REVIEWS & GALLERY
THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride Spa Valley Railway
All aboard for a Christmas adventure unlike any other. Step into the enchanting world of THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride at Spa Valley Railway, where festive wonder fills the air and Christmas dreams feel closer than ever. From the Conductor’s enthusiastic call of “All aboard!” to the comforting warmth of rich hot chocolate served on board, every moment is carefully crafted to delight and surprise.
Beloved by families year after year, this heart-warming experience has earned glowing reviews and created countless magical memories along the way. It’s a festive tradition that brings generations together, inviting children, parents and grandparents alike to share laughter, joy and a little Christmas magic. Believe in the wonder, embrace the moment, and let the journey begin.
A highly rated experience
Nikki G
15:28 05 Jan 26
I really didn’t know what to expect as heard mixed reviews. We had the best time, the whole experience was magical and so well thought out. Hot chocolate and cookie was lovely. My 3 year old loved every second of it. So much more than just visiting a grotto. Fun for all ages.
Mohit S.
11:58 31 Dec 25
One of the best experiences I've been on in many years.
1000% recommended for your little ones. Make sure they watch the movie before you take them there - they will enjoy it to the max!
I'm a big Polar Express fan so I personally loved the entire thing from first minute to the very last.
1000% recommended for your little ones. Make sure they watch the movie before you take them there - they will enjoy it to the max!
I'm a big Polar Express fan so I personally loved the entire thing from first minute to the very last.
ClaireEdge23
20:47 23 Dec 25
We had such a brilliant time on the Polar Express today. We booked the Spa Valley one in Kent and booked parking on Just park on Eridge Road which was literally 2 mins walk.
The whole experience was brilliant. Santa, the elf, the conductor etc were all fab.
I booked it back in January 😅 so it’s been a long kept secret and we only told the kids a few weeks ago 🙌🏼
And the cherry on the cake was me being given the Believe ticket 😭 absolutely balled my eyes out 🤣🤦♀️
I highly recommend this to anyone that loves Christmas. Ours kids are 14 and 11 and we all enjoyed it 🥰
The whole experience was brilliant. Santa, the elf, the conductor etc were all fab.
I booked it back in January 😅 so it’s been a long kept secret and we only told the kids a few weeks ago 🙌🏼
And the cherry on the cake was me being given the Believe ticket 😭 absolutely balled my eyes out 🤣🤦♀️
I highly recommend this to anyone that loves Christmas. Ours kids are 14 and 11 and we all enjoyed it 🥰
Katie S.
22:01 13 Dec 25
This is one magical experience from start to finish. I can’t fault it at all. The staff were friendly and very interactive with the children and Father Christmas was truly magical also.
james C.
08:17 07 Dec 25
Took the kids last night and very impressed. Was great fun from start to finish. Performers were all spot on and station staff friendly and welcoming. Highly recommend
Natasha M.
06:09 07 Dec 25
What an amazing experience. The whole experience was magicial from the moment you step on the platform. The train looks amazing the characters play their part fabulously. They get everyone invovled from the very young to the oldest. Santa and his Elf helper were so good. Pecan, Sprinkles, the conduct everyone was outstanding. No matter the age you must book this adventure. We did not know what to expect and over the 10 years of christmas experience's we have learnt to make the most of it but this one surpassed them all. It is a wonderful way to meet santa and have a full Christmas experience. Just book the tickets and enjoy.
EM H.
20:32 30 Nov 25
F A N T A S T I C !!!!! Amazing experience for children and their families. Singing and dancing, tasty hot chocolate and delicious cookies! Really enjoyable afternoon. Each child given plenty of attention. Love the bell and the tickets! Would recommend. The staff all incredibly friendly from the moment you arrive and the staff on the train are amazing singers, dancers and story tellers! My niece Loved it but I think us adults enjoyed it even more! Everyone wearing PJs made the kids even more excited! I think only a trip to Lapland could top this! Thank you Spa valley!
Justine C.
22:23 09 Nov 25
Far exceeded my expectations. Everything was done so well. Truly magical and all the staff were really lovely, the actors are AMAZING!! thank you for the most magical evening. The adults enjoyed it just as much as the children. I will be coming back!
Claire F.
