The time you select is your train departure time, please be on the platform around 15 minutes before this time.

Your ticket will be valid for one allocated return journey from Clayton West Station to Shelley North Pole on a reserved, timed service with allocated seating.

The time you select is the time your train will DEPART Clayton West Station - please do not be late as the trains will not wait!

Seats on the train are allocated, if you wish to sit together the only way to guarantee this is to make 1 booking for the whole party. If you wish to add other guests to an existing booking please give us a call on 01484 865727 where can check availability, add on extra guests and take payment.

Santa Express and SEND Santa bookings

• Visitors are welcome to arrive from when we are at 9:30am and enjoy the facilities at Clayton West. We advise that you arrive around 2-3 hours before you train departure time.

• The facilities at Clayton West will close at 19.00.  Toilets will remain open until the last train returns

• The Firebox Cafe will be serving hot food from 9.30-17.30. Hot/cold drinks will be available until at 18.00

Festive Friday bookings

The train ride and visit to Father Christmas lasts approximately two hours.

The 16:30 train will arrive back to Clayton West around 18:30pm.

The 17:40pm train will arrive back at Clayton West at around 19:45pm.

• Visitors are welcome to arrive from when we open at 15:30pm and enjoy the facilities at Clayton West.

• The facilities at Clayton West will close at 19.00.  Toilets will remain open until the last train returns

• The Firebox Cafe will be serving hot food from 15:30-17.30. Hot/cold drinks will be available until at 18.00

• If you are travelling on 17:40pm train of the day, the facilities at Clayton West will be closed when you return except the toilets.

Please note: The Festive Friday bookings DO NOT include the Magic Show. If you wish to see the Magic Show, please book on our Santa Express event.

Steam into Christmas bookings

• The time you choose when making your booking is the time you will be visiting Santa in The Cabin at Clayton West

• Visitors are welcome to arrive from 15.30pm and stay until close 19.15pm

• If you wish to see Santa and his Elves arrive please be on the platform around 16.00pm

• If you wish to watch the Grand Light Switch On please arrive by 17.00pm

• Your ticket only includes one visit to Santa in The Cabin

• Please be aware there will be flashing lights and small fireworks at this event, take this into consideration when booking.

Please note: The Steam into Christmas bookings DO NOT include a train ride. If you wish to go on a steam train, please book onto our Santa express.

Whistlestop Valley operates a NO TICKET, NO ENTRY policy due to the event being all inclusive.

Every guest will need a ticket.

The age you choose when booking dictates the age- appropriate gifts given to the child by Santa. If your child's age is towards the end of a category, we advise moving up the next age category.

Please ensure that you have select the correct age category. If you select the wrong age category, please email us at info@whistlestopvalley.co.uk with your order reference number immediately, changes CANNOT be made on the day.

All passengers MUST have a ticket to travel on our Santa Trains including infants under 12 months.

Age categories

✨Under 12 months - Bespoke Whistlestop Valley Gift - All infants under 12 months must have a ticket

✨1-2 year old

✨3-5 year old

✨6-8 year old

✨9-13 year old

✨14-17 year old

Santa Express Timetable & Prices 2026

Join Spike the Elf at the following times in The Shed.

11:20pm, 12:30pm, 13:15pm, 14:15pm, 15:30pm, 16:30pm (Please note the final show on Christmas Eve will be 15:30pm)

Please note: Festive Friday bookings DO NOT include the Magic Show. If you wish to see the Magic Show, please book on our Santa Express event.

(Please note The Shed will NOT be open for playing or seating for any of our Christmas events)

No dogs are allowed at our Christmas Experiences (Santa Express, SEND Santa, Steam into Christmas and Festive Friday). Service dogs are accepted.

Concessions, family tickets, discounts, vouchers, promotions, passes & offers are NOT available /valid on Christmas services.

A Carer ticket can be purchased for SEND SANTA but proof must be given e.g. DLA, PIP or Carer's Card.

Bookings MUST be made online and full payment is required at the time of booking.

​

We regret that we cannot make bookings over the phone or in person - please do not put our staff in an awkward position by asking us to do so!

​

All  bookings will incur a £1.80 booking fee per transaction (not per ticket).

​

After making your booking, you will receive an email confirmation - please keep it safe as you will need it on the day of your visit.  Nearer to the time, you will be sent an email with further details about your Santa experience - keep an eye on your inbox and SPAM folders!

There is NO Steam Train ride to Shelley station during this event, please book on another Santa experience if you wanting to go on the steam train to Shelley North Pole.

 What’s happening on the day? 

✨Welcome Santa to Whistlestop Valley as he arrives on the platform via steam train at around 4pm

✨Gather around the fenced area of the Clayton Flyer to see Santa and his Elves bring Christmas to Whistlestop Valley at the Grand Light Switch on at around 5pm – please note fireworks will be taking place around the Clayton Flyer area

✨One-on-one meeting with Santa in The Cozy Cabin.  Each child will receive a Golden Coin to spend in Mrs Claus’s cabin choosing a gift of their choice

✨Chat with Santa’s Festive Elves as they bring mischief and magic to Clayton West station

✨Enjoy a ride in Santa’s Festive Sleigh along the platform (unlimited rides) pulled by a real steam train

✨Let off some Christmas steam with a run around the playground, bounce on the Jumping Pillow (unlimited)

✨Take a ride on the Clayton Flyer and enjoy the festive lights at the front of the station building (unlimited)

 ✨The Firebox Café will be open to purchase festive treats

• The time you choose when making your booking is the time you will be visiting Santa in The Cabin at Clayton West

• Visitors are welcome to arrive from 15.30pm and stay until close 19.15pm

• If you wish to see Santa and his Elves arrive please be on the platform around 16.00pm

• If you wish to watch the Grand Light Switch On please arrive by 17.00pm

• Your ticket only includes one visit to Santa in The Cabin

• Please be aware there will be flashing lights and small fireworks at this event, take this into consideration when booking.