The Tanfield Railway traces its roots to a coal wagonway of 1725, and at Christmas its steam trains carry families to a fireside grotto, an elf show and Santa. For 2026, though, the railway's own page says it plainly: all tickets for the North Pole Express are sold out, on every date. Below you will find what the ride includes, how to be ready for 2027 and which trains still have seats, and our map of every Santa train in the UK lists the rest.
The short version
- Status: every 2026 North Pole Express date, 28 November to 24 December, is sold out
- Still running: Mince Pie Specials on 27, 28 and 31 December 2026, from £19.08
- Nearest Santa train with dates: the Weardale Railway's Santa Express from Stanhope
- 2026 fares, for reference: adult £24 plus £1.44 fee, child £28 plus £1.68 fee
- For 2027: sign up for our one-time ticket alert so you hear when sales open
The North Pole Express at a glance
- Railway
- Tanfield Railway
- Departs from
- East Tanfield station, near Stanley, County Durham. The railway's page gives two addresses: New Front St, Tanfield Lea, Stanley DH9 9UY (map) and Gateshead NE16 5ET (footer).
- 2026 dates
- 28, 29 November; 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24 December 2026 (all sold out)
- Times
- 10.25am, 11.25am, 12.25pm, 1.25pm, 2.25pm, 3.25pm and 4.25pm
- Status
- Sold out for 2026
- Duration
- 2 hours 25 minutes
- Fares
- Adult (16+) £24 plus £1.44 booking fee; child (0 to 15) £28 plus £1.68 booking fee
- Booking
- Pre-booking required through FareHarbor. All tickets for 2026 are sold out. Mince Pie Specials run on 27, 28 and 31 December 2026 from £19.08.
- 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 East 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.
What a North Pole Express trip at Tanfield includes
Sold out for 2026: the short version
Let us start with the news no parent wants. On 4 November 2026 the Tanfield Railway's North Pole Express page showed every date as sold out, from the first weekend of 28 and 29 November through to Christmas Eve. There is no waiting list mentioned on the page, so do not count on returns. If you were hoping to go this year, skip ahead to the alternatives below; if you are planning for 2027, read on to see what you will be booking.
We still think the page is worth reading if Tanfield is on your list for next year. Knowing in advance what the trip includes, what it cost in 2026 and how quickly it sold makes it much easier to decide on the day sales open, instead of losing the dates while you weigh things up.
Two hours and twenty-five minutes at the North Pole
The North Pole Express is a long visit by Santa train standards. The railway gives the duration as 2 hours 25 minutes, with departures from East Tanfield on the hour plus 25 minutes, from 10.25am to 4.25pm. That length gives time for a return steam ride and a full programme at the 'North Pole' rather than a quick hello.
The day includes a photo with the Ticket Conductor, a visit to Santa and his elves in a fireside grotto, and the Jingles Elf Show. Every child receives a gift, there is a tote bag to take home, and there are festive treats for adults and children alike. Parking is free.
Seven departures a day across eleven dates is a large programme for a heritage line, and it still sold out. That tells you how popular the North Pole Express has become with families across Tyneside and County Durham, and why booking early is not optional here.
Who it suits
With a show, a grotto and a return steam journey, this is a full morning or afternoon out, best for children who can manage a couple of hours of excitement. The railway's own FAQ covers pyjamas, toilets, heating, an accessible compartment and carers. Read that FAQ when you plan for 2027, as the details are posted there rather than on the main page.
Still going after Christmas: the Mince Pie Specials
Tanfield has not finished its festive season when the North Pole Express does. The railway's train rides page lists Mince Pie Specials on 27, 28 and 31 December 2026, from £19.08. These are not Santa trains, but they are a way to ride Tanfield's steam trains over the holidays with grandparents or cousins, and they are a good test run if you want to see the line before booking next year's Christmas trip.
Your options now that Tanfield is full: same week, same region or next year
Because the North Pole Express is sold out, the useful choice this year is between other trains rather than between Tanfield departures.
Closest Santa train with 2026 dates. The Weardale Railway's Santa Express up the dale from Stanhope runs from 28 November to 24 December 2026, with Gold tickets from £33 and VIP from £43. It is a good fit for families in Durham and Newcastle. Its trip is shorter, just under an hour, which suits toddlers better than Tanfield's long programme.
A bigger day out. Further south, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway's Santa trains from Pickering are a longer drive from Tyneside but make a full family day in the North York Moors.
