The Settle-Carlisle Santa Special – 18th November 2023
The Settle-Carlisle Railway cordially invite you to join us on The Santa Special, on Saturday 18th November 2023, from Carlisle to York.
Starting from Carlisle, the steam locomotive will travel along the iconic Settle-Carlisle line, picking up passengers at Carlisle, Appleby, Settle, and Skipton to York.
Get into the Christmas spirit on this Santa special, with a visit from Santa, festive treats, and a chance to visit the first day of the famous York Christmas markets.
On our journey, we will take in the Eden Valley, the Yorkshire three peaks (Pen-Y-Ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside) and the Ribblehead Viaduct.
Our destination is the historic city of York where passengers will be able to spend a few hours leisure time, where you can step 2,000 years into the past as you wander the Gothic halls of York Minster Cathedral; delve into the city’s Viking past at the Jorvi;, or explore history of a different kind at the National Railway Museum. You can also dip into the eclectic array of independent boutiques nestled in the postcard-pretty 13th century timber buildings of The Shambles – York’s most beautiful street, and the famous Christmas markets.
After our break in York, we’ll return to Carlisle and retrace our earlier route, where Santa will join the journey.
Requested steam locomotive Class 7P Scots Guardsman
Approximate timings
These are approximate timings for the trip. Your confirmed times will arrive approximately 5 days beforehand, with your ticket.
Carlisle 08.00, Appleby 09.00, Settle 10.00, Skipton 10.40, York arrive 12.00.
Return York 16.10, Skipton 18.30, Settle 19.30, Appleby 20.30, Carlisle 21.15
Ticket Information
Premier Dining – £289pp
Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and a four-course dinner served at your seat.
Please note, premier dining IS NOT available at Skipton
First Class – £189pp
First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a breakfast roll and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day.
Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £30 per person (subject to availability).
Standard Class – £99pp
Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.
Family Tickets First Class – £500
First Class tickets for two adults and two children. Children 3 years and under can sit on laps but if you require them to have a seat then the Junior ticket price applies.
Family Tickets Standard Class – £250
Standard Class tickets for two adults and two children. Children 3 years and under can sit on laps but if you require them to have a seat then the Junior ticket price applies.
Junior First Class (age 15 and under) – £99
First Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four. Children 3 years and under can sit on laps but if you require them to have a seat then the Junior ticket price applies.
Junior Standard Class (age 15 and under) – £59
Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four. Children 3 years and under can sit on laps but if you require them to have a seat then the Junior ticket price applies.
A licensed buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks, and light refreshments, and you are welcome to bring your own picnics with you on board.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I get my ticket?
Your e-ticket will be emailed to you 5 days prior to the event
Are dogs permitted on trains?
Only guide dogs are permitted on board.
Are there toilets on board the train?
Yes, there is a toilet at each end of every carriage.
Can you accommodate vegetarians on board?
There is always a vegetarian option available, however we cannot provide gluten free or a full coeliac diet. We cannot guarantee that there will be no cross contamination with regards to allergies. Therefore, nut or lactose free diet options cannot be offered
Can you bring bicycles on board our trains?
We cannot transport bicycles due to a lack of available space.
Can you bring wheelchairs/mobility scooters on board our trains?
We can transport foldable wheelchairs on board but not mobility scooters, due to a lack of available space.
Do I have to pay the supplement in first class for two of us to sit together?
No, if two of you book without the table for two supplement then you would be seated opposite each other, one facing the direction of travel and one going backwards, around a table for four, sharing with two other passengers
Do our trains have power sockets on board?
No, there are no power sockets on board.
Do our trains have Wi-Fi?
No, Wi-Fi is not available on board.
Have the carriages on the trains got disabled access?
No, full disabled access is not available, passengers would need to be able to step up onto the carriages and then walk to their seats. We can store collapsible wheelchairs at the ends of carriages.
I don’t have a printer – do I have to print my e-ticket out?
No, it is not essential to print out your e-ticket, as long as you have your seat/coach numbers and the timings you can board the train. The stewards will have a note of your name on the seating plan.
If I book for 2/3/4 people, will we be seated together?
Yes, we always sit parties together, if a large group books together then they will be at separate tables but would be as close together as possible and in the same carriage.
Is smoking permitted on board?
No, smoking is not permitted anywhere on board our trains.
Does my child need a ticket?
We have a junior ticket in standard class for ages 15 and under (children 3yrs and under may travel on your lap but if they do require a seat then a junior ticket price applies)
Do I need travel insurance?
We strongly recommend that all our passengers take out travel/cancellation insurance, as charges apply should you need to cancel or postpone your trip for whatever reason, whether your plans change due to ill-health, travel issues or weather conditions.
Are the prices shown for a one way or return fare?
The price is for a return journey
Can I request a forward-facing seat?
Unfortunately, we never know prior to departure which way round our train will be configured in relation to direction of travel, so this is not possible.
If I miss the train can I use my ticket for another day?
Unfortunately not, we always advise passengers to be at the station well in advance of the departure time.
If you have any other queries, please email [email protected]