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
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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
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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
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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
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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 97% of negative reviews
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The staff were amazing but the train…
The staff were amazing but the train couldn't make it up the hill and we seemed to just sit on a motionless train for ages. Not the best experience
19 August 2026
Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us. We are absolutely delighted by your kind words regarding our amazing staff, and I will ensure your compliments are passed along to the team. However, we are very sorry that your journey was disrupted when the train was unable to clear the incline, resulting in an extended stationary delay. We completely understand that sitting on a motionless train for a long period is disappointing and not the experience we intend to provide. Thank you once again for your valuable feedback.
Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522
Good day friendly staff
Very good day apart from train not being able to make the climb to the last stop
19 August 2026
Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC
Thank you, please visit us again.
Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522
Comfortable and atmospheric environment…
Comfortable and atmospheric environment with excellent friendly service. The meal was very good and not rushed. An enjoyable way to celebrate our 54th wedding anniversary.
19 August 2026
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.
Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522
Lovely afternoon spent on lunch time…
Lovely afternoon spent on lunch time train. Staff were really friendly and meal was excellent
19 August 2026
Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC
Thank you, please visit us again.
Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522
Perfect morning on the breakfast train
All the staff on and off the train were really friendly and helpful , the breakfast was delicious, the service was top notch , what a lovely way to spend a morning , we will definitely book another trip soon , thank you x
19 August 2026
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
What an excellent experience
What an excellent experience.
Super booking communication.
Great food, service and kind, helpful staff.
Cannot recommend enough. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
19 August 2026
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.
Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522
Very pleasant experience
Very pleasant experience. We just had the basic ride but we saw the people who were dining on the ride and it looked really nice. Also great bonus that they are dog friendly. Big thumbs up from us over the whole things.
19 August 2026
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
Staff were great and friendly
Staff were great and friendly. Food was perfect we had the breakfast and felt the whole trip was value for money but there were several stops of over 15 mins where the train did not move was disappointing. No communication over speaker to advise why it happened so could be improved
19 August 2026
Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC
Thank you very much for taking the time to share your feedback. We are absolutely delighted to hear that our staff were great and friendly, that your breakfast was perfect, and that you found the overall trip to be excellent value for money. However, we are very sorry for the frustration caused by the multiple delays where the train remained stationary for over 15 minutes. While operational stops can occasionally occur, we firmly believe that our passengers should always be kept well-informed. It is disappointing to hear that no explanation was provided over the speaker system, and we have addressed this communication failure directly with our train crew to ensure updates are given during any future delays. We would love the opportunity to welcome you back for another trip.
Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522
Absolutely wonderful Sunday lunch
Absolutely wonderful Sunday lunch. We were bought the tickets as a present and it did not disappoint. 3 course lunch was so tasty. Service was fab and the actual journey was great seeing the countryside. They cater for all types of people and have a special carriage for wheelchair users, although we did not use it. Highly recommend
16 August 2026
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
We were three adult ladies who had gone…
We were three adult ladies who had gone on the trip to mark a year since my husband , their dad passed away as he loved steam engines.
We however had never been to Churnet Valley Railway so it was a new experience, and it was an evening train ride which was lovely.
Sadly we missed out on the jacket potato for the train so we had some food in the lovely little cafe, there was a chip van outside in the car park and people did bring them on the train( l would do the same next time)
It was a lovely steam train ride in wonderful scenery and l would definitely recommend to anyone thinking of going.
An absolutely lovely experience that made a sad day a little better.
Staff were lovely, good service in the cafe and the booking process was very easy.
5 August 2026
Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC
Thank you so much for taking the time & trouble to give us such a lovely review. It's lovely to hear that we made your day happier & it was a great way to remember their Dad.
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.
Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522
Saturday 15th August: Bombay Express Dining Train organised for members of the North Staffs National Trust Association.
North Staffs National Trust Association Bombay Express Lunch - a member's report.
"Well, what a glorious summer’s day it turned out to be. The atmosphere at the Churnet Valley railway station platform was electric. The sound of the vintage hissing steam train adding to the sense of excitement you always experience at a train station.
24 members had travelled to one of Staffordshire’s delightful spots, which was made even more enjoyable with the addition of a steam engine. It was good to be out and about to enjoy a journey as enjoyed for many years by the Victorians. There were a number of smart waiting coaches each one with its own individual name ready to take us on board.
