The UK’s theme parks transform into magical winter wonderlands every Christmas, offering festive shows, sparkling lights, Santa meet-and-greets, and family-friendly seasonal attractions.
If you’re travelling from London without a car, getting to these Christmas events is easier than you might think. Thanks to fast and frequent rail connections, you can reach most major parks comfortably by train—perfect for day trips, winter breaks, and stress-free festive adventures.
Below are the best train routes from London to the most popular UK theme park Christmas events, including Chessington, LEGOLAND Windsor, Paultons Park, Drayton Manor, and Gulliver’s Land.
Chessington World of Adventures – London to Chessington South
Closest Station: Chessington South
Train Operator: South Western Railway
Direct From London? Yes – direct from London Waterloo
Travel Time: Approx. 35–40 minutes
Best Route
- London Waterloo → Chessington South
Trains run every 30 minutes, making this one of the easiest London theme parks to reach.
Getting to the Park
Chessington South station is just 10 minutes on foot from the main entrance, with clear signposting and a wide pavement suitable for pushchairs.
Why Go at Christmas?
Chessington’s “Winter’s Tail” features:
- A magical Christmas grotto
- Special animal meet-and-greets
- Festive rides and shows
- A cosy, illuminated trail
Perfect for families with young children who want a charming, low-stress Christmas day out.
LEGOLAND Windsor Resort – London to Windsor & Eton Central or Riverside
Closest Stations: Windsor & Eton Central or Windsor & Eton Riverside
Train Operators: Great Western Railway / South Western Railway
Direct From London?
- To Riverside → Direct from London Waterloo
- To Central → Requires one change at Slough
Travel Time: 30–55 minutes depending on route
Best Routes
Option 1 – Fastest:
- London Paddington → Slough → Windsor & Eton Central
Journey time around 35 minutes.
Option 2 – Direct:
- London Waterloo → Windsor & Eton Riverside
Takes 55–60 minutes but avoids changing trains.
Getting to the Park
Outside both stations, shuttle buses and taxis run frequently to LEGOLAND (about 7–10 minutes).
Why Go at Christmas?
LEGOLAND at Christmas is known for:
- Giant LEGO Christmas tree
- Snow-dusted Miniland
- Seasonal shows
- Santa meet-and-greets
- Festive rides open throughout the day
Paultons Park (Peppa Pig World) – London to Southampton Central
Closest Station: Southampton Central
Train Operators: South Western Railway / CrossCountry
Direct From London? Yes – from London Waterloo
Travel Time: 70–90 minutes
Best Route
- London Waterloo → Southampton Central
Getting to the Park
Paultons Park is not walkable from the station.
You’ll need:
- A taxi (around 20–25 minutes)
- Pre-booked Paultons shuttle (when available)
- Uber/Bolt depending on availability
Why Go at Christmas?
Paultons Park’s Christmas event—especially Peppa Pig World—is adored by families:
- The Santa’s Grotto experience
- Magical illuminations
- A festive show and winter-themed attractions
- Peppa Pig World themed for Christmas (beautiful for kids)
Drayton Manor – London to Birmingham New Street
Closest Station: Tamworth (best), Birmingham New Street (major hub)
Train Operators: Avanti West Coast / West Midlands Railway
Direct From London? Yes – to both Birmingham and Tamworth
Travel Time:
- London Euston → Tamworth: ~1 hour
- London Euston → Birmingham New Street: ~1h 20m
Best Route
Option 1 (Closest):
- London Euston → Tamworth
Then a 10–15 minute taxi to Drayton Manor.
Option 2 (Major Hub):
- London Euston → Birmingham New Street
Then local train or taxi to the park.
Why Go at Christmas?
Drayton Manor’s “Magical Christmas” includes:
- Thomas Land dressed in thousands of lights
- Snowfall moments
- Christmas shows
- Santa’s grotto (selected dates)
Great for toddlers, theme park fans, and families wanting a bigger festive event.
Gulliver’s Land (Milton Keynes) – London to Milton Keynes Central
Closest Station: Milton Keynes Central
Train Operators: Avanti West Coast / London Northwestern Railway
Direct From London? Yes
Travel Time: 30–40 minutes
Best Route
- London Euston → Milton Keynes Central (frequent fast services)
Getting to the Park
Gulliver’s Land is roughly 10 minutes by taxi from the station.
Why Go at Christmas?
Gulliver’s popular Santa Sleepovers and Christmas events offer:
- Festive rides
- A traditional grotto
- Light displays
- Affordable family-friendly Christmas days out
It’s one of the most budget-friendly Christmas theme park experiences in the UK.
Final Tips for Christmas Theme Park Travel by Train
- Book in advance for cheaper fares, especially weekends.
- Travel off-peak to avoid crowds and reduce ticket prices.
- Check park opening times, as Christmas events often have varied schedules.
- Pre-book transport between station and park—especially for Paultons, Drayton Manor, and Gulliver’s.
- Allow extra travel time for winter weather and busy trains in December.
Travelling from London to the UK’s best Christmas theme park events couldn’t be easier, thanks to fast and reliable rail links across the country. Whether you’re heading to the festive magic of Chessington, the LEGO-lit wonder of Windsor, the family warmth of Paultons, the vibrant winter fun at Drayton Manor, or the cosy charm of Gulliver’s, each destination offers its own unique Christmas sparkle.
With the right train route and a little planning, your festive adventure can start the moment you board. So grab your gloves, pack your hot chocolate, and set off for a magical Christmas day out—stress-free and car-free.
Information is accurate at the time of posting and may be subject to change.
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