Visited for the Santa train today with three young children (2,3 and 6) and I cannot believe how bad it was. The children were given presents in a plastic bag,... read more Santa’s beard was falling off, his outfit was old and dirty, and the elf who ‘entertained’ us was just odd.

There was no effort put into any of it. It lasted around 30 minutes and the presents that the children received were cheap and not age appropriate. The adult ‘gift’ was a pen advertising the railway.

To try to make at least one part of it enjoyable for the children, we went to the cafe afterwards for a hot chocolate...to find that they had run out and it was only 2.30pm.

It was all a shambles. Extremely badly organized and nothing like it was advertised.

  What a great couple of hours spent with family at a volunteer run station and train. The station is great, a flash to a bygone era and we had a... read more look in the small museum and shop before having a hot drink and a snack in the cafe carriage, whilst we waited for our departure time. The outbound journey to the North Pole was good and the kids and adults all seemed to be enjoying themselves. Santa came through the carriages giving gifts to the children and the adults each got a pen, which was an unexpected touch. On the return journey the elves got everyone involved in a sing and dance, which was great cheesy fun. Once back at the station, there was a photo with Santa and then we had a look at the engine and our youngest was very happy to have his photo with the driver on the loco footplate. All round good fun and for a great volunteer workforce, I salute them.

Not sure what experiences others had, but we for sure had a great time and highly recommend. I guess it's all about expectations and attitude. Keep up the good work.

  Not quite what I was expecting. Cars were parked in very muddy clogged grass making it difficult to get parked. It all seemed a little chaotic when we got there.... read more Santa saw the children for all of a minute as he handed out plastic bags with the kids presents in, which weren’t wrapped (not a big issue, but would have been nicer wrapped). The toys itself were age appropriate which was good. I thought we would be on the train for around an hour but it was 10 minutes up the road. Parked for 10 minutes whilst elves set up entertainment and 10 minutes back. The entertainment was ok, but wasn’t what I was expecting from the adverts. I think if this wasn’t here it the experience would have been awful. They did make it fun for 10 minutes. We had travelled nearly two hours each way (150 miles) to come to see Santa for 1 minute between three kids and the only interaction with him was to pass their present. They didn’t get to talk to him. There was the option to go and see him in the grotto after we got back to the station but the queue was long and the train was waiting to go again with the next lot so we didn’t wait.
It really didn’t add to things when a little boy in the seats in front hadn’t got a present as it had been forgotten as the grandparent was kicking off (I understand the frustration) but it really spoilt the atmosphere for other guests as she kept complaining. Then the elf singer asked for feedback on trip advisor which set her off again.
It was ok, but wasn’t what I expected and I think my children would have preferred somewhere where we could talk to father Xmas for 5 minutes. I appreciate its voluntary workers and I appreciate their time, just think it needs a few tweaks

  A very enjoyable entertaining treat for Christmas. All staff worked really hard for this event. Each child got a gift with their name on and the adults got a gift... read more too. The train ride was just long enough to keep young children engaged and it was great fun to see children and adults joining in with the sing a long. Will be going again next year.

  I didn't know what to expect really apart from recent reviews, although my 2 young grandaughters enjoyed it and the volunteers are very good, for £15 each I think could... read more be better. Presents ok not expensive but they are just put in this rather big green plastic bag unwrapped! Also I paid £15 each for a 12 and 13 year old girl and they received not even the pen! Website mentioned stationary sets for older kids. Wont be travelling out to it next year will try one of the others. Expected at least some cookies or Santa bell for my nearly 3 and 5 year old.

  Well worth the £12 each, so much effort has gone into the experience. Santa knew every childs name on the train, friendly people helping and lots of singing