22:27 30 Jul 25
This experience is truly magical. We went as a whole family. 3 generations and even my dad who doesn’t usually join us with things like this absolutely loved it. An amazing memory. From the minute we arrived to the minute we left we were smiling. Thank you.
Stacey L.
06:39 28 Jul 25
We boarded The Polar Express at Spa Valley Railway in December 2022, and it was a truly magical experience that perfectly captured the spirit of Christmas! From the festive atmosphere and engaging performers to the storytelling, singing, and visit from Santa himself, every moment was filled with wonder and joy. The children had the most amazing time, completely immersed in the magic, and receiving their silver bells made it even more special. It was a heartwarming and unforgettable journey that left us all feeling the true joy of Christmas.
Maria H.
09:44 26 Jul 25
We had a brilliant time on the Polar Express! The kids loved the singing, and the Conductor was brilliant. He got my husband properly involved, much to his dismay!! We went when it was dark and I feel that added to the magic.
Kayleigh M.
07:49 26 Jul 25
Amazing experience for the whole family , we took our 6month old and grandparents and everyone enjoyed the magical atmosphere , highly recommended to get into the Christmas spirit
St Dunstans E.
09:51 25 Jul 25
We had a fantastic time really magical. The staff and actors were fantastic really made our Christmas. Thank you all!
Dean H.
09:28 25 Jul 25
I have taken my boys since they were 1, and they absolutely love it. We will be going again this year, and they will be 5 and 3. Well worth the experience at least once. Especially, if they love trains!
Sarah W.
09:04 25 Jul 25
We loved the Polar Express so much we did it two years in a row. Adults and children got so into the magical atmosphere- the singing and acting are superb and if you have watched the film then this will feel like you’re in it!
Po L
08:26 25 Jul 25
We went onboard last year and it was so amazing! The ehole experience was magical.
We all wore christmas pjs/ jumpers and really loved our carriage. The entertainers were so fantastic, very enthusiastic, singing, dancing and so good at making you want to join in.
We loved our hot chocolate and treat, it was delicious.
Santa was so good, really made every child feel special and got opportunity to take so many lovely pictures.
Afterwards we had some food (hot dogs and pancakes) to finish the whole experience.
Can't recommend it highly enough, it was the most magical train journey ever.
Thank you!
We all wore christmas pjs/ jumpers and really loved our carriage. The entertainers were so fantastic, very enthusiastic, singing, dancing and so good at making you want to join in.
We loved our hot chocolate and treat, it was delicious.
Santa was so good, really made every child feel special and got opportunity to take so many lovely pictures.
Afterwards we had some food (hot dogs and pancakes) to finish the whole experience.
Can't recommend it highly enough, it was the most magical train journey ever.
Thank you!
Heather B.
08:07 25 Jul 25
A magical experience start to finish, really puts you in the Christmas spirit 🤩
Clare K.
16:06 24 Jul 25
Such a magical experience from start to finish we absolutely loved it! Really got us into the Christmas spirit my two girls and Daddy had the best time! Highly recommend!
Daniella E.
13:51 24 Jul 25
A really magical experience - both children enjoyed it (despite being quite different ages; 3 and 11) and ask to go back again. Great atmosphere on the train, with lots going on to keep everyone entertained and engaged. Father Christmas was lovely too and spent a good amount of time talking to individual families. Would recommend!
One suggestion - it would be lovely to see the train arrive at the station, as when you’re on it you don’t really get to enjoy the steam engine.
Only criticisms are that there is no parking for the station so parking in the town is very busy, difficult and stressful! The system to let people in could be improved too - we queued for so long that there was no time to have a real look at the station and take photos, enjoy the intro from the conductor or get anything to eat or drink from the stalls on site.
One suggestion - it would be lovely to see the train arrive at the station, as when you’re on it you don’t really get to enjoy the steam engine.
Only criticisms are that there is no parking for the station so parking in the town is very busy, difficult and stressful! The system to let people in could be improved too - we queued for so long that there was no time to have a real look at the station and take photos, enjoy the intro from the conductor or get anything to eat or drink from the stalls on site.
Billie L.
13:28 24 Jul 25
We went on the Polar Express at Spa Valley Railway, and it was magical from start to finish!
The train itself was beautifully decorated, and we were served hot chocolate and cookies while the soundtrack played in the background. The actors reenacted scenes from the film, and there were lots of interactive moments that kept the kids totally engaged.
