Midland Railway (Butterley)

“We attended recently for the Santa Special Event 2025. Everything planned by the Midland Railway team was fantastic! We first went to the toilet before going onto the train; unfortunately, this was a long walk away from the station, but there were posters that stated it couldn’t be at the station due to environmental problems. I loved the little fire by the ticket office, which was very warm and toasty. Once the train arrived, we were able to go on after they cleaned it and found our seats. The train was very warm, and we had allocated seats. All the train staff were lovely, and our daughter liked Mrs Claus the best, as she came and sat with us and had a little chat. There were snack options in the bar cart. When Santa came around with the elves, they gave our daughter a Christmas present, along with telling Santa what she wanted for Christmas. Shortly afterwards, somebody else came round and gave us shortbread Christmas trees, a drink for our daughter, and a small little alcoholic gift each for ourselves, along with colouring books. Once the train came back to the station, we went to the puppet show; unfortunately, it wasn’t Christmas themed; however, our daughter loved it nonetheless, laughing at the funny puppets. This is definitely something that we will do again and may very well make it a tradition.”

“Visited for the 2025 Santa Specials taking the last train of the season which left at 3:30pm on Christmas Eve. As a volunteer at another nearby heritage railway I fully appreciated what everyone at the Midland Railway had done to deliver this experience to local & visiting families. Lovely turned out diesel loco 45108 top-n-tailed with steam 3F Jinty 16440 (recently overhauled). Coaches all well presented & decorated. Staffed by lovely volunteers who provided great service. Santa visited every child at their family's table for a chat then giving each child a present. Parents & other adults get a choice of chocolate or shortbread snacks plus a choice of an alcoholic minature. On top of your 1½hr round trip there was a puppet show on a heated marquee in front of the station. Finally the local model railway society have an 00 gauge well done layout. On this the members were running a wide selection of Thomas the Tank Engine locos etc. Overall I felt this Santa Special experience was really well delivered by clearly dedicated volunteers. The value for money was very good and well within the pocket of most folk. Well done to everybody at the Midland Railway at Butterley for a job really well done. 👍🏻🎄🎅”

“Hidden gem of Derby! Me and the kids had a fantastic day out here. It was the kids first time on a train and the views and location is fantastic. The amount on offer here is way beyond what I expected and we didn't even see it all. We will be back soon with friends to do it all again. The most surprising thing was how quite it was here, they have a fantastic community feeling here everyone is clearly very passionate about being there and supporting the history. Highly recommended for a relaxed day trip out especially if you enjoy engineering in any capacity”

“Took my 4yr old grandson for the Christmas train ride with santa 🎅 yesterday, he had an absolutely amazing time & loved every minute. He was amazed with the train ride, santa, & especially the puppet show. Said it was the best day ever. Well worth the money. Can't wait to take him next year xx”