I just wanted to thank all involved for a lovely experience on the Swingbridge Santa Special today. You made it fun and exciting for the children and the adults. and the frosted surroundings made it a memorable outing. Santa and the elves kept us entertained, the hot chocolate and mulled wine were just what we needed. Five stars!
Tickets are now on sale for the celebrated Swingbridge Santa! Book your tickets here.
Step aboard Swingbridge Tranquility, our beautiful, accessible broadbeam boat, this festive season and glide gently along the picturesque River Wey. Our Santa Cruises offer a warm and inviting atmosphere where families can come together and share in the festive spirit.
Sailing from Sea Cadet HQ at Dapdune Wharf in Guildford (please note: this is a change of location from previous years), the approximately 45-minute cruise travels gently along the River Wey before returning to the same departure point. During the experience, Santa will join us on board with his sack of gifts, giving each child the special opportunity to meet him and receive an age-appropriate gift.
While relaxing on board, adults can enjoy a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie. Children will be treated to festive refreshments, including delicious biscuits. Although these experiences are especially suited to families with younger children, everyone is warmly welcome to join us.
Santa Cruises will take place on selected dates from 5 December to 22 December 2026. Tickets cost £15 per person, plus a 10% booking fee (£1.50), making the total £16.50 per person. The ticket price and booking fee will be shown separately during booking.
Your booking includes either the sailing or static Santa experience, an age-appropriate gift from Santa for each child and festive refreshments.
Click here to view cruise dates and book tickets here.
All profits raised will support our work to empower local people and families to build their confidence, improve their wellbeing and create brighter futures.
Important Information
- Departure point: All sailing cruises depart from, and all static Santa experiences take place at, Sea Cadet HQ, Dapdune Wharf, Wharf Road, Guildford, GU1 4RR. Please note that this is a change of location from previous years. The main entrance can be found using what3words: ///rates.face.icons.
- Parking: Parking is available at Sea Cadets and at Dapdune Wharf. The Dapdune Wharf car park uses the JustPark app (location ID 998940) for check-in and payment. National Trust members park free but must enter their membership number in the app to validate their parking. Charges apply to non-members. Please check the National Trust’s Dapdune Wharf visitor information for current charges, opening times and parking arrangements before travelling.
- Arrival: Please check the departure point carefully and arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled start time. The boat cannot wait for late arrivals. If you arrive late or go to the wrong location and miss your experience, admission or transfer to another time cannot be guaranteed and no refund will normally be given. This does not affect your statutory rights.
- River conditions: Your ticket covers either a sailing Santa experience or a static Santa experience aboard Swingbridge Tranquility. If river or safety conditions prevent sailing, the boat will remain moored at Dapdune Wharf and the Santa experience will take place on board. The provision of a static Santa experience is not considered a cancellation, and no transfer or refund will be offered solely because the experience is provided in its static format. This does not affect your statutory rights.
- Children: Children aged one and over at the time of the experience must legally be allocated an individual passenger space and therefore require a full-price ticket. Tickets cost £15, plus a 10% booking fee (£1.50), making the total £16.50 per child. Children under one at the time of the experience travel free but must still have a place booked and must be held by a parent or carer at all times.
- Cancellations and refunds: Except where required by law or stated in our Terms and Conditions, refunds are not available if you cancel or do not attend. If SCT cannot provide either a sailing or static Santa experience, you may transfer to another available date or receive a full refund, including the booking fee.
- Wheelchair access: Advance booking is essential. Please call 07956 736173 or email [email protected]. We can accommodate up to two wheelchairs per experience, subject to availability and safe boarding conditions. The boat is not suitable for large mobility scooters.
- Guide and assistance dogs: If you intend to bring a guide or assistance dog, please call 07956 736173 or email [email protected] before booking so that we can confirm availability and make suitable arrangements. No other animals are permitted.
Please read our full Terms and Conditions before booking. These contain further information about safety, accessibility, supervision, refreshments and allergens, photography, event changes, refunds, and data protection.
By completing your booking, you confirm that you have read and agree to the Terms and Conditions.
