About
Epping Ongar Railway - Santa's Special Trains
Santa Specials run on the 25th and 26th November and on 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd and 24th December
Tickets on sale NOW and going fast!
SANTA'S AGREED TO RETURN FOR 2023, SO IT'S ALL ABOARD FOR SANTA'S SPECIAL TRAIN!
All children receive a present from Santa
Join The Epping Ongar Railway heritage bus service at Epping or Ongar
Take a return journey on Santa's Special Train from North Weald
Meet Santa and his friends during the experience
The experience starts as you join the vintage London bus service at either Epping Underground station or in Ongar at the times shown below. When you arrive at North Weald Station you will get the chance to get in the spirit with something from the festive food stall whilst you listen to a live brass band! As you wait for the train perhaps you will meet our characters who will be walking around the crowds looking for the nice children to make sure that Santa will find them later. Naughty children will not be allowed to board the train!
Not long after arriving the excitement mounts as you cross the footbridge to join Santa's fantastically festive Special Train, which will take you on a return journey via the ancient Epping Forest to Ongar. Whilst the nice children wait for Santa to find them on the train and give them a present, our entertainers will be around to keep you busy. The children will find time to write a letter for Santa or enter a drawing competition.
Dates and times:
Santa's Special Trains run on 25th and 26th November and on 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd and 24th December
You can choose one of the following times:
09:00 (9, 10, 16, 17, 22, 23 and 24 December only)
10:40
12:20
14:00 (not 24 December)
15.40 (not 24 December)
Remember, your experience starts on the vintage London bus from either Epping Underground station, or Ongar, at the times stated above, before you join Santa's Fantastically Festive Special Train at North Weald.
Ticket Prices
As well as the popular private compartments, Epping Ongar Railway offer "family spaces" in our standard coaches for up to 4, 6 or 8 people. This space is exclusive to your party around tables either side of a central aisle. For both private compartments and the 6 seat family spaces you can add up to two additional adults, for an additional charge, during the booking process.
Pricing structure - please see the Santa Special webpage here. Prices for a party of 4 range from £110 to £130
CHECK AVAILABILITY and book your tickets here: Santa's Special Trains | Epping Ongar Railway (eorailway.co.uk)
Book Tickets Online
Facilities
Accessibility
- Disabled persons toilet - Ladies and Gentlemen's toilets are available at Ongar and North Weald stations. Baby changing equipment is included within the Family Room / Ladies Waiting Room facilities at both stations. Disabled toilets are available in Ongar High Street (400 yards from station). Unfortunately, while we have enabled step-free access to Ongar building, the Grade II listed 1865 station does not accommodate a wheelchair accessible toilet. We have recently installed a new disabled toilet in our outlet building at North Weald.
- Facility for service dogs - Well controlled dogs, guide and assistance dogs are welcome on our railway at no extra charge. However we are unable to accept dogs, other than assistance dogs, on our dining trains. Should your companion feel thirsty, there are usually water bowls on the platforms with fresh water available. If you cannot find these, please don't hesitate to ask.
- Guide Dogs Permitted - Well controlled dogs, guide and assistance dogs are welcome on our railway at no extra charge. However we are unable to accept dogs, other than assistance dogs, on our dining trains. Should your companion feel thirsty, there are usually water bowls on the platforms with fresh water available. If you cannot find these, please don't hesitate to ask.
- Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors - There is very limited parking available at the stations, with priority given to blue badge / disabled customers
- Wheelchair user accessible - We are able to accommodate visitors with disabilities and in wheelchairs. Our Railway Access Statement - Policy for Disabled People is available to view online. Please do not hesitate to seek assistance from our friendly staff, who are here to help you enjoy your visit.
Catering
- On-Site cafe/restaurant - We have our Anglia café coach at North Weald, which serves a range of hot and cold drinks and light refreshments. We also have the "Buffet Stop" at Ongar, also selling hot and cold drinks, crisps and snacks. We recommend the Picnic and Viewing Area at Ongar to relax and unwind, offering a grandstand view of the station and locomotives. At North Weald we have a number of picnic tables around the site that you are welcome to use. There are a number of local pubs and restaurants in both Ongar and North Weald, all offering hot meals.
- Picnic Site - We recommend the Picnic and Viewing Area at Ongar to relax and unwind, offering a grandstand view of the station and locomotives. At North Weald we have a number of picnic tables around the site that you are welcome to use.
Establishment Features
- Dogs admitted on a lead - Well controlled dogs, guide and assistance dogs are welcome on our railway at no extra charge. However we are unable to accept dogs, other than assistance dogs, on our dining trains. Should your companion feel thirsty, there are usually water bowls on the platforms with fresh water available. If you cannot find these, please don't hesitate to ask.
- Dogs welcome - Well controlled dogs, guide and assistance dogs are welcome on our railway at no extra charge. However we are unable to accept dogs, other than assistance dogs, on our dining trains. Should your companion feel thirsty, there are usually water bowls on the platforms with fresh water available. If you cannot find these, please don't hesitate to ask.
- Toilets
Parking & Transport
- Coach parking
- On site parking - There is very limited parking available at the stations, with priority given to blue badge / disabled customers. Please drive and park with care, avoid blocking access and with consideration of our neighbours.
- Park and Ride - Park at Epping Station car park (pay and display) and pick up the EOR Heritage bus to North Weald Station.
- Railway station within 5 miles - Heritage buses pick-up from Epping Central Line station for this event
Provider Preferences
- Forest Location
- In countryside
- In town/city centre
- Outdoor Event
Specialist Features
- Cyclists welcome
- Family Fun
- Marketed Towards Families
Map & Directions
Road Directions
North Weald: North Weald Station, Station Road, North Weald, CM16 6BT
Ongar Station: Ongar Station, Station Approach, Ongar, CM5 9BN (Sanat Special run from North Weald)
Epping Underground Station, Station Road, Epping, CM16 4HW
Heritage buses collect from Epping Station and heritage trains run between North Weald and Ongar.
Public Transport Directions
Central Line to Epping Station where Epping Ongar Railway heritage buses will pick up and take you to North Weald and Ongar with heritage trains running on the line.
