pm. No 4pm departure on 24 December.
- Duration
- About 1 hour 10 minutes return
- Fares
- Per table or compartment. 5 and 6 December: table of 2 £40, table of 3 £60, table of 4 £80, table of 6 £120, compartment of 6 £120. 12 and 13 December: £45, £65, £85, £125, £125. 19, 20, 22, 23 and 24 December: £50, £70, £90, £130, £130. Children aged 0 to 18 months may sit on a knee, with a maximum of two per table.
- Booking
- Online through Peak Rail's ticket site. Sold by table or compartment only. Changes up to 20 November 2026 with a £25 fee. No refunds unless Peak Rail cannot run. Tickets were on sale with no sold-out notice when we checked on 4 November 2026.
- 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 East Midlands.
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.
A table of your own on the Derwent Valley Santa Special
Finding Rowsley South
The first thing to know is where to go. Peak Rail's Santa Special leaves from Rowsley South, at postcode DE4 2LF, not from Matlock town centre. The station sits at the northern end of the line near Darley Dale, and families heading for Matlock out of habit can lose precious minutes on a December morning. Put the postcode into your sat nav before you set off.
Peak Rail is run by volunteers, and the Santa page does not set out arrival times, parking or what is available at the station. If you need to know any of these, call the railway on 07514 953 353 before your visit.
If you are not sure how long the last stretch will take, ask the railway when you call about parking. Give yourself a little time in hand: arriving flustered with children in the back is not the best start to a Santa trip, and the first train at 10.30am means an early start from Sheffield or Derby.
Settling in at your table
Peak Rail sells Santa Special tickets by the table or compartment rather than by the seat. Tables come in sizes for two, three, four and six people, and there are compartments for six. In practice this means your family has its own space for the whole journey, without strangers squeezing in beside you, which is a relief with toddlers who like to climb and wriggle.
Children up to 18 months can sit on an adult's knee, with no more than two knee babies per table. The Santa page does not say whether these babies are free on top of the table price, so check with the railway if you are counting on it.
Performers, Santa and gifts
The return journey through the Derwent Valley takes about an hour and ten minutes. Peak Rail uses professional performers on board, and Santa and his helpers visit every table or compartment. Each child receives an age-appropriate gift, along with a drink and a snack. Adults are given a glass of wine and a mince pie.
Because Santa comes to your own table, the visit feels personal, and shy children can stay close to a parent rather than being called up in front of a crowd. The railway's page does not say whether the train is steam or diesel hauled, so do not promise a particular engine.
Have the camera ready before Santa reaches your table, as he works his way along the carriage to every family in turn.
Christmas Eve and the last train
On most dates there are four departures, at 10.30am, 12.20pm, 2.10pm and 4pm. On Christmas Eve the 4pm does not run, so the 2.10pm is the last Santa Special of the year. The 4pm train on other dates returns in darkness, which can be magical for older children but long for babies.
Once you are back at Rowsley South, the day is yours. The Derwent Valley has plenty to explore, from Matlock to Chatsworth, and a Santa Special in the morning still leaves plenty of daylight for a walk.
Choosing the right Peak Rail table and train
With a baby on the Peak Rail Santa train
Babies up to 18 months can sit on a knee, which makes a table of two or three good value for a couple with a baby. The 10.30am train is usually best for little ones, giving time for a nap afterwards. With a table to yourselves, feeding on board is easier than on a busy open carriage, though you should ask the railway about baby changing.
A table of two works well for one parent and a baby, as the baby can sit on your knee. If two adults are coming with a baby, a table of three gives you more room, and costs only £20 more on the first weekend.
Children aged two to six
The professional performers and the personal visit at your table suit this age well. The 12.20pm and 2.10pm trains avoid an early start and finish in daylight. Choose a table size that matches your group exactly, as the price is per table rather than per person.
Little ones often find the waiting harder than the visit itself. Bring something small to do at the table, such as a colouring book or a favourite story, so the time before Santa arrives passes happily. The performers help too, as they keep the carriage lively along the way.
