The track is just fifteen inches wide, and the little steam train climbs for about forty minutes from the coast at Ravenglass into Eskdale, below Scafell. At the top, in Dalegarth, Santa waits in his grotto. The Santa Express runs from 21 November to Christmas Eve 2026; for every other Christmas ride we have checked, see Santa Specials across the UK, nation by nation.
The short version
- Dates: 21, 22, 28 and 29 November, then 5, 6, 12, 13 and 19 to 24 December 2026
- For pre-schoolers: a shorter Santa's Little Helper Express runs on 4 and 11 December
- Journey: about 40 minutes each way by narrow-gauge steam from Ravenglass to Dalegarth
- Booking: online through FareHarbor; ticket prices and times are shown there, not on the event page
- Tip: pre-order food at least 10 days ahead, online or on 01229 717171
The Ravenglass Santa Express at a glance
- Railway
- Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway
- Departs from
- Ravenglass station, Ravenglass, Cumbria CA18 1SW
- 2026 dates
- 21, 22, 28, 29 November; 5, 6, 12, 13 and 19 to 24 December 2026. Santa's Little Helper Express (shorter, for pre-school children): 4 and 11 December 2026
- Duration
- About 40 minutes each way by steam between Ravenglass and Dalegarth, plus time at the grotto
- Fares
- Ticket prices are not shown on the event page; see the booking calendar. Pre-order food: adult sub rolls £8.50, adult sausage rolls £4.00; children's pizza or sausage roll £4.00. Upgraded seats add a festive brunch or afternoon tea.
- Booking
- Online through FareHarbor from the railway's event page. Food must be pre-ordered online or by phone (01229 717171) at least 10 days before travel. The railway describes spaces as limited.
- 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.
Museum, steam and grotto: a Santa Express day up Eskdale
Starting at Ravenglass
Your day begins on the coast at Ravenglass, where the railway's station sits beside the main-line station on the Cumbrian coast. Before or after the train, children are invited into the Ravenglass Railway Museum for elf storytelling, which is a gentle way to settle them after a long car journey and get them talking about Santa before he appears.
The railway has not put departure times on the event page, so your slot and the time to arrive will come from the booking calendar and your confirmation. Allow time to park and use the facilities at Ravenglass before boarding, as the ride up the valley takes around forty minutes.
Arriving early also gives you a moment on the platform to watch the engine being readied. For many children, seeing a locomotive this size up close is as memorable as Santa, so do not rush straight past it to your seats.
Forty minutes on the La'al Ratty
The trains are pulled by steam on fifteen-inch gauge track, which makes the carriages small and low. For children this is half the magic: the engine looks like something from a storybook, yet it is a real working locomotive. The line runs inland from the coast and finishes at Dalegarth, close to the village of Boot and not far from Scafell.
Your ticket includes a complimentary drink and the food you pre-ordered, served at your table. On a cold day a warm drink in a small carriage is part of the fun, so do the pre-order: the railway asks for it at least ten days before your date.
Santa's grotto at Dalegarth
At Dalegarth you meet Santa and his helpers in the grotto, and every child receives a gift. On the main Santa Express dates there is also a magician at Dalegarth, which keeps the queue cheerful and gives older children something to watch. You then ride the steam train back down the valley to Ravenglass.
If you choose an upgraded seat, the railway adds either a festive brunch or an afternoon tea to the day. The page does not list what each upgrade includes in detail, so read the booking calendar description before choosing.
The return journey is often the quietest part of the day. With a present in hand and a warm drink finished, many younger children doze on the way down the valley, so a blanket or a soft layer for a lap is worth bringing.
The Little Helper version for under-fives
On 4 and 11 December the railway runs Santa's Little Helper Express, a shorter version designed for pre-school children. These are Fridays, so they suit families with toddlers who are not yet tied to the school week. The magician does not appear on these dates, but Santa, the gift and the steam ride all do. If your youngest is two or three and your eldest is not yet at school, this is the date to aim for.
November, a Little Helper Friday or the last days before Christmas: picking your Eskdale date
The Santa Express has one of the longest seasons of any Christmas train in the North West, so you have more choice here than on most lines.
Babies. With a total of around eighty minutes on board plus the grotto and the museum, this is a fuller outing than a short shuttle. Babies will be fine in a sling or on a lap, but ask the railway whether a pushchair can travel or be left at Ravenglass before you go, as the event page does not say.
