Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC Reviews 

14,012
TrustScore 5 out of 5

4.8

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Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Considering 4,620 reviews, reviewers overwhelmingly had a great experience with this company. Customers frequently praise the incredibly friendly and attentive staff who consistently go out of their way to ensure a memorable, pleasant journey for everyone on board. Additionally, people thoroughly enjoy the delicious food options, excellent service, and the truly wonderful nostalgic atmosphere of the vintage train rides. However, some people mentioned that the enclosed carriages could become uncomfortably hot during warm weather days without any adequate cooling. A few consumers also noted that certain stops or shortened journey lengths felt less engaging due to unexpected delays and extended waiting times.

What people talk about most

Staff

Clients share positive opinions on staff, consistently praising their welcoming and helpful attitude.... See more

Service

Customers had positive experiences with service, consistently praising the staff for being exceptionally... See more

User experience

Customers consistently note positive experiences with user experience, highlighting the beautiful... See more

Product

Reviewers express high satisfaction and delight with the food and overall dining experiences provided on the... See more

Quality

Consumers find quality to be positive, consistently expressing delight with the excellent food and... See more

Reviews shaping this summary

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The setting at Froghall station is beautiful. The locomotive and rolling stock magnificent.The staff very friendly,helpful and engaging.We had booked for the cream tea experience.Trip scheduled 1.30-... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

It was first experience of Churnet Valley Railway, but hopefully it won’t be my last. Due to the extreme weather conditions they were running to an Emergency Timetable and couldn’t go across the moor... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Excellent, the staff and volunteers work so hard, the train was lovely, with a beautifully set table, the table service excellent and the food exceeded my expectations. I’ll be honest I was half expec... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Yet another fantastic trip on the Churnet Valley Railway. Took my granddaughter on the breakfast train for her 17th birthday, went on the new part of the line to Leek it’s a little bit shorter than th... See more

Company replied


Company details

  1. Tourist Attraction
  2. Breakfast Restaurant
  3. English Restaurant
  4. Heritage Preservation
  5. Railroad Company

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

4.8

Excellent

TrustScore 5 out of 5

14K reviews

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Replied to 100% of negative reviews

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4.8

All reviews

(14,012)

4,424 reviews in the last 12 months

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

A great experience

A great experience. The staff were all very pleasant and happy to answer any questions. The service was great along with the breakfast which was faultless. Would definitely do it again.

16 August 2026
Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC logo

Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC

Thank you so much for your kind words regarding your trip with us! We’re so happy to hear that you had a great experience with our service. Our team strives to provide exceptional service, and knowing that we’ve met your expectations truly means a lot to us. We appreciate your support and look forward to serving you again in the future. If there's anything else we can do for you, don’t hesitate to contact us!

Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic day

Fantastic day! Absolutely faultless.

16 August 2026
Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC logo

Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC

Thank you, please visit us again.

Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Railway and buildings in excellent…

Railway and buildings in excellent condition . Polite enthusiastic staff 👍🏽👍🏽

16 August 2026
Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC logo

Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC

Dear Linda, thank you very much for taking the time to share your feedback with us. We are absolutely delighted to hear that you found our railway and buildings to be in excellent condition. Maintaining our heritage infrastructure to the highest standards is a true labour of love, and your recognition means a great deal to us. It is also wonderful to know that our polite and enthusiastic staff contributed to your experience; I will be sure to pass your kind words along to the entire team. Thank you once again for your patronage, and we look forward to welcoming you back on board in the near future.

Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

A great dining experience

The way the trip was organised and the cleanliness of everything was brilliant. Timing of the food was good too so it wasn't too rushed. Everything tasted lovely. Excellent helpful staff both at the station and on the train. A wonderful experience I would highly recommend.

15 August 2026
Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC logo

Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC

Thank you so much for your kind words regarding your trip with us! We’re so happy to hear that you had a great experience with our service. Our team strives to provide exceptional service, and knowing that we’ve met your expectations truly means a lot to us. We appreciate your support and look forward to serving you again in the future. If there's anything else we can do for you, don’t hesitate to contact us!

Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

Unfortunatly half the track ride was…

Unfortunatly half the track ride was not viable. We went hslf way then returned back to station then half way again and returned to station. Spoilt the journey we were expecting
Staff were lovely and attentive to our needs
Carridge seats need repadding

16 August 2026
Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC logo

Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us. We are so glad to hear that our staff took great care of you during your trip! That said, we are really sorry about the seats. We want your journey to be as comfortable as possible, so we are passing your notes straight to our maintenance crew to look into repadding them. We always want to ensure a smooth, relaxing ride. The double journey was necessary to give us enough time to serve all of our dining passengers & the route was revised to reduce the risk of lineside fires. Please travel with us again to enjoy the full line of the Churnet Valley Railway.

Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Dinner in the valley in little Switzerland

GreatFood and locations and a large 701 wartime engine. Five star customer service from start to finish. One minor "grumble" just need a bit more custard on my apple crumble dessert!

