Santa Express 2023: Frequently Asked Questions

The Santa Express in Oakfield Park is the most famous festive event in the northwest that everyone will love, both young and old.

A Magical Christmas Experience on a Real Santa Train for all the Family. An experience that will create forever memories and the most precious moments to cherish with your family.

Prior to your arrival we are here to answer any questions you might have: 

How do I get to The Santa Express?

Please see directions to Oakfield Park on our website.
https://www.oakfieldpark.com/information/

Is disabled car parking available?

Yes in the main carpark. State requirement on arrival and you will be directed to the correct parking area.

Please note that if you wish to make a booking for a person who uses a wheelchair, that we ask you to do so by emailing [email protected] and include your phone number so that we can call you back.

What age is the Santa Express suitable for?

The Santa Express is suitable for all ages and for all the family.

How long does the event last?

Please allow up to 2 hours to fit everything in. However once you purchase a particular date, you can come anytime during opening hours and stay for as long as you wish.

There are only 3 in my group – which compartment should I book?

You will need to book a compartment of 4 as this is our smallest compartment. However, we suggest that you bring someone along to fill your carriage as get maximum value. The same applies for a family of seven – you should book two four person compartments, and you can bring along up to eight people.

If myself or a member of my group can’t make it to the event, will I be refunded?

No unfortunately not, tickets are non-refundable. However, up to 24 hours prior to your arrival you can change the name on your booking via your universe login.

What happens if I am late and miss my train?

You must arrive AT LEAST 15 mins prior to train departure (15 mins earlier than your ticket start time). If you miss your train we cannot allow for late arrivals due to pre-booked schedules.

When is the event?

The event runs from 29th November until 23rd December 2023 although there are a few days off during December. Some days are longer than others with the first train either at 12.00 midday or 4.30pm.

What if I book an early time slot?

We recommend is that for early bookings, you arrive 15-30 minutes before your train time and do the other activities and get something to eat after at your leisure.

What if I book a later evening time slot?

For later evening bookings, we recommend that you arrive over an hour before your train time to fit in food and drink, fun and games before your train journey so that you’re ready to go after the train takes you back to the station.

Can I bring food or drink into the event?

No food or drink can be brought into the event, with the exception of baby food. There will be a fully licensed Bar and Restaurant, hot food stand and Ice Cream van onsite onsite.

Is there an ATM?

There will not be an ATM onsite. Card & €/£ cash payment accepted.

Are there baby changing facilities on site?

Yes, in the toilet block in the piazza.

We can’t wait for another magical Christmas experience at Oakfield Park. Set your reminders for Monday 28th August at 10am and get excited for the biggest Christmas event in the north west.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR TICKETS

Teddy Bears’ Picnic – Tuesday 30th August 2022

On Tuesday August 30th our popular Teddy Bears’ Picnic returns. This famous event is one of most popular and we can’t wait to welcome you & your teddy bears!
Join us anytime between 12-5pm. Bring your teddy & meet the Oakfield bears, Peppa Pig, Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, and friends.
There will be outdoor games, crafts, gummy bear hunts, nature walks, and train rides all day long.
You can bring your own picnic, eat in Buffers indoors and outdoors, enjoy treats from the Ice-cream van or purchase one of our pre-made picnic packs for €8 on the day.
The Teddy Bear Hospital is back again, where you can put your teddy through all our tests including the amazing TED-X scanner and receive a health certificate for your teddy!
No pre booking required. Normal gate fees apply.

Teddy Bears’ Picnic – Friday 12th August 2022

Teddy Bears’ Picnic returns to Oakfield Park this Friday 12th August.

Bring your teddies, enjoy a picnic, and spend a day in the sunshine at Oakfield Park. It is sure to be another fabulous day for all the family.

Picnic boxes will be available to purchase on the day also and Robinsons Ice Cream Van will be open to keep everyone cool throughout the day.

This time, a special teddy puppet show will be live at the castle every 30 minutes and the Teddy Hospital will be open with an X-ray machine & certificates for all the healthy teddies.

Head off on a bear hunt through the gardens and if you’re successful claim your gummy bears from Grandma’s House.

Trains will be running throughout the day and there will be games and crafts for everyone.

Peppa Pig, Tiger, Winnie The Pooh & others will be here on the day.

So, save the date. We can’t wait to see everyone’s teddies and to create some special summer memories with you all.

No booking required. Normal gate fees apply.

Arrive anytime between 11am and 6pm. See you then!

Steam Sunday – 28th August 2022

The grounds at Oakfield Park include a host of sites to explore, including walled gardens, ponds, lakes, an outdoor playground, a hedge maze, heritage trees and sculptures. Children can make a wish at Oakfield Park’s Faerie tree, while navigating their way through extensive walks and trails.
Weave your way through the park’s gardens along 4.5km of narrow-gauge track on Oakfield Park’s diesel and steam trains, the ‘Duchess of Difflin’ and ‘The Earl of Oakfield.’ The trains operate passenger trips around the grounds, which is a magical way to explore the park’s gardens as the train passes through flower meadows, beautiful woodlands, willow tunnels, oak circles, boardwalks, heritage trees, a wooden causeway and sparkling streams and lakes.
After a day exploring the parklands, visitors can refuel in Buffers Restaurant, which is open alongside park opening hours and is returning with a delicious new menu created with produce from the park’s gardens.