Older children and bigger groups
Families of six, or two families travelling together, can book a table of six or a compartment of six for the same price. A compartment gives a little more privacy, which older children often enjoy. The 4pm departure on the weekends offers a darker, more atmospheric return through the valley.
For grandparents joining the trip, a table of six or a compartment can bring three generations together in one space, which is often the part of the day families remember most.
Budget and timing on the Peak Rail Santa train
Prices rise in three steps. A table of four costs £80 on 5 and 6 December, £85 on 12 and 13 December and £90 from 19 December. For a family of four, that works out at £20 to £22.50 each, which is competitive for a Santa train. The deadline for changes is 20 November 2026, with a £25 fee, and there are no refunds after that unless Peak Rail cannot run, so book a date you can commit to. The Derwent Valley can be cold and misty in December, so plan the drive with the weather in mind.
The old Midland main line that Peak Rail brought back to the Derwent
Peak Rail runs on part of what was once the Midland Railway's main line between Manchester and London St Pancras, through the Derbyshire hills. The section between Matlock and Rowsley opened to commercial traffic in 1863 and closed in 1968.
The idea of bringing trains back began well before they ran again here. The Peak Railway Preservation Society was set up in 1975, starting at Buxton with a site and a short operating line just 300 yards long. The volunteers later moved their focus south to the Derwent Valley.
In 1987 the railway acquired Darley Dale and began relaying track. It was granted a light railway order in 1991, and passenger trains between Matlock Riverside and Darley Dale were running again in the early 1990s. In 1997 Peak Rail extended north to Rowsley South, where the Santa Special now starts, and on 2 July 2011 it extended south to Matlock.
The line today has four stations, all on standard-gauge track. It runs for roughly four miles. The railway also has plans to extend north towards Bakewell when resources allow.
For children, the most striking thing is simply that a main line from Manchester to London once ran through this quiet valley, and that the stretch they ride on at Christmas is a small, saved part of it. Older children may enjoy finding the route on a map and seeing how far it once went.
Peak Rail remains volunteer run. When you ride the Santa Special, the people checking tickets, working the train and helping Santa are largely volunteers who give their weekends to keep the line going.
- 1863The Midland line through the Derwent Valley opens
- 1968Commercial trains stop running on the line
- 1975The Peak Railway Preservation Society is founded at Buxton
- 1987Peak Rail acquires Darley Dale and starts relaying track
- 1991A light railway order is granted
- 1992Passenger trains run again between Matlock Riverside and Darley Dale
- 1997Trains reach Rowsley South
- 2011The line is extended to Matlock on 2 July
To tell a six-year-old: big trains once ran through this valley all the way to London, and after they stopped, volunteers laid the track again so Santa could ride along the river today.
Chatsworth, Matlock and the Derwent Valley in December
Rowsley South is in the heart of the Derwent Valley, and Chatsworth is close by. Chatsworth's Christmas for 2026 runs from 7 November 2026 to 3 January 2027 with the theme of The 12 Days of Christmas, with decorated rooms in the house, a light and sound trail in the garden and farmyard activities. The Chatsworth Christmas market runs from 7 November to 13 December 2026, and tickets for visits up to 13 December include the market. All tickets must be booked in advance.
If you are on one of the first two Peak Rail weekends, 5 and 6 or 12 and 13 December, you can combine a morning Santa Special with an afternoon at the Chatsworth market. After 13 December, the market has closed, but the house and garden trail continue.
Booking ahead matters here. Chatsworth's December weekends are popular, and its tickets must be bought in advance, so secure your Peak Rail table first and then book a Chatsworth slot that leaves time to drive between the two. If you are going to the market, check Chatsworth's own site for opening times on your day, as we have not listed them here.
On a day with no Chatsworth booking, a simple plan works well: an early Santa Special, then lunch somewhere warm in the valley and a short walk by the river before the light goes. In December, sunset comes before 4pm, so the morning and lunchtime trains leave the most daylight for exploring.
