Father Christmas returns to Lappa Valley Steam Railway for the 2026 festive season. The event runs on 12 specific dates: 28 and 29 November, then 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, and 24 December. Visitors ride the narrow-gauge steam train through the woods to Benny Halt, where Father Christmas meets each family in his woodland grotto. Every child receives a gift, and the working steam engines run throughout the day.
The site is set in a restored railway cutting around 3 miles south of Newquay, with the main station at Benny Mill. The track was originally part of the Treffry Tramway, built in the 1840s to transport minerals to Newquay harbour. Today the narrow-gauge trains run around 2 miles of the original route through oak woodland and past the lake.
What’s included
The Father Christmas ticket includes admission to the site, unlimited rides on the main steam railway and the two smaller miniature railways, the grotto visit with a gift for each child, and access to the indoor play area and the Engine Shed Cafe. Tickets are dated and timed - grotto slots run roughly every 20 minutes from 9.30am to 3.30pm on event dates. Booking opens in summer 2026 via lappavalley.co.uk.
Getting there
Lappa Valley is signposted from the A3075 between Newquay and Goonhavern, with its own car park at Benny Mill. The nearest town is St Newlyn East, around 3 miles south of Newquay. Satnavs set for TR8 5LX put you at the entrance. The car park has space for around 200 cars; arrive at least 30 minutes before your booked grotto slot to allow time for parking and the train ride.
No public transport serves the site directly. The closest bus stop is in St Newlyn East village, a 20-minute walk away along country roads without pavements.
What else is on site
Lappa Valley runs three separate miniature railways plus the main steam line, a large indoor play barn, crazy golf, a boating lake with paddle boats (usually closed in winter), and bike hire. The Engine Shed Cafe serves hot food and drinks, with an outdoor seating area near the main station. The site is popular with under-10s, with most rides and facilities aimed at that age range.
Where to stay
Newquay has the widest range of accommodation within 15 minutes of Lappa Valley. 10 Bredon Court sleeps 4 near the beach. 10 Quay Court sleeps 8 for larger family groups. 15 Lusty Glaze sleeps 8 with direct access to Lusty Glaze Beach. Browse all places to stay in Newquay for more options.
Before you go
- Book the earliest slot you can - trains fill fastest mid-morning
- Dress for outdoor weather - the train ride and grotto walk are both outside
- The site is mostly level but not step-free everywhere - wheels work on the main paths
- Dog tickets available for an additional fee; dogs must stay on lead
Note: Father Christmas at Lappa Valley runs annually on specific dates in late November and December. 2026 dates are confirmed; booking typically opens the preceding summer via lappavalley.co.uk.