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Lincolnshire’s only standard-gauge heritage steam railway

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Elf Express – Letters to Santa

Sun 15 November 2026

Bring your letter to Santa, or write one on board with Elf Marc, get it stamped and post it in our special post box. Tickets on arrival.

Have you got your letters written to Santa?

Come and visit us as we prepare for the festive season at the Lincolnshire Wolds Railway. Park in our free car park, buy your tickets on arrival from the ticket office, and enjoy a nostalgic trip back in time.

It’s time to prepare yourselves for Christmas!

  • Bring your letters along, or get Elf Marc to help you write one on board our Elf Express.
  • Get your letter stamped by Elf Marc.
  • Post it in our special post box, ready for Santa.

Tickets are purchased on arrival from the ticket office — no advance booking needed. See our fares.

Don’t forget you can also join us in December for our Santa Specials — advance booking only.

Train times

Trains run hourly — the late train does not run in November or on New Year’s Day.

Running day timetable
Ludborough — depart 10.4511.4512.4513.4514.45
North Thoresby — arrive 11.0012.0013.0014.0015.00
North Thoresby — depart 11.1012.1013.1014.1015.10
Ludborough — arrive 11.2512.2513.2514.2515.25
  • No booking required — just turn up and buy your ticket on arrival.
  • Your all-day rover ticket covers every train, so hop on and off as often as you like.
Planning your day

What to expect on a running day

Park for free and enjoy a journey by steam at the Lincolnshire Wolds Railway. Buy your tickets on arrival from the ticket office, hop aboard, and enjoy a nostalgic trip back in time with your unlimited all-day travel ticket. A Steam Running Day is worked by a steam locomotive — a diesel is only used in unforeseen circumstances.

  • Free parking

    Park for free at Ludborough Station and stay as long as you like.

  • Buy on arrival

    Tickets are sold at the ticket office on the day — no advance booking needed.

  • Behind the scenes

    On selected dates, and subject to volunteer availability, take a guided tour of the carriage and engine sheds — included in your ticket.

  • Dog friendly

    Water and treats provided, with dogs welcome in our dog-friendly carriages and in the dog-friendly area of the buffet.

A volunteer serving cake behind the counter of the Steaming Kettle Buffet

Steaming Kettle Buffet

A cuppa and a slice of cake, or a bacon butty, served by our volunteers from a static coach along the platform.

The gift shop at Ludborough Station, stocked with souvenirs and railway books

Gift Shop

Souvenirs to take home — postcards, fridge magnets, pens, pin badges and toys.

‘The Railways of Louth’, an exhibition by the Lincolnshire Wolds Railway Society

Museum

A small museum beside the gift shop: cast-iron notices, lamps, tickets and advertising signs from the East Lincolnshire route.

Bring a picnic, or pick up refreshments from the buffet, and spend the day riding the train. More about our facilities