Matlock and Matlock Bath, just down the valley, are good for a riverside walk, and Peak Rail's own line runs to Matlock outside the Santa season. For more festive ideas in the region, our guide to Christmas events for families around Sheffield covers South Yorkshire and the Peak edge.
If you want a second Santa trip in Derbyshire, the Butterley Santa trains near Ripley are a short drive south east, and the Great Central Santa Express with its Leicester North grotto is a longer drive south.
Practical notes for the Rowsley South Santa Special
Pushchairs at Rowsley South
Peak Rail's Santa page is silent on buggies, both on board and at Rowsley South. With a table booked for your family, a folded buggy may fit, but ask the railway on 07514 953 353 before relying on it, and bring a carrier as a back-up.
If you do bring one, a compact buggy that folds with one hand is the best choice, as you may need to fold it on the platform while holding a baby.
Toilets at Rowsley South
The page does not mention toilets on the train or at Rowsley South. Ask the railway what facilities are available, including baby changing, especially if you are travelling with a toddler who is newly toilet trained.
As a precaution, stop for the toilet before you leave home or on the way, so a 70-minute train ride with a small child is not spent watching the clock.
Heating on the Peak Rail Santa train
The railway does not describe the carriage heating on the Santa page. Dress children in layers, and keep coats on the walk from the car to the train.
The 4pm departure returns after dark, when the valley gets colder quickly. Pack an extra layer for the walk back to the car on the late train.
Parking and arrival at Rowsley South
Trains leave from Rowsley South, DE4 2LF, not Matlock town. The Santa page does not give parking details or a recommended arrival time, so ask the railway, and give yourself extra time on the A6 through the valley on December weekends.
If you are coming from Sheffield or Chesterfield, the drive crosses the moors and can be slow in bad weather. From Derby, the route follows the valley north through Matlock.
Tickets and changes at Rowsley South
Tickets are sold by the table or compartment only, so you cannot buy single seats. Changes are possible up to 20 November 2026, with a £25 fee. After that there are no refunds unless Peak Rail cannot run the train.
Before you book, count heads carefully. Tables are priced by size, so a family of five would need a table of six, and babies on a knee are limited to two per table. If you are unsure which size to choose, ask the railway.
Accessibility and dogs at Rowsley South
There is one wheelchair space per train, in Coach F only. It takes one party of up to two people plus one wheelchair user. Pets cannot travel; Peak Rail accepts assistance dogs only. If you need the wheelchair space, book early, as there is only one per departure.
Weather in the Peak District
The Derwent Valley can be cold, damp and misty in December, and the hills around Matlock can get snow and ice. Check the weather and road conditions before you leave.
What to pack for Peak Rail's Santa Special
A few items that suit a table-based Santa trip in the Peak District.
- The Rowsley South postcode, DE4 2LF, saved in your phone
- A small game or book for the table before Santa arrives
- Warm layers for the platform and the car park
- A sling for the baby, in case buggies are not allowed
- A bag for each child's gift
- A phone or camera for Santa's visit to your table
- Wellies or walking boots if you plan a valley walk afterwards
- Hats and gloves for the 4pm return after dark
The Peak Rail Santa Special in numbers
- 1863: the year the Midland line through the valley opened
- 1975: the year the preservation society was founded
- 4: stations on Peak Rail
- 9: Santa Special dates in 2026
- 4: departures a day, three on Christmas Eve
- About 1 hour 10 minutes: the return trip
- 1: wheelchair space per train, in Coach F
Driving to Rowsley South from Sheffield, Derby and Chesterfield
Allow about 45 minutes from Sheffield or Derby and about 25 minutes from Chesterfield, without traffic. Head for Rowsley South, DE4 2LF, rather than Matlock town.
| From | Drive time (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Sheffield | about 45 minutes |
| Derby | about 45 minutes |
| Chesterfield | about 25 minutes |
Other Santa trains near the Peak District
These are the closest other Santa trains to Rowsley South in our guide.
