Ruislip Lido Christmas Train — Santa Specials

Every December, the Ruislip Lido Railway runs its Santa Specials — an enchanting train ride through illuminated woodland to meet Father Christmas at his grotto. It’s one of the most popular Christmas events in West London, and tickets sell out quickly, so booking early is essential.

The event is run entirely by volunteers from the Ruislip Lido Railway Society, and the care they put into it shows. The stations are decorated, the woodland along the track is lined with lit-up reindeer, Christmas trees and festive scenes, and Santa himself spends time with every child who visits. It’s a genuinely magical experience for young families — and it has been a Lido tradition for many years.

What Happens on the Santa Special?

The experience lasts around 1 to 1.5 hours and follows a set route:

1. Board at Willow Lawn station. Your journey starts from Willow Lawn station, next to the car park and The Water’s Edge pub. You’ll board the train at the time shown on your ticket.

2. Ride through the illuminated woods. The 12-minute train ride takes you through Ruislip Woods, which are decorated with Christmas lights and festive displays on both sides of the track. On a cold, clear evening, it’s a lovely sight.

3. Arrive at Woody Bay and meet Santa. At Woody Bay station by the beach, Santa is waiting in his grotto. He’ll have a chat with the children, and there’s a photo opportunity for the whole family. Everyone receives a present — children and adults alike.

4. Hot drinks and mince pies. Complimentary hot drinks and mince pies are included with your ticket. You can choose to have them before or after seeing Santa.

5. Return journey. After visiting the grotto, you board the train for the return journey through the illuminated woods back to Willow Lawn.

When Does It Run?

The Santa Specials typically run on selected weekends in December, plus some weekday dates closer to Christmas. Exact dates are announced each autumn on the Ruislip Lido Railway events page.

Trains run from approximately 11:45am until 5:50pm, with regular departures throughout the day. You’ll be allocated a specific departure time when you book.

How to Book Tickets

Tickets are available through the Ruislip Lido Railway booking page. They typically go on sale in early autumn.

Important: the Santa Specials sell out very quickly — often within days. If you want to go, we’d recommend keeping an eye on the RLR events page and booking as soon as tickets are released. Following the railway on social media is the best way to hear about the on-sale date.

Ticket prices for the Santa Specials are different from standard railway fares and are set each year by the Railway Society. Check the booking page for current prices.

Tickets are non-refundable, though the Railway Society will try to move your booking to another train if you contact them in advance.

What to Bring and What to Know

The Santa Specials are an outdoor event. Even Santa can’t control the weather, so come prepared:

• Dress warmly. You’ll be sitting on an open train through woodland in December. Hats, scarves, gloves and warm coats are essential. Layers are your friend.
• Bring a camera. There’s a photo opportunity with Santa, and the illuminated woodland makes for lovely pictures.
• Buggy-friendly. The trains have a dedicated buggy carriage, so you don’t need to fold anything down.
• Allow extra time. There may be a short queue to see Santa, as he spends time with every child individually.
• Parking fills up. The Lido car parks are limited and the Santa Specials are very popular. Arrive in plenty of time, or consider using public transport — Ruislip and Ruislip Manor tube stations are within walking distance. See our parking page and directions page.

Other Christmas and Seasonal Events at the Railway

The Santa Specials are the headline Christmas event, but the railway also runs:

• Twilight Express — An atmospheric evening ride through the woodland after dark. A non-stop loop departing from Willow Lawn. Available on selected dates — check the RLR events page.
• Christmas period services — The railway often runs standard services between Christmas and New Year. Check the timetable for dates.

Earlier in the year, the Easter Eggspress is another popular family event — a train ride to meet the Easter Bunny, with eggs for everyone. See the railway page for details.

Why Families Love It

The Santa Specials at Ruislip Lido have built a loyal following over the years. The railway is rated #1 of things to do in Ruislip on Tripadvisor, and the Christmas events consistently receive glowing reviews. What visitors particularly appreciate is the personal touch — because the railway is run by volunteers rather than a commercial operation, the atmosphere is warm, friendly and unhurried. Santa takes time with every child, the presents are thoughtful, and the woodland setting is genuinely special.

It’s also great value compared to many commercial Santa experiences in London, and the fact that everyone — adults included — gets a present is a nice touch.

Practical Information

Address: Reservoir Road, Ruislip, HA4 7TY

Start point: Willow Lawn station (by the car park and The Water’s Edge pub)

Duration: Allow 1 to 1.5 hours for the full experience

Getting there: Ruislip or Ruislip Manor tube stations (Metropolitan and Piccadilly lines), then a 20–25 minute walk. By car, use postcode HA4 7TY. Directions →

Parking: Limited. Two car parks on site. Free for HillingdonFirst cardholders. Parking info →

Booking: tickets.ruisliplidorailway.org

Official info: ruisliplidorailway.org/events