Toddlers and preschoolers. Santa's Little Helper Express on 4 or 11 December is the obvious pick. It is shorter and built around pre-schoolers, and Friday trains are often calmer than weekends. If you can only do a weekend, the November dates feel less rushed and leave time for a second outing before Christmas.
Older children. School-age children will enjoy the magician at Dalegarth, which is part of the main Santa Express but not the Little Helper days. The run of dates from 19 to 24 December includes weekdays as well as the last weekend, so it suits families who want to go as close to Christmas as possible.
Budget. Ticket prices are only shown in the booking calendar. The add-on food is priced on the event page: £8.50 for an adult sub roll, £4.00 for an adult sausage roll and £4.00 for a child's pizza or sausage roll. Upgraded seats with brunch or afternoon tea will cost more, so decide early whether you want the extra meal.
Weather. West Cumbria is often wet and windy in December, and the carriages are small. Pick an earlier date if you want more daylight for the coast at Ravenglass, and check the railway's website on the morning if weather looks wild.
Mixed ages. If you have a baby and a seven-year-old, the main Santa Express dates are the better compromise: the older child gets the magician, and the baby can sleep through most of the ride. Families with only pre-schoolers should look first at the two Little Helper Fridays, then at the November weekends.
From iron ore line to the La'al Ratty: 150 years of the Eskdale railway
The railway's own history says the line opened for traffic on 24 May 1875, built to a narrow gauge of three feet to carry iron ore down from the mines in Eskdale to the coast. Passengers followed in 1876. The mining did not last, and the original railway struggled for years.
Its second life began in 1915, when Bassett-Lowke and Proctor-Mitchell took the line over and started re-laying it to a gauge of just fifteen inches. The new track reached Irton Road in 1916 and ran all the way to Dalegarth by 1917.
Stone kept the line busy for a while. From the 1920s granite was quarried near Beckfoot and taken to Murthwaite for crushing, until the Keswick Granite Company stopped quarrying in 1953. With that traffic gone, the railway's future looked grim.
In 1960 the line was put up for auction and saved, and the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway Preservation Society was formed that same year. Since then the railway has built its own engines as well as caring for old ones. Its oldest working locomotive, River Irt, was first built by Sir Arthur Heywood in 1894 as Muriel and is described by the railway as the oldest working fifteen-inch gauge locomotive in the world. River Mite is listed by the railway with the date 1968 and was funded by the Preservation Society, and Northern Rock was built in the railway's own workshops, entering service in 1976.
The railway is known locally as the La'al Ratty, and it runs for about seven miles between Ravenglass and Dalegarth. Seven intermediate stations connect with walking routes, which Alfred Wainwright described in his 1978 booklet Walks from Ratty.
- 1875The three-foot gauge line opens for traffic on 24 May, carrying iron ore from Eskdale
- 1876Passenger trains begin
- 1894Sir Arthur Heywood builds the engine now called River Irt, then named Muriel
- 1915Bassett-Lowke takes over and starts re-laying the line to fifteen-inch gauge
- 1917Fifteen-inch gauge trains reach Dalegarth
- 1953Granite quarrying near Beckfoot ends
- 1960The line is saved at auction and the Preservation Society is formed
- 1976Northern Rock, built in the railway's own workshops, enters service
Two details in that story are worth sharing with children on the ride. The first is that the railway's oldest working engine was built in 1894, more than 130 years ago. The second is that the narrow track they are sitting on was laid more than a century ago, between 1915 and 1917.
For a six-year-old: this little railway once carried rocks from the mountains to the sea, then somebody made the track narrower so tiny steam engines could carry people instead, and it has been puffing up the valley for more than a hundred years.
The Cumbrian coast in December: what else to do around Ravenglass
Ravenglass is a small coastal village, so the train itself is the main event, and the museum's elf storytelling is already part of your ticket. Build the day around the ride rather than squeezing in too much else, especially with under-fives.
On a dry day, Ravenglass itself is worth a short wander before the train. The village faces the estuary and the open coast, and the main-line station next to the railway makes it easy to see a full-size train and a miniature one within a few minutes, which small train fans enjoy comparing.
If you choose one of the November dates, you can pair the train with a festive weekend further down the coast. Ulverston's Dickensian Christmas Festival takes place on 28 and 29 November 2026, according to the festival organisers, which lines up with the Santa Express dates that weekend. Ulverston is well over half an hour's drive from Ravenglass, so plan it as a separate half day.
