Telford Steam Railway
Telford Steam Railway
4.5
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
Closed
Friday
Closed
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
11:00 AM - 4:30 PM
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
330 reviews
Excellent
244
Very good
44
Average
15
Poor
12
Terrible
15
Debbie T
Shropshire, UK5 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
This is probably the best thing that we do over Xmas, we have been bringing my grandaughter since she was 1 so this is out third year. Anyone who is debating going or thinks it’s expensive I can assure you it’s a fantastic experience for both adults and children and well worth the money. The staff from when you arrive until you leave are spot on, interacting with everyone, involving the children in everything and look so happy to be doing it. Well done to everyone will be back next year x
Written November 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jenny B
Coventry, UK81 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
We had a fabulous time on the Polar Express tonight.
The park and ride to the station was fast and available. The entertainment whilst waiting at the station good and engaging for the children.
Once on the platform the snow and effects when the train arrived were great and my daughter was mesmerised.
Once on the train the entertainment and characters were great. Engaging and fun.
We participated throughout and really enjoyed ourselves.
My only criticism was once the train had returned to the station you walked through a heated tent towards the bus stop. Unfortunately there was only one bus running which meant we had to wait outside in the cold for approximately 10 minutes. Fortunately we were wrapped up well enough to accommodate this but some families were only in dressing gowns and pjs which meant some of the young children were very cold. It would have been much better if the organisers controlled the queue to the bus and kept the queue inside until the bus arrived.
The park and ride to the station was fast and available. The entertainment whilst waiting at the station good and engaging for the children.
Once on the platform the snow and effects when the train arrived were great and my daughter was mesmerised.
Once on the train the entertainment and characters were great. Engaging and fun.
We participated throughout and really enjoyed ourselves.
My only criticism was once the train had returned to the station you walked through a heated tent towards the bus stop. Unfortunately there was only one bus running which meant we had to wait outside in the cold for approximately 10 minutes. Fortunately we were wrapped up well enough to accommodate this but some families were only in dressing gowns and pjs which meant some of the young children were very cold. It would have been much better if the organisers controlled the queue to the bus and kept the queue inside until the bus arrived.
Written December 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
therichastill
Stevenage, UK3,697 contributions
Jun 2024 • Friends
Telford Steam Railway is located in a small village on the edge of Telford and runs trains on Sundays. On the day we visited it was Pacer Day and there was a class 142 unit running on the line.
Some people are not unit fans but I love a DMU.
The train was running regularly and it is a nice little line. There is a toilet at Spring Village along with a gift shop in an old wagon with rail related souvenirs to buy. There is also a miniature railway running on a decent layout with tunnel and loops.
The staff were really friendly and welcoming.
Some people are not unit fans but I love a DMU.
The train was running regularly and it is a nice little line. There is a toilet at Spring Village along with a gift shop in an old wagon with rail related souvenirs to buy. There is also a miniature railway running on a decent layout with tunnel and loops.
The staff were really friendly and welcoming.
Written June 25, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rebecca B
1 contribution
Dec 2022 • Family
This email was sent on 22/12/22 regarding the polar express...
Good evening
I am currently driving home from our visit to your Polar Express tonight. Our booking was in the Prancer carriage at 6.20pm. Booking reference: D436CPS38.
Sadly, I wanted to shared how thoroughly disappointed my family and I were with the visit.
Previously, we came to your event three years ago and found this truly magical.
I understand that since then cost cutting measures have undoubtedly been needed; however I feel these really affected the quality of the visit when paying premium prices. The main issues included:
Very poor acting by the conductor. He did not know many of the lines from the songs and was corrected about where he should be and what to do several times by the chef. It was also very difficult to hear due to poor sound and lack of enthusiasm.
The quality of the hot chocolate and cookie that has declined to brown water and a plastic biscuit. This was previously warm and tasted home made, linking to something to enjoy as part of the story.
The time with Santa was the most disappointing. He simply said hello and Merry Christmas to my girls. When they asked for a photo, the reply was 'quickly' and rushed off before this was even taken. This really took away the magic for my little girl and left me quite upset.
When we arrived at the 'North Pole', my other little girl pointed out that parts were hanging off the scenery!
