Santa Express 2024

Our Santa Express event will be running this year on the 30th November, 1st, 7th and 8th December 2024

The bookings will go live at

09:00 on Saturday 12th October 2024

We know that on previous years there is very high demand for these tickets which results in some panic and then errors in the information collected. You may be placed in a queue when you access the booking system but once you’re connected, selected your seats and ready to pay you will have 10 minutes to complete your booking so there is no need to panic at that point.

To complete the booking you will need the following information:

Name, age and gender of any children you are booking for. We always organise age appropriate gifts and personalised badges which we hope adds to the enjoyment of the day. You will not be able to proceed to completion of the booking without this information.

We will NOT be making any amendments to bookings once you have booked so please ensure that you enter the correct details and that you book the correct time and date (remembering that the time you are booking is the train departure time – you will need to arrive 45 minutes before that time to ensure you get the full experience).


Event Details

Our Santa Express trains will be running this year on the 30th November, 1st, 7th and 8th of December. Bring the family and enjoy a fun filled experience ending in a train journey to visit Santa in his lodge.

On arrival at Barnards Farm, you’ll be greeted, by a member of our team, and directed to our festive cruck framed barn where you’ll be able to enjoy complimentary refreshments and our young guests will be entertained whilst waiting to board the train.  Please note to enjoy this entertainment you will need to arrive 45 minutes BEFORE the train departure time printed on your ticket. 

From the barn, you will leave for the Burtonshaw Station where your steam hauled Santa Express train will be waiting.

The train will make its way through woodland to the Belvedere station where Santa and his elf will be ready to welcome you. 

Each family will disembark in turn to visit Santa, collect a present and have time for that all important photo opportunity. 

Once everyone has visited Santa the train will return to Burtonshaw Station, bringing you back to your car. Please note you will not be able to return to the barn, but if required there are toilets at the station

The whole experience will take approximately 90 minutes from the time of your arrival. 

Ticket Information

Tickets for this extra special event are £26 per person (adult or child) plus booking fee. 

The adult ticket includes the train ride and complimentary tea/coffee and cake.  The child ticket includes the train ride, a complimentary drink, cake and, of course, a present from Santa. 

Babies (under 12 months) ride free but will still receive a small gift. 

Before starting your booking please have the following information to hand.  The number of adult tickets required and the name, age and gender of each child in your party including babies. This information is needed to ensure the correct allocation of presents from Santa.  Please note: You will not be able to proceed to completion of the booking without these details.  

Finally, please take time to ensure that all information is correct at time of booking as tickets cannot be amended, exchanged or refunded after purchase.


Train Times

Saturday 30th November: 11:00, 11:45, 12:30, 13:15, 14:00, 14:45, 15:30, 16:15 and 17:00
Sunday 1st December: 11:00, 11:45, 12:30, 13:15, 14:00, 14:45, 15:30, 16:15
Saturday 7th December: 11:00, 11:45, 12:30, 13:15, 14:00, 14:45, 15:30, 16:15 and 17:00
Sunday 8th December: 11:00, 11:45, 12:30, 13:15, 14:00, 14:45, 15:30, 16:15


Special Wheelchair Carriage

If you or your child are wheelchair users you can book our special wheelchair carriage to take you both on the journey to Santa.  For further information or to book please email christine@barnardsfarm.eu. 

This Santa Express ticket represents a donation to the Christabella Charitable Trust which is a registered charity (Registration Number 800610).  Each booking will also receive, on the day of your visit, one complimentary entry ticket for a 2025 Barnard’s Garden Open Day.


Frequently asked question

What time should I arrive at Barnards Farm?
45 minutes before the train departure time printed on your ticket.  i.e  if your train departure time is 15.00 you should arrive at 1415

How long does the Santa Experience last?
Approximately 90 minutes

Am I able to amend my ticket after booking?
No, all details given at the time of booking are final.

Is there somewhere I can leave my child buggy?
Yes, at the Burtonshaw Station where it can be collected after the train ride.

What should I wear?
This train ride is outdoors, in open carriages, so we suggest that you come prepared to be wrapped up warm and as dry as can be.