- Midland Railway Butterley Santa Special Trains Ripley, East Midlands
- Great Central Santa Express on the double track Loughborough, East Midlands
- Bury's Santa Specials with a brass band on board Bury, North West England
More for Christmas train families
Peak Rail Santa Special: questions from parents
When does the Peak Rail Santa Special run in 2026, and at what times?
It runs on 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 22, 23 and 24 December 2026, leaving Rowsley South at 10.30am, 12.20pm, 2.10pm and 4pm. There is no 4pm train on 24 December.
Is the Peak Rail Santa Special wheelchair accessible?
There is one wheelchair space per train, in Coach F only, for one party of up to two people plus one wheelchair user. Book it early.
How much is the Peak Rail Santa Special?
Tickets are sold by the table or compartment. On 5 and 6 December a table of two is £40 and a table of four £80; prices rise to £50 and £90 from 19 December.
How do I book the Peak Rail Santa train?
Book online through Peak Rail's ticket site. Changes are possible until 20 November 2026 with a £25 fee, and there are no refunds unless Peak Rail cannot run.
Do babies need a ticket for the Peak Rail Santa Special?
Children aged 0 to 18 months can sit on a knee, with a maximum of two per table. The page does not say whether they are free, so ask the railway.
How long is the Peak Rail Santa Special?
The return trip through the Derwent Valley takes about 1 hour 10 minutes.
Where does the Peak Rail Santa Special leave from?
It leaves from Rowsley South, DE4 2LF, near Darley Dale, not from Matlock town. Parking is not covered on the Santa page, so phone the railway.
Can I take a pushchair on the Peak Rail Santa Special?
Peak Rail does not mention buggies on its Santa page. Call the railway on 07514 953 353 before your visit to check.
Are there toilets on the Peak Rail Santa train?
Peak Rail does not cover toilets on its Santa page, so ask about facilities on board and at Rowsley South.
Is the Peak Rail Santa Special heated?
The railway does not describe the heating. Dress children in layers.
Does Santa visit every child on the Peak Rail Santa Special?
Yes. Santa and his helpers visit every table or compartment.
What do children get on the Peak Rail Santa Special?
Each child gets an age-appropriate gift, a drink and a snack. Adults get a glass of wine and a mince pie.
Which Peak Rail Santa Special is best with a baby?
The 10.30am train usually suits babies best, leaving the afternoon free for a nap.
Can we bring the dog on the Peak Rail Santa Special?
Only assistance dogs are allowed on Peak Rail's Santa trains.
What is the weather like in the Derwent Valley in December?
Expect cold, damp and sometimes misty weather, with a chance of snow on the hills. Check road conditions before you set off.
When did Peak Rail reopen?
A light railway order was granted in 1991, trains were running again in the early 1990s, the line reached Rowsley South in 1997 and it was extended to Matlock on 2 July 2011.
What was the Peak Rail line before it was a heritage railway?
It was part of the Midland Railway's main line between Manchester and London St Pancras, open from 1863 until 1968.
What can we do near Rowsley South after the Santa Special?
Chatsworth is close by, and Matlock and Matlock Bath are good for a riverside walk down the valley.
Is there a Christmas market near Peak Rail in 2026?
Chatsworth's Christmas market runs from 7 November to 13 December 2026, and you need to book Chatsworth tickets before you go.
Are there other Santa trains near Sheffield and Derby besides Peak Rail?
Yes. Our UK Santa trains hub lists the Midland Railway Butterley and the Great Central Railway at Loughborough.
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 East Midlands.
Sources
- Peak Rail: official page (peakrail.co.uk) (opens in a new tab)
- Peak Rail (Wikipedia) (opens in a new tab)
- Christmas at Chatsworth 2026 (Chatsworth) (opens in a new tab)
Checked on the railway’s official pages on 4 November 2026. This train is run by Peak Rail. 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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