Not happy that an email explaining that a diesel loco would be used arrived in my inbox 2 days before departure with the heading ' confirmation of your booking'. It is pretty important to most travellers whether or not they get the steam train they are expecting. Booking confirmation emails arrive by the ton every day and, of course, it did not look important enough to read whilst on holiday. There was also no 'press here to cancel for a refund'. It would have been easier for me to get a Durham to Newcastle diesel with much better views, instead of a crawl through the blackberry bushes and new housing builds. Staff were lovely, journey was not. Not worth either the price or the 3 hour journey. A very rare negative review from me. Sorry.

Fantastic experience on the Dales Dining Breakfast train. Comfortable spacious seating in the wonderful dining carriage and great food, served by friendly and attentive staff. How pleasant to be hauled by steam through the spectacular countryside while eating. Plenty of time to explore Bolton Abbey Station at the run around too. Can't wait to return and try one of the other dining experiences on offer!

We had a lovely time. From the breakfast dining experience, to the journey and customer service, it was all perfect. We even had the opportunity to go into the luxury private carriage and see its full restoration. Really worth a visit. My only comment was that I had hoped to see more of a picturesque landscape of Yorkshire, rather than just a Brook, some sheep's and redevelop construction site. But that doesnt sway me from saying, it was a really nice experience.

We went on the train and had afternoon tea. It was clean and well set out. The food was very fresh and tasty. Slightly too much but given a doggy bag to take home. All staff very polite. For the price it was exceptional value. Definitely reccomend. The tea room there is great too. We arrived a bit too early!

We booked a murder mystery on board a steam train as part of a friend's 60th Birthday celebration. It was absolutely brilliant. We had drinks, a three course meal and entertainment from the actors in the murder mystery, which was based on an Abba theme. The station itself is lovely. Car parking is free. The steam train was wonderful. The journey through stunning Yorkshire countryside was a treat and the carriage itself was lovely, all decor of the period. Would highly recommend, if you go get into the spirit, join in and dress up. It adds to the atmosphere and fun!

Lovely day out. A pleasant experience. Afternoon tea was good, however a little more filling in the sandwiches would have been nice. Plenty of top ups of tea or coffee too.

A wonderful breakfast steam railway trip on the Embsay to Bolton Abbey heritage line in North Yorkshire. Retirement gift from my daughters and sons in law. Well done to all the staff and volunteers for a great experience.

Absolutely superb. We did the steam train breakfast - well organised , completely on time. Friendliest of staff. Our carriage waitress - El - was brilliant. Friendly and efficient. Such a fabulous breakfast, my veggie meal was exceptional - very generous portions, tea and coffee constantly on offer. Orange juice with the meal, plus bread and butter. 20 mins ride, then 20 mins break at the end station. Plenty to wander round, little shops, cafes etc. Would give this more than 5 stars if I could - the very best value - great gift (mine was via Virgin ). Just beware that this doesn't run all year. Free parking - plenty of space, no height barriers. No overnight parking. Remember to arrive in good time - allow a good 30 mins prior to train time. Will definitely buy again - lots of other experiences available.

I've knocked off 1 star of what would be a five star review, for food quality. I want to focus on the positives since my last visit here. The staff are wonderful and I am full of admiration at what the volunteers have achieved. The 2 stations are amazing and the experience in the first class carriage was regal. I wish the line ran further. The breakfast however was very average. Bacon barely cooked, cold beans , rock hard toast that snapped. For a premium experience we both felt the food was below par, despite excellent service.

Nostalgic breakfast Train. A super idea, and well executed by friendly attentive staff. The train is well subscribed and I hope that it continues to be so. The dining carriage was spacious and comfortable, the food was well presented and accompanied by plentiful amount of tea, fruit juice, and coffee. Our lovely young waitress made sure that we were well looked after. The journey isn’t all that far, but far enough. One slight criticism is that the food was a little cold - but that won’t put us off going again to experience one of their other dining experiences.

Wow 😲 🎅🚂 what a fantastic adventure on the Polar Express 🙂 We bought tickets a couple of months in advance, the drive to Bolton Abbey from Doncaster was circa 1hr 30, and upon arriving we were guided quickly and easily to a parking 🅿️ bay. A short walk to the entrance to sign in with our E Tickets to hand and then into the marquee to listen to some lovely live music and a polar express themed play. At the end of the short play, you leave the marquee onto the platform and the steam 🚂 train rolls up! Lovely setting inside and plenty of space around the table - the staff, actors and actresses were brilliant and our 5, 8 and even the tweenager (12) enjoyed the singing and script+ the Hot Hot Hot Chocolate was my favourite 🙂 and the yummy cookie 🍪 went down well with the hot chocolate. We were on the train for approx. An hour and a bit, it flew by so quickly! Back at Bolton Abbey there was a small café serving coffee, tea, cakes and sandwiches. And just outside was a brilliant burger, pizza and hotdog 🌭 van, everyone we came into contact at Bolton Abbey were super friendly and full of smiles, which added to a massive positive experience! We'll hopefully come back again, just to taste a bit of Christmas Magic 🪄 Thanks to everyone for hosting us ❤️ If you found this review helpful please give it a like ❤️👍😍

We used a travelzoo voucher bought for someone who was unable to. The train ride was fun, the cafe at the end warm and cozy. Picked some flyers for murder mystery and Fawltey Towers events. Saw another train with passengers enjoying afternoon tea.

A wonderful interesting and extremely enjoyable relaxing experience great service very nice food staff were very welcomeing. My 2nd time 1st was the curry, now the fish n chips train ....tasty fish n chips and fantastic train ride

What an amazing experience on the polar express . Visited Sunday 10 th December 18:30 . Well organised , professional entertainers . Coach E with the chef , conductor and elf entertained us the whole time . Well done on your first polar express was well worth it . Hope to see you again as our granddaughters loved the whole experience