Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC Reviews 

14,159
TrustScore 5 out of 5

4.8

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Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Looking at 4,650 reviews, reviewers overwhelmingly had a great experience with this company. Customers frequently praise the friendly staff and volunteers who provide highly attentive service, ensuring that every visitor feels genuinely welcomed and valued throughout the entire day. People also mention the delicious meals, well-maintained carriages, and wonderful scenic views enjoyed during their relaxing and memorable railway journeys. Some reviewers were not happy with unexpected delays, noting that the train remained stationary for long periods or that certain route trips fell short of expectations. Some people also felt that certain minor issues like food temperature or a lack of communication during unexpected stops could be improved.

What people talk about most

Staff

People report positive experiences with staff, highlighting their welcoming and friendly demeanor throughout... See more

Service

Users describe positive interactions with service, highlighting friendly, helpful, and professional staff... See more

User experience

Reviewers mention positive feedback about user_experience, highlighting well-organized journeys and friendly... See more

Product

Clients share positive opinions on product quality, highlighting that the food is consistently delicious,... See more

Quality

Customers had positive experiences with quality, highlighting that meals were delicious and beautifully... See more

Reviews shaping this summary

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

We chose the lunchtime dining experience for our trip on the Churnet Valley Railway and had a really great day. The online booking process was straightforward and we were warmly greeted when we arrive... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Excellent trip. Lots of volunteer staff around, good tanoy announcements, decent tearooms, clean carriages, and we liked the trolley service on the train. Very dog friendly. Lovely train ride, which t... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

A really enjoyable evening journey on the railway, with an excellent Mexican meal served.The train carriages are very well maintained, with comfortable and roomy table seating. Our meal was served by... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Lovely few hours around the Staffordshire Moorlands countryside. Very good value, we did the Butty and Brew which is highly recommended. Although web site said sold out, the train wasn't overcrowded a... 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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Asks customers to review

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Replied to 98% of negative reviews

Typically replies within 48 hours

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4.8

All reviews

(14,159)

4,566 reviews in the last 12 months

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Companies on Trustpilot aren't allowed to offer incentives or pay to hide reviews. Reviews are the opinions of individual users and not of Trustpilot. Read more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Steam Train

We really enjoyed the train trip lasting more than hour. The scenery was beautiful & saw some wild life!! Eating our jacket potatoes on board was a different experience

19 August 2026
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Pie and mash train

Pie and mash train. Excellent value and a smashing night out. I also indulged in some of the Prim and Poppa Sea Salt Caramel Chocolate Brownie to add to my waistline! 10/10

21 August 2026
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Delightful journey through the…

Delightful journey through the Staffordshire Moorlands countryside. Well organised with friendly staff, good service and tasty food. The lamb bhuna is delicious! We enjoyed our journey on the Bombay Express immensely! We can’t wait to try another dining experience aboard the Churnet Valley Railway!

22 August 2026
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Bombay Express! Highly recommended

Went on the Bombay Express on 22nd August 2026. What a fantastic experience!. The booking was excellent, and the information in advance was very good. On arrival we were directed to our carriage, and then our seats. A good drinks menu, and bottled water was included. The meal was lovely, great tastes and good portions. I must congratulate all the staff, they were professional, efficient friendly and welcoming. The route is very interesting, and it was a great way to spend a relaxed Saturday afternoon.

22 August 2026
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Excellent

Friendly, polite, excellent morning and lovely food makes the whole experience one that we will never forget. Superb setting and journey.

23 August 2026
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

This was the first time at Churnet…

This was the first time at Churnet Valley Railway. This was a gift from my son & I to his dad for a late birthday. Churnet Valley was breathtaking & so clean & tidy. The staff was very helpful & welcome us all 🤗. The only down fall was helping disabled people getting on & off the train, which both my husband & I have. I was told that I would get the help. The sitting was absolutely brilliant & very comfortable without our journey. The train ride was so smooth & breathtaking too, with beautiful scenery. We booked in for the breakfast, which left disappointed, the food was cold. I was trying to get the attention of the staff. I understand that it was busy, but paying for what we got wasn't what we exactly received. Overall for the train ride was out of this world. Would we do it again, I really don't know.

