Santa Claus is coming to town!
The East Lancashire Railway is putting on a Santa Special train specially 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 Rawtenstall 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.
Grown-ups can look forward to mince pies and a festive tipple or soft drink. For the children there will be a drink, chocolate and an activity pack.
Adults – Gluten free biscuits available
Children – Dairy free chocolate available
What makes it SEND friendly?
The ELR is committed to making the event as welcoming and comfortable as possible. To that end we have made the following tweaks:
- This tailored version of the event is exclusive to families and groups with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities that are accompanying children and young people aged 0 – 17 years.
- A Quieter Experience – The railway will reduce the musical volume and visual stimuli across the board, ensuring that your visit will not be too overwhelming. The grotto will not feature flashing lights and the characters will tone down their performances as appropriate.
- Alternative Access – Still 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 and bustle, your train will be waiting for you on the platform for an extended period before the departure time on your ticket. Board when you want to.
- Special Calm Carriages – Book one of our Calm Carriages. Please note these carriages will not include a live performance from the Brass Band.
- Tell Us What You’re Comfortable With – Optional tools will be provided to ensure that you can easily tell our performers what level of interaction you are happy with.
- We can offer an accessible coach that can accommodate 2 wheelchairs and 6 accompanying people.
- Registered carers can travel for free.
- Quick exit off the platform following your train ride to avoid passengers arriving for the next departure.
The ELR offers one free carer ticket per group. You will be required to produce one of the following forms of ID at the Booking Office: Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Document, Disability Living Allowance Record Book, Attendance Allowance Book, Invalidity Benefit Book, Visual Impairment Registration Card (BD8) upon entry.
The event is suitable for all ages with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. In the instance that you are booking for an over 17 year old and would require a gift, just drop us a line directly on customer.services@eastlancsrailway.co.uk
Heywood Shuttle
Why not start your journey at Heywood and board the Santa Shuttle Diesel Railcar from Heywood (journey time approximately 15 minutes), to reach Bury Bolton Street Station, which is the starting point of the steam-hauled SEND Family Santa Specials? SEND Santa Shuttle tickets are sold on an open return basis meaning that you can return on any service from Bury to Heywood.
| Date |
Diesel Shuttle, departs Heywood |
SEND Santa Special, departs Bury |
| 23 November |
08:55 |
09:30 |
| 24 November |
08:55 |
09:30 |
| 30 November |
08:55 |
09:30 |
Heywood Shuttle tickets are priced at £3.00 (Adult) and £2.00 (child 3 – 17 years) and are only available in advance.
Heywood Shuttle Tickets on-sale Now.
