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
Typically replies within 1 week
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Our original booking was cancelled and…
Our original booking was cancelled and we did not find out till we arrived
This was a present from our daughter and a hotel booked nearby
We had no choice but to stay in the hotel and rearrange the train experience.
The apology was not sincere they basically said book again or we will refund.
We booked for the 3rd August 4 months after our original booking as all times were taken.
2 days before our train journey we received another email saying the original route had changed and we were now going via Leek.
When we arrived we got sent to the wrong carriage by a station attendant and we should have been at the front not the back.
The only grace was the staff on the train were polite and friendly and the food was pleasant.
Not a great experience and would not book again
August 2, 2026
Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC
Thank you for taking the time to leave your review.
We're very sorry to read that your experience did not meet your expectations, particularly as this was a gift from your daughter and something you had been looking forward to.
We were genuinely sorry that your original booking had to be cancelled following a derailment on the railway. We did our best to contact all affected customers as soon as possible and offered either alternative dates or a full refund for anyone whose new dates were not suitable. We appreciate that, despite these options, the cancellation disrupted your plans, including your hotel booking.
We're also sorry that, shortly before your rearranged visit, we had to advise customers that the route would be amended due to operational reasons. These decisions are never taken lightly and are only made when necessary to allow the service to operate safely rather than cancelling it altogether.
We apologise that you were initially directed to the wrong carriage on arrival. Although this was quickly resolved, we're sorry for the confusion it caused.
It is, however, lovely to hear that our onboard staff were polite and friendly and that you enjoyed the food. We will be sure to pass your kind comments on to the team.
Whilst we're disappointed that your overall experience has left you feeling unable to return, we do appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback and wish you all the very best for the future.
Kind regards
Debbie
01538 360522
Great value for money on the coffee and…
Great value for money on the coffee and cake trip. Really enjoyed it, helpful and friendly staff. Recommended.
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
Enjoyed it,the cake and coffee was good…
Enjoyed it,the cake and coffee was good too, but part of the trip was cancelled so didn’t feel we saw as much as we should of, seemed to be waiting along time 10 mins a couple of times so was bit disappointed really, the organisation was brilliant the train brilliant but was thinking of the meals on the train but unsure now
August 2, 2026
Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC
Thank you for taking the time to leave your lovely review.
We're delighted to hear that you received great service during your journey and that you had an enjoyable experience overall.
We're sorry that, due to operational reasons, we had to amend the route and operate at a reduced speed in places. We appreciate your understanding and are pleased to hear that this did not detract from your overall enjoyment.
Thank you once again for your kind feedback. We hope to welcome you back on board again soon.
Kind regards,
Debbie
01538360522
The friendly staff and fantastic meal
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
Everyone very helpful especially as I…
Everyone very helpful especially as I was a wheelchair user
July 26, 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, we do aim to be an inclusive. 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
We had a great time!
We had a great time on the breakfast Churnet Valley Railway. The food and drink was lovely as was the staff, who were friendly and professional.
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
A disappointing experience
I've given this a 3 star review because although the food was delicious and the service was good the overall experience wasn't as I expected.
For starters the journey was cut short apparently because they didn't have enough diesel engines on standby. So for the short journey we had it was mostly through derelict factory sites, long stops at stations with rusty out of service trains and carriages blocking g any views there might have been.
Second moan might have been down to the unusually hot weather we're having. The carriages have no air-conditioning and we roasted inside them, the drinks we had (larger and water ) came to the table at what seemed like room temperature, they weren't pleasant to drink. I think there could have been pull down blinds on the windows to help shield from the sun.
Our overall experience wasn't a pleasant one unfortunately which was a shame .
August 2, 2026
Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC
Thank you for taking the time to leave your review.
We're pleased to hear that you enjoyed the food and found the service to be good, although we're sorry that the overall experience did not meet your expectations.
Unfortunately, due to operational reasons on the day, we had to amend the route rather than cancel the service altogether. We appreciate this meant the scenery was different from what you were expecting, and we understand your disappointment.