I have been very saddened by this as our only Christmas experience and Santa visit this year. I am sure that you can appreciate that families look forward to these events with so many other savings needing to be made. It's too late to find a worthwhile experience for my children this Christmas now to make those precious memories. This has left me feeling devastated after looking forward to this all year.
When asking my daughter what she enjoyed most about tonight, she talked about the funny man before we got on the train; Santa completely forgotten because it was so brief.
Please take this into account when planning next year's event and ensure that customers receive what they pay for rather than a cheapened version as this really does affect the magic of Christmas for families.
Regards
Good evening
I am currently driving home from our visit to your Polar Express tonight. Our booking was in the Prancer carriage at 6.20pm. Booking reference: D436CPS38.
Sadly, I wanted to shared how thoroughly disappointed my family and I were with the visit.
Previously, we came to your event three years ago and found this truly magical.
I understand that since then cost cutting measures have undoubtedly been needed; however I feel these really affected the quality of the visit when paying premium prices. The main issues included:
Very poor acting by the conductor. He did not know many of the lines from the songs and was corrected about where he should be and what to do several times by the chef. It was also very difficult to hear due to poor sound and lack of enthusiasm.
The quality of the hot chocolate and cookie that has declined to brown water and a plastic biscuit. This was previously warm and tasted home made, linking to something to enjoy as part of the story.
The time with Santa was the most disappointing. He simply said hello and Merry Christmas to my girls. When they asked for a photo, the reply was 'quickly' and rushed off before this was even taken. This really took away the magic for my little girl and left me quite upset.
When we arrived at the 'North Pole', my other little girl pointed out that parts were hanging off the scenery!
I have been very saddened by this as our only Christmas experience and Santa visit this year. I am sure that you can appreciate that families look forward to these events with so many other savings needing to be made. It's too late to find a worthwhile experience for my children this Christmas now to make those precious memories. This has left me feeling devastated after looking forward to this all year.
When asking my daughter what she enjoyed most about tonight, she talked about the funny man before we got on the train; Santa completely forgotten because it was so brief.
Please take this into account when planning next year's event and ensure that customers receive what they pay for rather than a cheapened version as this really does affect the magic of Christmas for families.
Regards
Written January 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
banmagoxon
Swindon, UK23 contributions
May 2024 • Friends
We were very disappointed after yesterday’s visit. The timetable and advertising blurb hide the fact that the line is so short and the two station so close together it could be walked in a few minutes I’m guessing.
I appreciate the amount of work involved in keeping this railway running, but misleading customers is not a good way to win return visits. Sorry to have to give a negative review.
I appreciate the amount of work involved in keeping this railway running, but misleading customers is not a good way to win return visits. Sorry to have to give a negative review.
Written May 6, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
May W
4 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
We went on the polar express experience on the 19th December 2023 and we couldn't fault a thing!
We took our two children aged 2 and 3 and we were amazed at how magical this experience was! Everything from the chefs catering to our needs, the hot chocolate, dancing and singing and even meeting santa to get our own bells, we were so happy with.
Free shuttle bus from the free parking area was so handy. We all got a free gift bag which included ceramic polar express mugs which were lovely. Our kids really enjoyed the whole experience, we would recommend it to everyone.
Special shout out to our chef Gaby, she was so attentive, engaged well with our children and made the whole journey fun.
We took our two children aged 2 and 3 and we were amazed at how magical this experience was! Everything from the chefs catering to our needs, the hot chocolate, dancing and singing and even meeting santa to get our own bells, we were so happy with.
Free shuttle bus from the free parking area was so handy. We all got a free gift bag which included ceramic polar express mugs which were lovely. Our kids really enjoyed the whole experience, we would recommend it to everyone.
Special shout out to our chef Gaby, she was so attentive, engaged well with our children and made the whole journey fun.
Written December 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul F
13 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
We last came here in December 18, when our children were 5 and 9. Very very enjoyable experience. This year we had the 4.45 train, we arrived an hour early as it suggested in our letter, and we were 50 minutes late departing.