Everyone was determined to enjoy the Bombay Express train, and we weren’t disappointed. The excellent 3-course meal was served by the smartly dressed staff who provided full table service throughout the journey, while the magnificent engine threaded its way through the countryside effortlessly.
Thank you John Pedrazzini for choosing the right venue, the right day, and of course we were blessed with beautiful weather.
Richard Clamp"
15 August 2026
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
What a wonderful morning we had today
What a wonderful morning we had today. I decided to book the breakfast train for my Dads 80th Birthday. All 7 of us had a wonderful time. All the staff were so welcoming and friendly and lots wished my Dad a happy Birthday. The food was amazing too. I will certainly be recommending to anyone wanting a relaxing family get together or simply a nice couples day out.
Thank you
16 August 2026
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.
Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522
Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC
Thank you, please visit us again.
Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522
Sunday lunch
We had a lovely Sunday lunch on board Nicholas for my mum’s 80 birthday. There decor was really lovely, with comfy armchair seats. All the staff were friendly serving the delicious 3 course meal. From start to finish it was a memorable and enjoyable experience and mum didn’t want it to end! Thank you.
16 August 2026
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
Great experience food was really good…
Great experience food was really good enjoyed the surroundings would definitely do it again staff were very professional
16 August 2026
Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC
Thank you, please visit us again.
Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522
What an amazing experience!
15 August 2026
Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC
Thank you, please visit us again.
Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522
Greek evening on CVR
We were welcomed and had a look around the lovely shop. Then we had a drink in the cafe, which had a decent selection of beers and wines. Due to the threat of wildfires, we could not travel to the moorland, however, the double journey one way did not detract from the experience. The table was set nicely and the service was brilliant. Everyone was very smiley and helpful. The only tiny negative was that it was a 'Greek' evening and the food was not very reminiscent of Greece - although little was left.
14 August 2026
Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC
Dear Susan, T
Thank you very much for taking the time to share your feedback. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed our shop, our excellent selection of beers, and the table setting. It is also wonderful to know that our lovely staff took such good care of you. We appreciate your constructive comments regarding the Greek meal; we aim to deliver an authentic dining experience, and your feedback is invaluable as we refine our menus. Your notes have been shared directly with our kitchen team for review. Thank you once again for your patronage, and we look forward to welcoming you back in the near future.
Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522
Food and service was amazing
Food and service was amazing! However a four mile journey on a diesel train was not what was expected. The tickets were purchased as a gift to my Father in Law after he had said traveling on a steam train was something he has always wanted to do, but not had the opportunity. A two hour journey on a DIESAL train, actually consisted of a 4 mile trip with the majority of time spent at a stand still.
8 August 2026
Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC
"Dear Lisa, thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us. We are absolutely delighted to hear that you found our food and service to be amazing. However, we are deeply sorry for the disappointment caused by the use of a diesel locomotive instead of a steam engine, especially as this journey was a special gift for your father-in-law. While we always aim to run our scheduled steam services, we occasionally have to substitute locomotives due to essential heritage maintenance or operational requirements. We understand how disappointing this must have been for a special occasion and we hope to welcome you and your family back for the true steam experience you intended using the free of charge No Steam Voucher you will have received.
Food was not as good as we have had…
Food was not as good as we have had before
We had pie & mash it was very sloppy and the gravy was running out of the bottom and also didn't like the wooden knife and fork
15 August 2026
Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC
Dear Maxine, thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us. While we are glad you chose to journey with us, we are very sorry to hear that the food did not meet your expectations on this occasion. We also appreciate your comments regarding the wooden cutlery; we are constantly balancing our environmental initiatives with guest comfort, and your feedback is invaluable as we review our onboard dining presentation. Your notes have been passed directly to our catering management team for review. We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back on board in the future.
Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522
Everything was lovely
Everything was great, service, staff.
My egg bacon benedict however, it was cold but I didn't want to spoil the experience for my friend so I didn't mention it on the journey.
All the food was tasty and the two young staff were brilliant.
Helen 🙂
16 August 2026
Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC
Thank you so much for taking the time & trouble to give us your review.
We’re so pleased that you enjoyed your Breakfast trip with us. please do mention if you are not happy with anything so that we can rectify it.
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.
Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522
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