The highlight, of course, was meeting Santa himself, who gave each child a lovely silver bell, just like in the story. My daughter was beaming the whole time.
Everything was well-organised, with plenty of parking and helpful volunteers making sure things ran smoothly.
The train itself was beautifully decorated, and we were served hot chocolate and cookies while the soundtrack played in the background. The actors reenacted scenes from the film, and there were lots of interactive moments that kept the kids totally engaged.
The highlight, of course, was meeting Santa himself, who gave each child a lovely silver bell, just like in the story. My daughter was beaming the whole time.
Everything was well-organised, with plenty of parking and helpful volunteers making sure things ran smoothly.
Lynn F.
12:24 24 Jul 25
This has become a firm family favourite tradition. We have watched our grandson fall in love with The Polar Express experience and his excitement grows year on year. A must do if you love Christmas 🎅🏻🎄
Helen C.
12:15 24 Jul 25
We had the most magical experience on the polar express . The whole family enjoyed the ride and entertainment. The Santa who came to our carriage was super believable. It was one of the my favourite Christmas experiences
Margaret C.
11:19 24 Jul 25
We have been as a family a couple of times on The Polar Express and it is a magical experience for everyone. We had three generations and everyone enjoyed it immensely. The characters are brilliant and just like the film and they involve everyone. If you have never been you should definitely give it a try and you won't be disappointed.
Katie B.
10:44 24 Jul 25
Our 4 year old had the loveliest time on the Polar Express. The staff/actors are super energetic and really make the experience come to life. Santa was so friendly and we loved that everyone was gifted the first gift of Christmas. Great hot choc, too!
Zarah Z.
06:39 24 Jul 25
This experience from start to finish is incredible, well thought out and professional. All cast members are part of the story, in character at all times and talented! It is exactly like stepping into the story. The walk into the waiting area is exciting, finding out if your child (or adult) is good (green light) or bad (red light - which my children thought hilarious!) the entertainment whilst we waited, the stage set u, all spot on!
My eldest had additional Needs, both children have dairy allergy’s, they both were accommodated with the alternative milk hot chocolates and biscuits without any issue (you give this information when booking).
The actual carriage cast members are incredible. The ‘chefs’ dance and prance up and down, the elf’s do the same, Father Christmas arrives and is so convincing, even as an adult. The ticket inspector is marvellous, again, in character entire time, answers questions from the children, doesn’t rush, and when checking the ticket, will ask your initial to mark the ticket!!
The lighting throughout the carriage creates magic by itself. Highly recommend a dusk>nighttime visit to really get the full lighting experience.
We had great attention from the cast, through the experience and each family all had equal attention. The dancing was planned so each section of the carriage could see a good portion on the routines.
I couldn’t fault any part of this experience. I have visited for several years, as well as Lapland UK and would HIGHLY recommend this experience. My children are always on a high (as are the adults) once the experience is finished.
And you can purchase some great Merch in the gift shop on the way out.
My eldest had additional Needs, both children have dairy allergy’s, they both were accommodated with the alternative milk hot chocolates and biscuits without any issue (you give this information when booking).
The actual carriage cast members are incredible. The ‘chefs’ dance and prance up and down, the elf’s do the same, Father Christmas arrives and is so convincing, even as an adult. The ticket inspector is marvellous, again, in character entire time, answers questions from the children, doesn’t rush, and when checking the ticket, will ask your initial to mark the ticket!!
The lighting throughout the carriage creates magic by itself. Highly recommend a dusk>nighttime visit to really get the full lighting experience.
We had great attention from the cast, through the experience and each family all had equal attention. The dancing was planned so each section of the carriage could see a good portion on the routines.
I couldn’t fault any part of this experience. I have visited for several years, as well as Lapland UK and would HIGHLY recommend this experience. My children are always on a high (as are the adults) once the experience is finished.
And you can purchase some great Merch in the gift shop on the way out.
Jessica S.
06:37 24 Jul 25
We’ve been twice. The first year was absolutely magical - it had snowed and the entire journey was snow covered. The second year was just as beautiful, the crew/cast were friendly. It was a great experience!
Watermelon D.