When we came in 18, there were lots of stores where you could buy food, buy hot drinks, including mulled wine and alcohol if required. There were also a few stores where you could buy merchandise for example handheld toys which would light up. There was also Christmas music being played and fake snow constantly coming down within this area. It felt so so Christmassy and was a great way to start the experience, especially as you had around one hour to walk around Jordan, experience. I was also a small tent which provided entertainment, but there was not a lot seating very very warm.
How different things change in four years, we were told again to arrive one hour before, so we did as we expected the same as four years ago. There was the small tent with Entertainment, and there was nothing else apart from a cafe.
We felt so deflated, especially when we were told there was an approximate 15 minutes delay when actually, it was nearly an hour, so we had nearly 2 hours where we can just sit in a café or go to the small Entertainment tent.
To say we were disappointed is an understatement.
With regards to being on the train, the cookies were terrible and not the same quality as previous and the hot chocolate was barely warm the previous time I think we were spoilt with the Santa. We had in our carriage as he took the time to talk to all the children, and he looked a genuine Santa, this one was not so good. On this occasion a select few he spoke to, and did not have time for photos, where previously the Santa did. Last time we had smoky, who was absolutely awesome, this time it was a female and she was appalling..
This is not a cheap trip, especially even more so in this current climate, really really disappointed and feel let down. There were a couple of surprises within the carriage in terms of additional singers. In terms of a little boy and girl who were good.
Unfortunately will never do this again
When we came in 18, there were lots of stores where you could buy food, buy hot drinks, including mulled wine and alcohol if required. There were also a few stores where you could buy merchandise for example handheld toys which would light up. There was also Christmas music being played and fake snow constantly coming down within this area. It felt so so Christmassy and was a great way to start the experience, especially as you had around one hour to walk around Jordan, experience. I was also a small tent which provided entertainment, but there was not a lot seating very very warm.
How different things change in four years, we were told again to arrive one hour before, so we did as we expected the same as four years ago. There was the small tent with Entertainment, and there was nothing else apart from a cafe.
We felt so deflated, especially when we were told there was an approximate 15 minutes delay when actually, it was nearly an hour, so we had nearly 2 hours where we can just sit in a café or go to the small Entertainment tent.
To say we were disappointed is an understatement.
With regards to being on the train, the cookies were terrible and not the same quality as previous and the hot chocolate was barely warm the previous time I think we were spoilt with the Santa. We had in our carriage as he took the time to talk to all the children, and he looked a genuine Santa, this one was not so good. On this occasion a select few he spoke to, and did not have time for photos, where previously the Santa did. Last time we had smoky, who was absolutely awesome, this time it was a female and she was appalling..
This is not a cheap trip, especially even more so in this current climate, really really disappointed and feel let down. There were a couple of surprises within the carriage in terms of additional singers. In terms of a little boy and girl who were good.
Unfortunately will never do this again
Written December 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steven A
Willenhall, UK76 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
Just been on The Polar Express.
Cannot praise highly enough! Absolutely amazing from start to finish!
Arrived and a bus took us straight to the station, had some really delicious food there loaded chips and a couple of waffles. There was toppings galore on everything!
Ate in the entertainment tent that was very engaging for the audience. Great show.
Bought some hats and a blanket, had my own little conductors!
The station was so well dressed, sleeping hobo, snow machine, lights and sounds were brilliant.
Story starts before even get on the train.
The show on the train was absolutely stunning, from start to finish, every character was so engaging. Every child AND adult got engaged. The hot choc and cookies were amazing. Conductor Henry was brilliant and the chefs made the journey unforgettable.
Then at the souvenir shop we bought the best train I’ve ever seen! A miniature version of the polar express that has Tom Hanks shouting from it!
Tbh the WHOLE experience was absolutely amazing. This was our first time attending but really cannot recommend highly enough.
Cannot praise highly enough! Absolutely amazing from start to finish!
Arrived and a bus took us straight to the station, had some really delicious food there loaded chips and a couple of waffles. There was toppings galore on everything!
Ate in the entertainment tent that was very engaging for the audience. Great show.
Bought some hats and a blanket, had my own little conductors!
The station was so well dressed, sleeping hobo, snow machine, lights and sounds were brilliant.
Story starts before even get on the train.