You also mentioned the views during the journey. As part of our normal route, all of our trains pass through Cheddleton, which is our engineering and restoration base. The locomotives and carriages you saw there are part of our heritage fleet and are awaiting or undergoing restoration to preserve them for future generations. While we appreciate this may not have been the most scenic part of the journey, it is an important part of the work that keeps our railway operating.
We're also sorry to hear that you found the carriage uncomfortably warm. As a heritage railway, our historic carriages are preserved as authentically as possible and therefore do not have modern features such as air conditioning or window blinds. During periods of exceptionally hot weather, this can make the journey less comfortable than we would like.
Thank you again for your feedback. We appreciate your comments and will ensure they are shared with the relevant teams.
Kind regards,
Debbie
01538360522
Thought we would be "served"
Thought we would be "served", as we are on the breakfast train. The pastry on my pie was hard and the peas had set - so the overall look of the box was not appetising, but the whole did taste good.
I was informed about the problems with the trains and the change of route, so it didn't matter too much to me but there was comment about the speed of the journey and the number of stops - especially at Cheddleton where you couldn't see anything apart from the inside of another carriage.
Good overall - will be back but probably for the breakfast again.
August 1, 2026
Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC
We're sorry to hear that the presentation of your pie and peas wasn't as appetising as it should have been, and we'll be sure to pass your comments on to our catering team.
Regarding the service, this particular experience is advertised as our Takeaway Service, with meals served in takeaway boxes rather than at your table. This is reflected in the ticket price and differs from our Breakfast Train, where full table service is provided.
We're also grateful for your understanding regarding the amended route. Due to operational reasons, we had to vary the route on the day rather than cancel the service. Cheddleton is a normal part of our journey and is home to our engineering and restoration facilities, so trains regularly stop there as part of our operations.
Thank you again for your feedback. We look forward to welcoming you back on board again soon—perhaps for another Breakfast Train!
Kind regards,
Debbie
01538360522
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
Lovely experience very well organised
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 course portion was quite large. Volunteers were exceptional did give them a tip hope others did too. Would highly recommend it to friends and family.
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
What an unforgettable experience …
My son and I went on the Breakfast trip from Froghall station yesterday (2nd) . Wished I had the option to give it more stars it certainly deserves it. What a lovely experience . All staff on the station and train were fantastic could not have done any better. Breakfast was so tasty great quality. Well done everyone and we Will be back soon.
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
A lovely day out.
August 2, 2026
Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC
Thank you for your positive review, please visit us again soon.
Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522
Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC
Thank you for your positive review, please visit us again soon.
Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522
A exceptional experience to remember.
We had a Sunday lunch booked and I thought it was one of the best beef dinners I have had, the food was exceptional with a service to match. The train was very clean and very comfortable, I will be booking again would recommend it 100%.
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
It was just brilliant
It was just brilliant.
One think I would as you to consider is a mini bus from towns and cities nearby so it is more accessible.
Our visit was perfect. We did the wine tasting.
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
Wonderful Sunday Lunch
Wonderful Sunday Lunch. Fantastic staff and a perfect lunch. Highly recommended.
August 2, 2026
Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC
Thank you for your positive review, please visit us again soon.
Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522
Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC
Thank you for your positive review, please visit us again soon.
Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522
This was a 70th birthday present
This was a 70th birthday present. I was so amazed how wonderful the whole experience was. The train, staff, meal were way beyond expectations. It was a first time for me and my wife and would thoroughly recommend 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
Brilliant from start to finish
Excellent to receive the confirmation email of our booking the night before.
On arrival the check in process was so simple with no issues.
The train arrived and collected food was simple.
The train ride was well informed and comfortable and relaxing.
Overall the experience is well worth a visit.
Well done to the team at Churnett valley railway.
See you again soon.
Thanks
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 staff were very friendly
The staff were very friendly , the food and drink was tasty and the train ride was scenic.
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
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