Press Tickets
If you are based in the North, or visiting over the festive period, you simply have to book a ride on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway Santa Specials! My niece went along at the weekend and had an incredible time – it’s the perfect festive experience for the family this Christmas and you can book your tickets online now.
My family went on one of the earlier train journeys and I would recommend this as the next train was a lot busier. Arrive early to make sure you don’t miss boarding, there is a shop on the platform for you to buy yourself a hot drink if you wish (Isla had a hot chocolate, which she thought was yummy). When the train arrives you will have time to board and sit in one of the carriages – don’t worry, there will be entertainment on whichever carriage you are on, and the carriages are decorated to get you in the Christmas spirit too!
As I said, the train my niece was on, it was fairly quiet, and Isla got lots of attention from the two elves who were providing the entertainment in her carriage. The train journey takes you on a 20-30 ride, with plenty to keep little ones occupied (and the grown ups entertained too), including games, singalong songs and festive quizzes.
Isla really enjoyed the games and quizzes and she came out of her shell more than she usually would with a Santa, as she can be quite shy. When Santa came into the carriage she was animated and enjoyed the experience, chatting away to Santa and beaming when she was given a gift.
The gift was lovely, a hedgehog soft toy with stuffing and a soft red heart to place inside – such a fun interactive gift, which Isla was super happy with.
The Santa Specials are available to book on 2/3/9/10/16/17/23/24 December, departing from either Pickering or Grosmont stations. You can choose a departure time to suit you (I would recommend the earlier journeys to avoid the crowds). Tickets are £30 pp with a gift and backpack for each child. The journey is approximately one hour in length (30 minutes each way, returning to the station you started at). Make sure you wrap up warm as the carriages can be a little chilly as the weather gets colder.
My family were gifted tickets for the NYMR Santa Special for the purpose of review, however all words and images are our own.
