La'al Ratty's Santa Express is back from 21 November, get booked Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway's Santa Express returns from 21 November
Marra Mode is how your mate would tell you down the pub over a pint. Switch it off for the straight version.
Santa's on the La'al Ratty again from 21 November: stories with the elves, 40 minutes of steam up Eskdale, and Santa waiting at Dalegarth. It sells fast, so don't hang about.
This one's for families with little 'uns after a proper Christmas day out on our doorstep.
The Santa Express on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway starts on Saturday 21 November. It runs 21, 22, 28 and 29 November, then 5, 6, 12 and 13 December, and every day from 19 to 24 December.
You start off in the Ravenglass Railway Museum, where the Head Elf does a storytelling session. Then it's on the steam train for 40 minutes up the Eskdale Valley to Dalegarth, where Santa and his helpers are waiting in the grotto. Your pre-ordered food comes out while you wait, and every child gets to see Santa and gets a present.
There's a shorter Santa's Little Helper Express for families with pre-school kids on 4 and 11 December, but no museum stories on those.
Nicky Williams, from the railway, said: "The Santa Express is such a lovely way for families to start their Christmas celebrations a little earlier."
"We're thrilled to be getting the fun underway in mid-November, giving more families the chance to enjoy this very special experience and make some festive memories together."
You can pre-order sandwiches, sausage rolls and kids' pizzas when you book, and the upgraded tickets come with a festive brunch or afternoon tea at Dalegarth. They can do gluten-free and vegan, but nowt else on the dietary front at Christmas.
The railway reckons it'll be busy, so don't leave it late.
Fun Fact: everybody calls it La'al Ratty, and the track's only 15 inches wide.
What you can do: book on the Santa Express page of the railway's website. Already booked and want food adding? Ring 01229 717171 at least 10 days before you go.
The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway's Santa Express runs on selected dates from Saturday 21 November to Christmas Eve, with elf storytelling, a 40-minute steam trip up the Eskdale Valley and a visit to Santa at Dalegarth. The railway expects high demand.
This is for families with young children looking for a festive day out in West Cumbria this Christmas.
The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway's Santa Express runs from Saturday 21 November. Dates are 21, 22, 28 and 29 November, then 5, 6, 12 and 13 December, and every day from 19 to 24 December.
The experience starts at the Ravenglass Railway Museum, where the Head Elf leads a storytelling session. Families then board a steam train for a 40-minute trip through the Eskdale Valley to Dalegarth, where Santa and his helpers wait in the grotto. Pre-ordered food is served while you wait, and each child meets Santa and gets a Christmas gift.
A shorter Santa's Little Helper Express for families with pre-school children runs on 4 and 11 December, without the museum storytelling.
Nicky Williams, of the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, said: "The Santa Express is such a lovely way for families to start their Christmas celebrations a little earlier."
"We're thrilled to be getting the fun underway in mid-November, giving more families the chance to enjoy this very special experience and make some festive memories together."
Food can be pre-ordered when booking, with sandwiches, sausage rolls and children's pizzas on the menu. Upgraded tickets include a festive brunch or afternoon tea at Dalegarth. The railway says gluten-free and vegan options are available, but it cannot cater for other dietary needs over Christmas.
The railway expects demand to be high.
Fun Fact: the line is known locally as La'al Ratty, and its narrow track is just 15 inches wide.
What you can do: book through the Santa Express page on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway website. To add food to an existing booking, call 01229 717171 at least 10 days before your trip.