20:34 23 Jul 25
We went to Spa Valley Polar Express a year ago and all I can say is it was Magical! From the moment we arrived everyone was in character from the moment they met you. The interaction in the carriage and the story telling kept us all mesmerised my youngest son is absolutely mad about trains and the fact that he got to see the real Polar Express and then Santa made it all the more magical for him we had so much fun and even my nearly teenage son loved every minute. And the hot Chocolate was the best we ever had. We all can't wait to go again.
Adele D.
19:26 23 Jul 25
We’ve been here the last two Christmas’ and loved it. My son was aged 3 and 4. Christmas 2024 we also took our baby which was easy. It’s so magical for the children and I know my son would love going year after year. We loved the addition this year of singers before the train ride.
Emily M.
17:40 23 Jul 25
This is such a magical special adventure to see Santa. Highly recommend. Ideal for any age. Great fun with interactive characters, singing and dancing. We purchased the small hardback story book and my girls were so excited asking for each characters autograph to sign the front page. Hot chocolate was yummy too.
Maxine
17:33 23 Jul 25
We went for the first time December 2024 and it was absolutely magical. The kids and adults loved the experience. There was a bit of an issue with us not being given a seat number within our email, but this was quickly and efficiently resolved at the venue. Actors were brilliant. Would highly recommend.
Samantha C.
16:46 23 Jul 25
Such a magical wonderful experience for kids and grown ups too
Laura M.
16:08 23 Jul 25
The Spa Valley Railway Polar Express experience was a very magical experience and a wonderful start to the festive period. From the moment we boarded, the atmosphere was full of Christmas cheer. The energy from the singing crew was lovely—enthusiastic, warm, and perfect for getting everyone into the Christmas spirit. The storytelling was charming, and the children were absolutely captivated. Hot chocolate was nice and added a cosy touch to the journey. Everything was well-organised, and there was plenty of parking nearby, which made the whole evening stress-free. A fantastic festive treat for families—highly recommended for creating lasting memories.
Louise M.
15:33 23 Jul 25
A truly magical experience! I first went with just my little girl, we did go again the following year with one of her brothers (one of her brothers was too small) but would be amazing to go again with all 3 of my small people
jenny S.
15:29 23 Jul 25
We believe! This was lovely! 6 adults 2 children we all thought it was brilliant would absolutely recommend
Victoria T.
15:30 21 Jul 25
Fabulous experience!
Rated 4.9 / 5 from 497 Facebook reviews.
filled with magic from start to finish!
We had the most amazing Polar Express experience yesterday afternoon, filled with magic from start to finish. From singers Holly and Noel, all the way to Santa himself we loved every minute. We couldn't believe the attention to detail throughout and got quickly swept up in the story and performances. We must also mention our brilliant Conductor, who was perfect at keeping us right on schedule! Would highly recommend. - Claire M, 2025 Facebook Review.
kids were enthralled and loved every minute
Fabulous!!! Absolutely recommend, will definitely be making this an annual trip for the family. Friendly, professional, true to the story and worth every penny. The kids were enthralled and loved every minute, including a very good Father Christmas who took time despite being on a tight schedule. Cannot wait to go next year. 10/10. - Lynne P, 2025 Facebook Review.
Rated 98% on Facebook Reviews*
Since its magical debut in 2021, THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride at Spa Valley Railway has welcomed thousands of families aboard for a truly unforgettable Christmas adventure. Filled with twinkling lights, festive music and immersive storytelling, this much-loved experience captures the heart and spirit of the Christmas season in the most enchanting way.
With an outstanding 98% rating on Facebook Reviews , a true reflection of the joy it brings year after year, guests consistently treasure every moment of their journey. From shared laughter to wide-eyed wonder, THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride continues to create magical memories for children, parents and grandparents alike. Step aboard, believe in the wonder, and let the magic of Christmas come to life.
View the reviews
*Correct as of 16th Jan 2026
Definitely recommend this experience to anyone
We had the most magical experience on the The Polar Express Train Ride at Spa Valley Railway. From start to finish it was full of the best entertainment which made it amazing for the children and adults. We definitely recommend this experience to anyone. - Susan B, 2025 Facebook Review.
The whole experience was just great!
We had an amazing time here, the whole experience was just great!
The cast were brilliant and we were kept entertained the whole time, we would definitely recommend to anyone and will be going back ourselves next year! - Lea C, 2025 Facebook Review.
Official Merchandise
Official THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride merchandise is available to purchase from North Pole Trading.
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