The show on the train was absolutely stunning, from start to finish, every character was so engaging. Every child AND adult got engaged. The hot choc and cookies were amazing. Conductor Henry was brilliant and the chefs made the journey unforgettable.
Then at the souvenir shop we bought the best train I’ve ever seen! A miniature version of the polar express that has Tom Hanks shouting from it!
Tbh the WHOLE experience was absolutely amazing. This was our first time attending but really cannot recommend highly enough.
Written December 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
calmer
york england28 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
Really disappointed with the polar express. We were informed to be there an hour before which we did however with two young children there is no need to be this early. Waiting for the train was lovely but you didn’t actually realise there were characters until you could see them on the small stage. Once on the train the staff were enthusiastic and lovely. Seats were full of crumbs thanks to previous passengers. When the train set off there was nothing for the children to see out of the window expect the same building that you passed back and forth. Eventually we pulled up to the ‘North Pole’ to be informed by our 5 year old that it was all made out of paper and wasn’t the North Pole which made him not believe. Santa with the bells was the highlight for the children. Total waste of £200 and will not be returning as this wasn’t magical as it was advertised, really disappointed.
Written December 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emily B
19 contributions
Dec 2021 • Family
We went for the polar express today- I was so so excited!! It was a huge let down! The train station is a thin platform and rammed with people so you couldn’t see the train approaching, no entertainment/ nothing to do before you get on. We were in the Cupid carriage at the end of the train so couldn’t even see let alone feel the artificial snow or hear the conductor before we boarded.
The ladies onboard were kind to the children and the conductor in our carriage did his best, but we only spoke to him for about 30 seconds as we were the last people he saw and he was rushed. The North Pole and the northern lights were literally horrific! The houses on the drive home looked far more impressive!
If I’d have paid £15 per ticket I’d be ok with the experience, but certainly not the extortionate price we paid! I was expecting magic- but magic it was not!
The ladies onboard were kind to the children and the conductor in our carriage did his best, but we only spoke to him for about 30 seconds as we were the last people he saw and he was rushed. The North Pole and the northern lights were literally horrific! The houses on the drive home looked far more impressive!
If I’d have paid £15 per ticket I’d be ok with the experience, but certainly not the extortionate price we paid! I was expecting magic- but magic it was not!
Written December 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Could you tell me please, is there much difficulty parking? Lots of spaces or not many.
Thank you 😊
Written November 28, 2022
No difficulty at all
Written November 29, 2022
Please could someone tell me when the tickets usually go on sale I would like to take my boys this year and missed out last time as premium seats had all sold out
Written February 9, 2020
hi,
I believethey are not doing it this year.
Written July 23, 2020
I have tickets for tomorrow evening and wondered how long it lasts please from start to finish? Thanks
Written December 8, 2019
Are you doing polar express experience this year and is it wheelchair accessible, also cost.
Written October 17, 2019
Dose everyone get to go into the North Pole village or just premium ??
Written April 13, 2019
Everyone does, but no one gets off. You stop at it but it isn't a village to get off and explore.
Written April 14, 2019
Can I ask when the tickets become available? I really want to book for 2019 and I know it sells out really fast.
Written January 4, 2019
We’re planning to release them in the spring. We won’t be sending emails or making any social media announcements so please check the website regularly. We want to avoid 16,000 people trying to access our system at once.
Written January 5, 2019
Hi all, did everyone dress up in nightwear ? would like too but don’t want to look a wally of no one else bothers
Written December 17, 2018
Yes definitely do wear your pj's and dressing gowns, everyone is encouraged to and when we went I would say 80% of people did wear their pj's.
Written December 31, 2018
What price are the tickets please for both big and small people? Thanks
Written December 12, 2018
We paid £36 per person, little people pay the same as adult's. We paid for the upgrade as you get a shopping bag and a mug (1 mug per person but 1 bag per group).
I think it was £28 per person with out the mugs ect. Baby's on laps go free.
Written January 1, 2019
We are interested in going next year so can you tell me how I resister for alerts and when will tickets go on sale.
Thank you
Written December 8, 2018
We plan to release 2019 tickets in the spring. This year we sold out in April. We won’t be announcing when they go on sale, so please check our website regularly.
Written December 9, 2018
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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