Family Train Adventure at Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway

Join us at Bolton Abbey Station for festive fun this Christmas!

Do you believe?

We are welcoming a relaxed performance of The Polar Express on several dates

The train ride will be adapted to the best of our ability, ensuring a S.E.N. friendly environment.

The train journey will last for 60 minutes where public will be in their designated carriage. If families need to get up and move around, there will be staff on hand to assist.

Slight alterations will be made, though the overall content will not change.

Loud noises and bright lights will either be taken out entirely or reduced.

Please note, the opening scene in the marquee will function in its original state and contains moderate flashing lights and non hazardous smoke.

Audience members are encouraged to come and go as they please from the marquee.

Hot Chocolate & Singing Chefs

As ‘Hot Chocolate’ plays, you’ll be entertained and served our famous THE POLAR EXPRESS ™ hot chocolate. The rich, sweet taste will linger in your senses and keep you toasty. Then sit back and enjoy being read the classic Christmas story ‘The Polar Express’ by Chris Van Allsburg.

Characters will show you all the beautiful picture pages from the book so the whole carriage can follow along. You can join in too – you’re welcome to bring your own copy and follow the story. You can’t help but beam as you watch your family become immersed in the beautiful story. Watch as the story comes to life before your eyes, scene after scene on board the steam train and around the train tracks.

Santa

As Santa and his elf assistant arrive in your carriage, they will give everyone their very own silver sleigh bell as the ‘first gift of Christmas’. However, as you’ll no doubt be reminded on your journey as well as in the story of the Polar Express, make sure your pockets have no holes!

As the sounds of beloved Christmas carols fill your ears and hearts, the train starts its journey back to Bolton Abbey. On return to the railway, the magical adventure doesn’t stop there. You can write and post letters to Santa if you hadn’t already, and do some THE POLAR EXPRESS ™ colouring! Make sure that you visit the Naughty and Nice scanner to see how your family have behaved this year, and pick up any gifts or treasures to take home in our gift shop.

We always ask our guests, both children and the young at heart, to wear pyjamas just like in the movie. The children will love the special treat, and with many families getting into the Christmas spirit even including matching family pyjamas to join in the fun, the atmosphere on the train will become even more magical as the film will feel even more alive!

Sadly, like all train journeys, THE POLAR EXPRESS ™ must take you home to get ready for Christmas. We hope that the most magical season of all is crowned by your trip to the North Pole, and that you’ll carry your special memories for the years ahead.

“Well – ya comin’?”

Book your Polar Express tickets today!