The Moors trains run on many of the same dates as Tanfield, from 28 November to Christmas Eve, with fares that rise as Christmas gets closer: £29.50 per person on the November weekend, £34.50 in early December and £39.50 from 19 December, plus a booking fee. Their ride is about an hour, Pickering to Levisham and back.
Babies and toddlers. If your youngest is under two, the shorter Weardale trip is the easier choice this year. A two-and-a-half-hour programme is a lot for a baby, and next year you can judge whether your child is ready for Tanfield's longer day.
Older children. School-age children who love engines may get as much from a Mince Pie Special between Christmas and New Year as from a Santa train, and fares start from £19.08.
For 2027. Tanfield's 2026 dates were all gone by the first days of November, which tells you how quickly to move next year. Our one-time 2027 ticket alert sends you a single email when bookings open, so you can be ready on the day.
Choosing a 2027 departure. When sales do open, think about the length of the day first. With departures from 10.25am to 4.25pm and a trip of 2 hours 25 minutes, a 10.25am train has you back before lunch, while the 4.25pm departure runs well into the dark, which can feel magical for older children but is long for little ones at the end of a winter day.
Coal wagons, Causey Arch and the claim to be the world's oldest railway
The Tanfield Railway describes itself as the world's oldest railway, dating back to 1725, a full century before the Stockton and Darlington Railway. It was built to move coal from the collieries around Tanfield down to the River Tyne, at first as a colliery wagonway with wooden rails. One summary notes that the Middleton Railway in Leeds also claims to be the oldest working railway, because it was authorised by an Act of Parliament in 1758; both claims rest on different definitions.
The most famous structure on the line is Causey Arch, a stone bridge built in the 1720s. Sources disagree on the exact years: one gives 1726, another gives 1725 to 1727. One summary describes it as the longest single-span bridge in Britain at the time.
The wagonway changed over the following century. Replacement of the wooden rails began in 1837, the section from Causey to East Tanfield was built in 1839, and the engine shed at Marley Hill was built in 1854. In 1881 the line was converted to steam locomotive operation and became part of the North Eastern Railway. Coal kept it busy until East Tanfield Colliery closed in 1964, when the railway closed and its track was lifted.
Preservation started at Marley Hill. Sources give different dates for the first heritage passenger trains: one says a passenger train ran for a week in August 1975, another says the first preserved trains ran in 1977. Regular passenger trains from Marley Hill to Sunniside began on 2 July 1981. The line was then pushed back south, reaching Causey in 1991 and East Tanfield, today's starting point for the North Pole Express, on 18 October 1992.
- 1725The Tanfield wagonway is built to carry coal towards the River Tyne
- 1720sCausey Arch is built; sources give 1726 or 1725 to 1727
- 1839The section from Causey to East Tanfield is built
- 1854Marley Hill engine shed is built
- 1881The line converts to steam locomotives and joins the North Eastern Railway
- 1964East Tanfield Colliery closes and the railway is closed and lifted
- 1981Passenger trains begin between Marley Hill and Sunniside on 2 July
- 1992The first train reaches East Tanfield on 18 October
The railway calls its trip a six-mile round trip, and other sources give the line as about three miles long, with stations at East Tanfield, Causey Arch, Andrews House and Sunniside.
Sources differ on several of these dates, which is common for a line with three centuries of history and several owners. Where two figures exist we have given both, and the railway's own history page is the best place to read more before your visit.
For a six-year-old: three hundred years ago, long before steam engines came to this line, wagons full of coal ran along wooden rails right here, and today the same route carries steam trains to see Santa.
Christmas around Stanley, Durham and Newcastle in 2026
Even without a North Pole Express ticket, there is plenty to do near Tanfield in December. The most solid date we found is in Durham, about 25 minutes away by car: the Durham Christmas Festival runs from Friday 4 to Sunday 6 December 2026, with a craft and producers' marquee on Palace Green, according to the festival's ticketing page.
Durham makes an easy half day with children: the festival is compact, Palace Green sits between the cathedral and the castle, and the walk from the city centre is short. Go early on the Saturday if you want to avoid the busiest hours with a pushchair.
Newcastle, also about 25 minutes from Tanfield, holds a Christmas market across the city centre each year, around Grey Street, Grainger Street and the Monument, with a Christmas village at Old Eldon Square. The official tourism page had not published 2026 dates when we checked, so look again on NewcastleGateshead's website before you go.
Durham is also about 40 minutes by car from Stanhope, home of the Weardale Railway's Santa train, so the festival and that train can share a December weekend. For families in Sunderland, about half an hour from Tanfield, the same plan works in reverse.
