SEND Family Santa Special

Santa Clause is coming to town!

The East Lancashire Railway is putting on a Santa Special train exclusively designed for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Join Father Christmas, his happy helpers and other festive characters on a voyage through the Irwell Valley. You will enjoy all the magic and wonder of our Santa Specials with a few tweaks here and there to make it more accessible. Begin your adventure at Bury Bolton Street Station and enjoy the atmosphere and decorations before boarding your train. Characters will be wandering the platform to wave hello or even stop for a chat and a photo if you like!

Once on board and settled into your seat, a steam train will haul you to Ramsbottom and back on an approximately 80-minute round trip. On the way you?ll meet more Christmassy characters and have the option to listen to a live brass band. Before long Santa himself will visit your carriage with a gift for every little one.

Park for FREE at Heywood and catch the Santa Shuttle to Bury and back.

What Makes the event SEND friendly?

To make the event as welcoming and comfortable as possible to children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, the SEND Family Santa Special will feature:

A Quieter Experience: Reduced musical volume and visual stimuli, toned down characters, and no flashing lights ensures that your visit will not be overwhelming.

Alternative Access: Don?t want to cross the footbridge? No problem! Chaperoned outdoor access will be provided for those that wish to make use of it.

Wider Arrival Window: No need to rush. Your train will be waiting on the platform for an extended period prior to departure. Board when you want to.

Special Calm Carriages: Calm Carriages A & G will offer a quieter experience, and not include a live performance from the Brass Band.

On Board Calm Spaces: Areas set aside in Carriages C & E for those that need a calm space part way through the journey.

Tell Us What You?re Comfortable With: Facility to tell our performers what level of interaction you are happy with.

An Accessible Coach: Offering accommodation for 2 wheelchairs and 6 accompanying people.

Carers Book Online: One registered carer can travel for free for each paying passenger needing assistance. You can book these tickets online. Please bring ID on the day.

A Quick Exit: Following your train ride, use our quick exit from the platform to avoid passengers arriving for the next departure.

Ticketing Information

You must select Child or Adult tickets at time of purchase, by using the ticket drop down menu for each seat selected.

Please choose a Child ticket of the appropriate age, as this is related to the present they will receive.

All "Adults with an under 3 " tickets will receive a gift for the child, if you do not wish for your under 3 to receive a gift please select an "Adult" only ticket.

Wheelchair users wishing to book our Accessible Compartment please call the booking line on 0333 320 2830.