16 August 2026
Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC logo

Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC

Thank you so much for taking the time & trouble to give us such a lovely review.
We’re so pleased that you enjoyed your lunch trip with us. I'll pass on the custard tip!
All of the team at the Churnet Valley Railway work really hard to ensure that all of our visitors have a wonderful & memorable time.
Please visit us again soon.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

What a fantastic way to spend a Sunday…

What a fantastic way to spend a Sunday afternoon, Lovely lunch, service was brilliant all the staff work so hard to make the experience special.

16 August 2026
Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC logo

Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC

Thank you for your lovely review, please visit us again soon.

Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

A wonderful experience

We visited the Churnet Valley Railway to do the Spud & Train - we had a fabulous time. The staff/volunteers were wonderful, helpful and made our day a special memory. The jacket potatoes were super too.
Well done everyone. We will be back.

15 August 2026
Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC logo

Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC

Wow, thank you for the fantastic review about your trip with us! We’re absolutely thrilled to hear that you were impressed with our efficient and high-quality service. Our team works hard to ensure every customer has an exceptional experience, and it’s wonderful to know we’ve succeeded in doing so for you. Your feedback motivates us to continue delivering the best experience possible.

Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great Day

Like being transported back to the last century. All the staff are very professional. Great atmosphere all round. Very impressed with how organised and slick the whole organisation are. 5 Stars all round.
POST REPLY FROM CHURNET VALLEY................
Thanks Kareen
We've starting following on Facebook and look forward to our next visit to one of your many themed trips... Very good experience all round 👏

16 August 2026
Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC logo

Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC

Wow, thank you for the fantastic review about your trip with us! We’re absolutely thrilled to hear that you were impressed with our efficient and high-quality service. Our team works hard to ensure every customer has an exceptional experience, and it’s wonderful to know we’ve succeeded in doing so for you. Your feedback motivates us to continue delivering the best experience possible.

Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The day was enhanced by the very kind…

The day was enhanced by the very kind and pleasant staff throughout, from the station members through to the train staff, they all certainly completed the enjoyable journey along with the scrumptious meal.
Well done Churnet Valley Railway.

16 August 2026
Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC logo

Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC

Thank you so much for taking the time & trouble to give us such a lovely review.
We’re so pleased that you enjoyed your trip with us.
All of the team at the Churnet Valley Railway work really hard to ensure that all of our visitors have a wonderful & memorable time.
Please visit us again soon.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

My Churnet valley trip

It was very well organised even at the station, tannoy announcements were very clear.
And it was a great experience.
The carriages were very hot but that's not your fault.

12 August 2026
Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC logo

Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC

Thank you for taking the time to leave such a positive review about your trip with us! We’re delighted to hear that our service surpassed your expectations. Providing high-quality service is at the heart of everything we do, and your feedback reassures us that we’re on the right track. We truly appreciate your trust. Should you need any further assistance, please feel free to contact us anytime.

Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Memorable day out

Excellent organisation and communication throughout. The breakfast was delicious and the service was great . Everyone was extremely friendly too. Thanks for a memorable trip

16 August 2026
Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC logo

Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC

Thank you so much for your kind words regarding your trip with us! We’re so happy to hear that you had a great experience with our service. Our team strives to provide exceptional service, and knowing that we’ve met your expectations truly means a lot to us. We appreciate your support and look forward to serving you again in the future. If there's anything else we can do for you, don’t hesitate to contact us!

Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Very relaxing

Very relaxing, really pleasant happy servers.

16 August 2026
Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC logo

Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC

Thank you for your lovely review, please visit us again soon.

Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Everyone was helpful and polite

Everyone was helpful and polite, a very nice experience,will be back soon

1 July 2026
Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC logo

Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC

Thank you for your lovely review, please visit us again soon.

Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

What an amazing morning

What an amazing morning, we booked breakfast in the dining car and from start to finish we had the best time ever, all of the staff were so friendly and helpful, the food was amazing and the carriage was out of this world, I can’t wait to book another trip and will highly recommend to anyone who will listen 🤣

16 August 2026
Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC logo

Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC

Thank you so much for taking the time & trouble to give us such a lovely review.
We’re so pleased that you enjoyed your trip with us.
All of the team at the Churnet Valley Railway work really hard to ensure that all of our visitors have a wonderful & memorable time.
Please visit us again soon.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic afternoon

Fantastic afternoon
Staff lovely and friendly
Would highly recommend

16 August 2026
Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC logo

Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC

Thank you for your lovely review, please visit us again soon.

Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great experience and service as usual…

Great experience and service as usual not our first time we did the Sunday lunch this time which was perfect our last trip was on the breakfast train and that was also perfect five stars ⭐️

16 August 2026
Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC logo

Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC

Wow, thank you for the fantastic review about your trip with us! We’re absolutely thrilled to hear that you were impressed with our efficient and high-quality service. Our team works hard to ensure every customer has an exceptional experience, and it’s wonderful to know we’ve succeeded in doing so for you. Your feedback motivates us to continue delivering the best experience possible.

Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

They changed the route from originally…

They changed the route from originally planned the coffee and cake nobody told us before boarding the train you had to collect your coffee and cake. We thought you got the coffee and cake on the train very disappointing.

16 August 2026
Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC logo

Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC

Thank you for your feedback. The route change was unavoidable & was made to reduce the risk of lineside fires. We are sorry that you thought you were misled by us regarding the Coffee & Cake Service but it does state on our website that it is a "takeaway service"

Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522

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