For a quieter plan, the Tanfield line itself is worth a visit outside the Santa season. The Mince Pie Specials between Christmas and New Year let you see Causey Arch country by steam train, and the railway runs other trains through the year, listed on its train rides page.
For grottos, light trails and indoor plans across the North East, our guide to family Christmas events in and around Newcastle lists what we have checked for 2026, and is the best place to start now that Tanfield is full.
Tanfield notes for 2027 planners: fares, fees, addresses and the railway's FAQ
If you already hold 2026 tickets
Families who booked before the sell-out should keep their FareHarbor confirmation safe and check the railway's website in the week before travel for any changes to arrival times or parking. If you can no longer go, contact the railway about its policy rather than reselling tickets privately.
Why children pay more than adults
In 2026 the child fare (ages 0 to 15) was £28 and the adult fare (16 and over) was £24, each with a small booking fee of £1.68 and £1.44. The railway does not explain the difference, but the child ticket includes a gift. Note that the child band starts at 0, so babies needed a ticket too. Expect a similar structure in 2027, but check the prices when they are published.
Booking at East Tanfield
Tickets are sold only by pre-booking through FareHarbor from the railway's website. Because every 2026 date sold out, set a reminder for 2027 and book as soon as sales open, ideally with your preferred date and a back-up already chosen.
Checking for returned tickets
The North Pole Express page does not mention a waiting list or a returns policy. If you are determined to go this year, it does no harm to check the FareHarbor calendar now and then in case a seat reappears, but do not hold off booking another railway while you wait. A confirmed ticket at Weardale or Pickering is worth more than a hoped-for return at Tanfield.
Getting there and parking
The North Pole Express leaves from East Tanfield, and parking is free. The railway's page gives two addresses: New Front St, Tanfield Lea, Stanley DH9 9UY on its map, and a Gateshead postcode, NE16 5ET, in its footer. Use the map address for satnav and confirm with the railway if you are unsure.
Pyjamas, toilets, heating and accessibility
The railway's FAQ for the North Pole Express covers pyjamas, toilets, heating, an accessible compartment and carers. We have not reproduced the answers here, so read that FAQ directly when you book for 2027, and ask the railway about the accessible compartment as early as you can.
Weather at East Tanfield
County Durham in December can be cold and frosty, and the grotto visit and show mean moving between train and buildings. Dress children warmly over any pyjamas, and check the railway's website on the morning if snow or ice is forecast.
Dogs on the North Pole Express
The page we checked does not say whether dogs can travel on the North Pole Express. Ask the railway before you bring one in 2027.
Timing on the day
With a trip of nearly two and a half hours, plan meals around your departure. The festive treats are part of the programme, but they are not lunch, so feed children before a midday train or bring snacks for after the show. Use the toilets before boarding, whatever the FAQ says about facilities on board.
Packing for a long Tanfield Christmas trip, in 2027 or on a Mince Pie Special
A trip of nearly two and a half hours needs more planning than a quick Santa shuttle, so use this list for 2027 or for a Mince Pie Special this winter.
- Warm layers over pyjamas, if your children wear them for the trip
- Snacks and drinks to bridge a long programme
- A charged phone for the Ticket Conductor photo and the grotto
- The tote bag from the trip, ready for the gift and treats
- Spare clothes and nappies for under-threes
- Hats and gloves for frosty County Durham platforms
- Your FareHarbor confirmation and the map address for satnav
- A small toy or book for the quieter stretch of the return ride
The Tanfield Railway and its North Pole Express in numbers
- 1725: the date the railway gives for its origins
- About 3 miles: length of the line today
- 6 miles: the round trip, as the railway describes it
- 1964: year the original line closed
- 11: North Pole Express dates in 2026, all sold out
- 7: departures a day, from 10.25am to 4.25pm
- 2 hours 25 minutes: length of each North Pole Express trip
- 3: Mince Pie Special dates after Christmas 2026
- 4: stations on today's line: East Tanfield, Causey Arch, Andrews House and Sunniside
- £19.08: starting fare for the 2026 Mince Pie Specials
Driving to East Tanfield from Newcastle, Durham and Sunderland
East Tanfield lies near Stanley in the north of County Durham, with free parking at the railway; times below are approximate without traffic.
| From | Drive time (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Newcastle upon Tyne | about 25 minutes |
| Durham | about 25 minutes |
| Sunderland | about 30 minutes |
Santa trains with 2026 dates near Tanfield
With the North Pole Express sold out, these are the closest Christmas rides we have checked, starting with the nearest.
