The whole booking process went smoothly and email and phone communication was excellent. The 10 of us enjoyed a scenic steam train ride passing through the picturesque churnet valley from froghall... See more
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We had Sunday lunch on the train, and it was fantastic. The coach was clean and the seats like armchairs, and the table beautifully laid with a tablecloth. The staff were very attentive and prompt, a... See more
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Had the Greek dining experience. Lovely evening very well organised. Staff very kind and attentive. Food was very tasty was pleased by my gluten free option. Wine very smooth and good quality. Main c... See more
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The staff are the most impressive part of the railway. From the Welcoming station and tea room to the on-board service and catering staff. they all put 110% into your experience. The dining car was... See more
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Company details
About Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC
Written by the company
Churnet Valley Railway: A Journey Through Time and Scenic Beauty
Hop on board Churnet Valley Railway, Staffordshire’s premier heritage railway, for an unforgettable journey through England's scenic countryside. Catering to a wide range of audiences, Churnet Valley Railway offers not just a trip, but an experience designed to delight all ages.
Entertainment for Everyone: Whether it’s a fun-filled day out with the kids, who will be thrilled by special children's events like The Mad Hatters Tea Train Party, an exotic and romantic lunch excursion for couples, or their tipsy Rail Ale Trail for you and your mates – there's something for everyone at Churnet Valley Railway. Seasonal events like their PolarExpress™ Christmas Train Ride or the Midsummer Murder Mystery evenings offer entertainment that stays fresh throughout the year.
Heritage Presentation: Operated primarily by a dedicated team of volunteers, Churnet Valley Railway takes immense pride in preserving and showcasing the golden age of British rail travel. The meticulously restored steam locomotives, along with vintage carriages, offer passengers an authentic glimpse into the past.
Partnerships Galore: Beyond providing a thrilling day out, Churnet Valley Railway collaborates with external partners to bring Staffordshire some of its most loved events. From bringing festival-goers to villages accessible only by rail to hosting engaging and interactive educational events for children, Churnet Valley continues to offer new and exciting options to the communities they serve. Hop on board and experience the unique blend of nostalgia, scenic beauty, and warm hospitality that only Churnet Valley Railway can offer.
Contact info
Station Road, ST13 7EE, Cheddleton, United Kingdom
- 01538360522
- enquiries@churnetvalleyrailway.co.uk
- churnetvalleyrailway.co.uk
4.8
Excellent
14K reviews
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Replied to 100% of negative reviews
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It was a good experience from beginning…
It was a good experience from beginning to end. Staff were excellent in their hosting . , They made the experience enjoyable and lovely . Jane and her team was very accommodating.
It was worth it .
I would recommend the trip
August 5, 2026
Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC
Thank you for your lovely review, please visit us again at the Churnet Valley Railway.
Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522
A gem!…
The whole booking process went smoothly and email and phone communication was excellent.
The 10 of us enjoyed a scenic steam train ride passing through the picturesque churnet valley from froghall to leek.
The conductor came into our carriage to check tickets and recruited our kids to help. He was hilarious and really made the trip.
We alighted on the return trip at consall for lunch and walked the 2.5 miles back following the canal.
All the staff are volunteers and you couldn't have asked for a nicer bunch of people throughout!
August 5, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC
Thank you for taking the time & trouble to send us such a lovely review. We're so pleased that you enjoyed your trip on the Churnet Valley Railway. All of our team work really hard to ensure that all of our visitors have an enjoyable experience with us. We hope that you can travel again with us soon.
Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522
Coffee and cake
I went on the train from Froghall Station today at 10:30am with my disabled mum in a wheelchair and my mother-in-law, who uses a stick, for cake and coffee.
I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped us, from Andrea on reception to the two lovely ladies in the guard coach. I never got their names, but they were absolutely amazing and so helpful.
Getting my mum on and off the train was a task in itself, but everyone was so kind, patient and willing to help.
All I can say is that we had the best day out! It really cheered both of them up.
From Ange,Christine,Mary and Maria
August 5, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC
Thank you for taking the time & trouble to send us such a lovely review. We're so pleased that you enjoyed your trip on the Churnet Valley Railway. All of our team work really hard to ensure that all of our visitors have an enjoyable experience with us. We hope that you can travel again with us soon.
Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522
A love of Heritage railways…
I have a love for Heritage railways and my visit here was no exception. Staff were friendly and helpful, a wonderful location and it was on a beautiful summers evening. See will definitely be back to experience more of the railway.
August 1, 2026
Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC
Thank you for taking the time & trouble to send us such a lovely review. We're so pleased that you enjoyed your trip on the Churnet Valley Railway. All of our team work really hard to ensure that all of our visitors have an enjoyable experience with us. We hope that you can travel again with us soon.
Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522
Excellent nostalgic experience very…
Excellent nostalgic experience very friendly staff the feeling of bygone days brought back to life we thoroughly enjoyed it all (food was very tasty 😋)
July 31, 2026
Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC
Thank you for taking the time & trouble to send us such a lovely review. We're so pleased that you enjoyed your trip on the Churnet Valley Railway. All of our team work really hard to ensure that all of our visitors have an enjoyable experience with us. We hope that you can travel again with us soon.
Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522
A wonderful experience
We had a wonderful time, the staff were very friendly and extremely helpful.
We will be back!
July 29, 2026
Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC
Thank you for taking the time & trouble to send us such a lovely review. We're so pleased that you enjoyed your trip on the Churnet Valley Railway. All of our team work really hard to ensure that all of our visitors have an enjoyable experience with us. We hope that you can travel again with us soon.
Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522
Breakfast trip last Sunday
Breakfast trip last Sunday
I would have enjoyed it more if the train did not stop and wait at random places several times. I thought I was getting a 2 hour train journey through the Staffordshire country side. Disappointing
August 2, 2026
Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC
Thank you for leaving us your review. We appreciate all feedback so that we may improve our service to our valued customers. The route was changed for operational reasons & this was unfortunate. We hope this has not put you off visiting us again in the future.
Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522
Great morning but please complain if food barely hot
It was amazing. The staff were so helpful, the service was good. Only down side was the breakfast was only aired and many of us didn't want to complain. There was no way the temperature probe for food was used. We did mention it to staff when they were cleaning the tables after.
August 2, 2026
Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC
Thank you for leaving us your review. We appreciate all feedback so that we may improve our service to our valued customers. Please do bring anything to our attention that you are not happy about so that we have the chance to rectify the situation. We hope this has not put you off travelling with us again in the future.
Kind regards
Kaaren
CVR
It was just ok
It was just ok. Very chilled out. Bit too long just sitting there not moving at a number of times. They seemed slightly disorganised while they extend a line near Leek.
August 2, 2026
Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC
Thank you for leaving us your review. We appreciate all feedback so that we may improve our service to our valued customers. The route was changed for operational reasons & this was unfortunate. We hope this has not put you off visiting us again in the future.
Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522
A lovely day out with the family
A lovely day out with the family. All staff/volunteers were friendly and approachable. Thank you all!
August 2, 2026
Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC
Thank you for taking the time & trouble to send us such a lovely review. We're so pleased that you enjoyed your trip on the Churnet Valley Railway. All of our team work really hard to ensure that all of our visitors have an enjoyable experience with us. We hope that you can travel again with us soon.
Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522
Bombay Express
Efficient check in process. It was busy and I had not printed.my tickets but we were still quickly found. Driver very friendly and showed us the footplate. Dining experience made you feel like the orient express.
August 1, 2026
Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC
Thank you for taking the time & trouble to send us such a lovely review. We're so pleased that you enjoyed your trip on the Churnet Valley Railway. All of our team work really hard to ensure that all of our visitors have an enjoyable experience with us. We hope that you can travel again with us soon.
Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522
The atmosphere
The atmosphere, the views and just the pleasure of being on a steam train.
August 1, 2026
Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC
Thank you for taking the time & trouble to send us such a lovely review. We're so pleased that you enjoyed your trip on the Churnet Valley Railway. All of our team work really hard to ensure that all of our visitors have an enjoyable experience with us. We hope that you can travel again with us soon.
Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522
First time on Churnet Valley Railway
First time on Churnet Valley Railway, my granddaughter booked for my wife and l for a birthday celebration. We went on the Bombay express the curry evening. The carriage was beautiful the chairs at the table were so nice the three course meal was very tasty.The staff on the train were excellent and friendly. We will go again
August 1, 2026
Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC
Thank you for taking the time & trouble to send us such a lovely review. We're so pleased that you enjoyed your trip on the Churnet Valley Railway. All of our team work really hard to ensure that all of our visitors have an enjoyable experience with us. We hope that you can travel again with us soon.
Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522
Butty and brew train
We had a lovely time doing the 1030 butty and brew train 1/8/26 , a lovely little railway friendly staff , great facilities we definetly will be coming again highly recommend
August 1, 2026
Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC
Thank you for taking the time & trouble to send us such a lovely review. We're so pleased that you enjoyed your trip on the Churnet Valley Railway. All of our team work really hard to ensure that all of our visitors have an enjoyable experience with us. We hope that you can travel again with us soon.
Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522
Amazing breakfast
Fabulous breakfast on the steam train yesterday. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Staff are very friendly and helpful.
August 2, 2026
Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC
Thank you for taking the time & trouble to send us such a lovely review. We're so pleased that you enjoyed your trip on the Churnet Valley Railway. All of our team work really hard to ensure that all of our visitors have an enjoyable experience with us. We hope that you can travel again with us soon.
Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522
I would have given 5 stars but for…
I would have given 5 stars but for whatever reason our train was diesel hauled. Apart from that i thoughly enjoyed my trip.
July 29, 2026
Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC
Thank you for taking the time to leave your review.
We're delighted to hear that you thoroughly enjoyed your trip with us.
We're sorry that your train was heritage diesel-hauled rather than steam on this occasion. Unfortunately, there are times when operational circumstances mean we have to substitute a heritage diesel locomotive, and while we appreciate this can be disappointing for those hoping for a steam-hauled journey, this is outlined in our Terms & Conditions.
Thank you again for your feedback, and we hope to welcome you back on board for a steam-hauled journey in the future.
Kind regards,
Debbie
01538360522
Wonderful experience
Wonderful experience made even better by the staff who all go above and beyond to ensure that you have a great time.
Give this one ago you won’t regret it
August 1, 2026
Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC
Thank you for taking the time & trouble to send us such a lovely review. We're so pleased that you enjoyed your trip on the Churnet Valley Railway. All of our team work really hard to ensure that all of our visitors have an enjoyable experience with us. We hope that you can travel again with us soon.
Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522
Was well organised the food was good…
Was well organised the food was good but the potatoes were under cook would be better if they were new small potatoes
August 2, 2026
Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC
Thank you for taking the time to leave your review.
We're delighted to hear that you found the experience well organised and that you enjoyed the food overall.
We're sorry to hear that the potatoes were not cooked to your liking, and we appreciate your suggestion regarding serving small new potatoes. We'll be sure to pass your comments on to our catering team for consideration.
Thank you once again for your feedback, and we hope to welcome you back on board again soon.
Kind regards,
Debbie
01538360522
Evening steam train from Froghall
Evening steam train from Froghall. Lovely trains and carriages, very friendly fabulous and enthusiastic staff, beautifully kept stations and signal boxes.
July 31, 2026
Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC
Thank you for taking the time & trouble to send us such a lovely review. We're so pleased that you enjoyed your trip on the Churnet Valley Railway. All of our team work really hard to ensure that all of our visitors have an enjoyable experience with us. We hope that you can travel again with us soon.
Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522
Breakfast train journey
Overall the experience was really lovely, however, we received notification 2 days prior to the trip that the route would need to be amended due to issues with the line. Instead of travelling to Ipstones, the train only went as far as Leek. The route was effectively shortened which meant we had excessive time as the trip was allocated for 2 hours. This then resulted in periodic, unplanned stops on the track (not at stations) to make up the time. We would have loved to have seen more of the scenery on the planned route so this was a little disappointing. In addition, we were originally planned to do the trip in April but upon arriving at the station we were advised it was cancelled as the train had derailed. We appreciate these factors are outside of people's control but the two incidents left us a little frustrated.
We would however recommend the service - its a lovely experience; the train itself was beautiful and the staff very attentive.
August 2, 2026
Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC
Thank you for leaving us your review. We appreciate all feedback so that we may improve our service to our valued customers. The route was changed for operational reasons & this was unfortunate. We are very pleased that you did enjoy the train itself & the efforts of our staff. We hope this has not put you off visiting us again in the future.
Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522
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