To think polar express may be a waste of money.

[TOOearlyForChristmas]

DH, and I want to take our 7, and 4 year old, but are a bit concerned it could be a lack lustre, disappointing experience. The tickets aren't cheap. We are looking at Wensleydale, and Durham. Can anybody advise if it is any good? Is the Durham one worth it?

Thank you @PaleGreenVelvet. We are definitely leaning towards this one. Can you remember if your dc got a train ticket? My dcs are obsessed with the idea of this.

We went when the kids were 7 and 3 and it was amazing! So magical and the cookie and hot chocolate was delicious! I wasn’t expecting much but I loved it as much as the kids, we did the evening train just to add to the atmosphere. Well worth the money!

@TOOearlyForChristmas yes you get a Golden ticket, which gets stamped!

Thanks! On the Santa Express, Weardale one?

We thought it was rubbish. Paid over £600, 1 adult, 3 children all under 10. We went late afternoon, it was dark and you couldn't see anything out the windows. When we arrived at the north pole, we looked out to see a cardboard sign with fairy lights. This was Oxford. We had vip and products were missing. The hot choclate was cold and to top it off we were sat separately, the advertisement showed train table seating yet this train was set out like a coach/airline. It was miserable. There are so many other better events

@Tuyouyou Oh that sounds awful! I would have felt like complaining, and asking for some money back! We have done all different events, and this year we are looking at a train, because it is something different, and not similar to what we have done before. Next year we have something else in mind which will suit their ages better, and will be too much for them now.
I think we are going to do the Santa Express one, instead of polar, hopefully it'll be okay!

Hopefully the Santa express is better. I've not heard of that one.
I always over book on Christmas trips because we don't get many Christmases with them. Lapland uk has been the best and that's a similar price to the polar express, you get far more for your money at lapland uk. It is tricky to book though

@Tuyouyou thank you, I hope so!!

I have fond memories of the Lakeside & Haverthwaite railway Santa Express.

Another northern option to consider.