- Santa Express on the Weardale Railway from Stanhope Stanhope, North East England
- North Yorkshire Moors Railway Santa Specials Pickering, Yorkshire and the Humber
- Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway's Tinsel Train Haverthwaite, North West England
More for Christmas train families
Tanfield Railway North Pole Express: parents' questions
Is the Tanfield Railway North Pole Express sold out for 2026?
Yes. On 4 November 2026 the railway's page said all tickets were sold out, covering every date from 28 November to 24 December.
What dates did the Tanfield North Pole Express run in 2026?
28 and 29 November and 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 22, 23 and 24 December 2026, all now sold out.
How much was the North Pole Express at Tanfield?
In 2026 adults (16+) paid £24 plus a £1.44 fee and children (0 to 15) paid £28 plus a £1.68 fee.
When do Tanfield North Pole Express tickets go on sale for 2027?
The railway has not announced a 2027 date. Sign up for our 2027 ticket alert and check the Tanfield Railway website in the autumn.
Do babies go free on the Tanfield North Pole Express?
No. The 2026 child fare covered ages 0 to 15, so babies needed a ticket.
How long is the North Pole Express at Tanfield?
Each trip lasts 2 hours 25 minutes, including the steam ride, the grotto and the Jingles Elf Show.
Where does the Tanfield North Pole Express leave from?
From East Tanfield station near Stanley. The railway gives New Front St, Tanfield Lea, Stanley DH9 9UY on its map, and parking is free.
Can I take a pushchair on the Tanfield Railway Santa train?
The main page does not say. Check the railway's North Pole Express FAQ or ask the railway directly.
Are there toilets on the Tanfield North Pole Express?
The railway's FAQ covers toilets. Read it on the Tanfield Railway website before you travel.
Is the Tanfield North Pole Express heated?
Heating is covered in the railway's own FAQ for the North Pole Express, so check there for the details.
Is Santa on the Tanfield North Pole Express?
Yes. Families visit Santa and his elves in a fireside grotto during the trip, and every child receives a gift.
What is included in the Tanfield North Pole Express?
A return steam ride, the grotto with Santa and elves, a photo with the Ticket Conductor, the Jingles Elf Show, a tote bag, a gift for every child, festive treats and free parking.
Is the Tanfield North Pole Express suitable for a baby?
It is a long trip at 2 hours 25 minutes. With a baby, a shorter ride such as the Weardale Railway's Santa Express may be easier.
What other trains run at Tanfield over Christmas 2026?
Mince Pie Specials run on 27, 28 and 31 December 2026, from £19.08. They are not Santa trains.
Is the Tanfield Railway really the oldest railway in the world?
The railway says it dates back to 1725, a century before the Stockton and Darlington. The Middleton Railway in Leeds makes a rival claim based on its 1758 Act of Parliament.
When was Causey Arch on the Tanfield Railway built?
In the 1720s. Sources disagree on the exact years, giving either 1726 or 1725 to 1727.
Is there a Christmas market near Tanfield in 2026?
The Durham Christmas Festival runs from 4 to 6 December 2026 on Palace Green. Newcastle's market had no confirmed 2026 dates when we checked.
With Tanfield sold out, which Santa trains near Newcastle still have tickets in 2026?
The Weardale Railway's Santa Express from Stanhope is the closest, and the North Yorkshire Moors Railway is further south. Our Santa trains in the UK guide lists them all.
Is the Tanfield North Pole Express wheelchair accessible?
The railway's FAQ mentions an accessible compartment and carers. Contact the railway early when booking for 2027.
Can dogs come on the Tanfield Railway North Pole Express?
The page we checked does not mention dogs. Ask the Tanfield Railway before you plan to 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 East England.
Sources
- Tanfield Railway: official page (tanfield-railway.co.uk) (opens in a new tab)
- Tanfield Railway: official page (tanfield-railway.co.uk) (opens in a new tab)
- History (Tanfield Railway) (opens in a new tab)
- Tanfield Railway (Co-Curate, Newcastle University) (opens in a new tab)
- Tanfield Railway (steamlocomotives.org) (opens in a new tab)
- Durham Christmas Festival 2026 (Durham University) (opens in a new tab)
- Newcastle Christmas Market (NewcastleGateshead) (opens in a new tab)
Checked on the railway’s official pages on 4 November 2026. This train is run by Tanfield 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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