If you have a second day in the Lakes, there is another Christmas train to consider. The Tinsel Train with private compartments at Haverthwaite runs on December weekends, but several of its dates sold out on the first day of sale, so look there quickly if you want to do both. Further south, Preston's dockside Santa steam train has a different style, with Mother Christmas and elves on board.
If the children fall for the La'al Ratty, the railway's website lists its other winter services, which make a good excuse to come back with visiting relatives once the presents are open.
For wider ideas on Christmas outings with children in the North West of England, our guide to December days out with kids in and around Manchester is the nearest of our city pages.
Small carriages, pre-ordered food and other Ravenglass details for parents
Pushchairs and space on board
The carriages on a fifteen-inch gauge line are compact. The event page does not say whether pushchairs can travel on the Santa Express or be left at Ravenglass, so ask when you book. A sling is the safest bet for babies.
Food, drinks and dietary needs
A complimentary drink is included, and food is pre-ordered and served at your table. The railway lists gluten-free and vegan options. Pre-order online or by phone on 01229 717171 at least ten days before your date, otherwise you may not get a meal on the day.
Toilets and heating on the La'al Ratty
The event page does not describe toilets on the trains or heating in the carriages. Ask the railway whether toilets are available at Ravenglass and at Dalegarth, which matters on a journey of around forty minutes each way, and whether the carriages are covered or heated on your date.
Timing your journey
With around forty minutes each way plus the grotto, the magician and the museum, set aside most of a morning or afternoon. The railway does not publish an end time on the event page, so do not book anything tight afterwards. If you are driving from Carlisle, roughly an hour and a half away, a late-morning slot avoids a dark drive home.
Tickets and availability
Tickets are sold through FareHarbor from the railway's event page, and the calendar is where you will find prices and times. The railway describes spaces as limited. The page's meta description still mentions 2025, but the on-page dates and the railway's events list both give the 2026 season, so you are looking at the right year.
Parking and arriving by train
The event page does not include parking information, so check with the railway how to arrive. Ravenglass also has a main-line station on the Cumbrian Coast Line, a handy option if you are coming from along the coast and would rather not drive.
Dogs on the La'al Ratty
An earlier version of the railway's Santa page said dogs were not permitted. The current page does not repeat this, so confirm with the railway before bringing a dog.
Weather at Ravenglass
December in Eskdale is often wet, and Dalegarth sits further up the valley than the coast at Ravenglass. Put waterproofs on the children before you leave Ravenglass, as you will be outdoors between the train and the grotto.
Questions to ask before you book
Because the event page leaves out several details, it is worth one phone call to 01229 717171 before you pay. Ask what time to arrive for your departure, whether pushchairs can travel or be stored, what age children must have their own ticket, and whether the carriages on your train are open or closed. Write the answers on your booking confirmation so everyone in the family knows the plan.
Packing for the La'al Ratty's Santa run
Small carriages and a long return trip call for a compact, well-chosen bag.
- Your FareHarbor confirmation and food pre-order details
- A baby carrier, as pushchair space on board is not confirmed
- Waterproof coats and hats for the walk to the grotto at Dalegarth
- Gloves, since the carriages are small and the valley gets cold
- A small toy or book for the forty-minute ride each way
- A bag for Santa's gift and the museum's activity treasures
- Spare clothes for toddlers, as on-board toilets are not confirmed
- A camera ready for the engine as well as for Santa
- Snacks for the drive, as food on board is only what you pre-ordered
The Ravenglass & Eskdale Santa Express in numbers
- 15 inches: the track gauge, laid between 1915 and 1917
- 3 feet: the original gauge in 1875
- About 7 miles: the length of the line from Ravenglass to Dalegarth
- About 40 minutes: each way by steam
- 14: Santa Express dates in 2026, plus 2 Little Helper dates
- 1894: year the engine now called River Irt was first built
- 1960: year the line was saved at auction
- 10 days: how far ahead food must be pre-ordered
Driving to Ravenglass from Whitehaven, Barrow and Carlisle
Ravenglass lies on the A595 along the west Cumbrian coast; times below are approximate and without traffic. You can also arrive on the Cumbrian Coast Line, which stops at Ravenglass.
| From | Drive time (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Whitehaven | about 30 minutes |
| Barrow-in-Furness | about 50 minutes |
| Carlisle | about 1 hour 30 minutes |
Other Christmas trains you can reach from west Cumbria
These are the nearest Santa trains to Ravenglass on our list, starting with the closest.
- Lakeside & Haverthwaite Tinsel Train near Windermere Haverthwaite, North West England
- Santa's Steam Train Adventure from Preston Preston, North West England
- Weardale Railway's Santa Express at Stanhope Stanhope, North East England
More for Christmas train families
Ravenglass & Eskdale Santa Express: what parents ask
What are the Ravenglass Santa Express dates for 2026?
21, 22, 28 and 29 November, and 5, 6, 12, 13 and 19 to 24 December 2026. Santa's Little Helper Express runs on 4 and 11 December.
How much is the Santa Express at Ravenglass?
Ticket prices are not shown on the event page, only in the FareHarbor booking calendar. Pre-ordered food is extra, from £4.00 for a child's meal.
How do I book the Ravenglass & Eskdale Santa Express?
Book online through FareHarbor from the railway's Santa Express page. The railway says spaces are limited.
Do babies go free on the Ravenglass Santa Express?
Infant fares are not shown on the Santa page. Check the age bands in the booking calendar or ask the railway on 01229 717171.
How long is the La'al Ratty Santa Express?
The steam ride to Dalegarth takes about 40 minutes each way, plus time with Santa at the grotto and storytelling at the museum.
Where does the Ravenglass Santa Express start?
At Ravenglass station, Cumbria CA18 1SW, beside the main-line station on the Cumbrian coast. Parking is not covered on the event page, so check with the railway.
Can I take a pushchair on the Ravenglass & Eskdale Santa train?
Pushchairs are not mentioned on the Ravenglass event page. The carriages are small, so ask the railway before you travel and consider a sling.
Are there toilets on the Ravenglass Santa Express?
This is not stated on the event page. Ask the railway about toilets at Ravenglass and Dalegarth before you go.
Is the La'al Ratty Santa train heated?
The event page does not say whether carriages are heated. Dress children warmly, as you are also outdoors at Dalegarth.
Where is Santa on the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway?
Santa and his helpers are in a grotto at Dalegarth, at the top of the line in Eskdale.
Does every child get a present on the Ravenglass Santa Express?
Yes. Every child gets a gift from Santa, and there is also a complimentary drink and pre-ordered food at your table.
What is Santa's Little Helper Express at Ravenglass?
A shorter version of the Santa Express for pre-school children, running on 4 and 11 December 2026. There is no magician on these dates.
What is the best Ravenglass Santa Express date with a baby or toddler?
Santa's Little Helper Express on 4 or 11 December is designed for pre-schoolers and is shorter than the main trip.
Do I need to pre-order food for the Ravenglass Santa Express?
Yes. Food is pre-ordered online or on 01229 717171 at least 10 days before your visit. Gluten-free and vegan options are available.
When did the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway open?
The railway's history gives 24 May 1875 for the opening to traffic, as a three-foot gauge line carrying iron ore. Passengers followed in 1876.
Why is the Ravenglass railway called the La'al Ratty?
La'al Ratty is the railway's local nickname. The line was rebuilt to fifteen-inch gauge from 1915, which is why the engines are so small.
What else is on near Ravenglass at Christmas 2026?
Ulverston's Dickensian Christmas Festival runs on 28 and 29 November 2026, and the elf storytelling at the Ravenglass Railway Museum is already part of your Santa Express ticket.
Are there other Santa trains near Whitehaven or Barrow besides Ravenglass?
The Lakeside & Haverthwaite Tinsel Train is the nearest, and Preston's Ribble Steam Railway is further south. Our hub of British Santa trains has the full list.
Is the Ravenglass Santa Express accessible for wheelchair users?
The event page does not give accessibility details. Phone the railway on 01229 717171 to ask about access on the train and at the grotto.
Can dogs come on the Ravenglass & Eskdale Santa Express?
An earlier version of the railway's page said dogs were not permitted. Confirm with the railway before you bring one.
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
- Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway: official page (ravenglass-railway.co.uk) (opens in a new tab)
- Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway: official page (ravenglass-railway.co.uk) (opens in a new tab)
- Our history (Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway) (opens in a new tab)
- Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway (steamlocomotives.org) (opens in a new tab)
- Ulverston Dickensian Christmas Festival (dickensianfestival.co.uk) (opens in a new tab)
Checked on the railway’s official pages on 4 November 2026. This train is run by Ravenglass and Eskdale 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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