23 August 2026
Rated 4 out of 5 stars

A very enjoyable heritage train ride…

A very enjoyable heritage train ride through beautiful countryside on a lovely sunny day - what more can you want? Add a three course lunch in a beautifully restored dining coach and your day is complete. The staff and everyone we came into contact with at the CVR were happy and friendly and just added to the experience.

23 August 2026
Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC logo

Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC

Thank you so much for your wonderful review. We’re delighted to hear that you had such an enjoyable day with us.

It sounds like you had the perfect combination of a heritage train journey through the beautiful Churnet Valley countryside, sunshine and a three-course lunch in one of our beautifully restored dining coaches.

We’re especially pleased to hear that our staff were so happy and friendly throughout your visit. Your kind comments mean a great deal to the whole team.

Thank you again for taking the time to share your experience, and we hope to welcome you back again soon!

Kind regards,

Debra
01538 360522

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Absolutely fantastic day all the staff…

Absolutely fantastic day all the staff we came into contact with were amazing all helpful and knowledgeable we did the breakfast ride the food was delicious especially the sausages very relaxing and the scenery was great we will definitely do another ride with a meal

23 August 2026
Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC logo

Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC

Thank you so much for your wonderful review. We’re delighted to hear that you had an absolutely fantastic day with us and that our staff were so helpful and knowledgeable.

It’s lovely to hear that you enjoyed our Breakfast Train, especially the sausages! We’re also pleased that you found the experience relaxing and enjoyed the beautiful scenery along the route.

Thank you for your kind comments, and we’re thrilled to hear that you’re planning to join us again for another dining experience. We look forward to welcoming you back!

Kind regards,

Debbie
01538 360522

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The staff were very friendly and the…

The staff were very friendly and the cake tasted lovely also the train journey was longer than expected great experience

23 August 2026
Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC logo

Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC

Thank you for your lovely review. We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the train journey and that it was longer than you expected!

It’s also great to hear that you enjoyed the cake and found our staff so friendly. We really appreciate your kind comments and are pleased that you had a great experience with us.

We hope to welcome you back again soon!

Kind regards,

Debbie
01538 360522

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The most amazing experience love love…

The most amazing experience love love loved it 🥰

23 August 2026
Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC logo

Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! 🥰 We’re absolutely delighted to hear that you had such an amazing experience with us and loved your visit.

Your lovely comments mean a great deal to our team, and we hope to welcome you back to the Churnet Valley Railway again soon! 🚂

Kind regards,

Debbie
01538 360522

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great birthday treat

Great setting, wonderful experience. Very pleasant and helpful staff.

23 August 2026
Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC logo

Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC

Thank you for your lovely review. We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed your birthday treat and had a wonderful experience with us.

It’s great to hear that you enjoyed the setting and found our staff so pleasant and helpful. We hope you had a very special birthday and look forward to welcoming you back again in the future!

Kind regards,

Debbie
01538 360522

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great experience

Great experience. Friendly staff. Nice spicy curry. Would definitely recommend

22 August 2026
Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC logo

Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC

Thank you for your lovely review. We’re delighted to hear that you had a great experience with us and enjoyed the spicy curry!

It’s also wonderful to hear that you found our staff friendly and that you would recommend us. We really appreciate your kind comments and hope to welcome you back again soon.

Kind regards,

Debbie
01538 360522

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Value for money

Value for money. We had the breakfast dining experience. Good quality food, good portion and very attentive staff. Two hours on the train which was fab.
Everyone very friendly

23 August 2026
Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC logo

Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC

Thank you so much for your fantastic review! We’re absolutely delighted to hear that you had an incredible experience with us.

It’s wonderful to know you enjoyed your visit, and we really appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback. We hope to welcome you back again soon!

Kind regards,

Debbie
01538 360522

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

We had an amazing time at churnet

We had an amazing time at churnet, my 10 year old is obsessed with trains especially steam…the driver asked if he would like to go inside and take a look which he absolutely loved. There is a lovely cafe with some lovely food at very good prices.

Also if you like walking there are some beautiful walks around the canals .

23 August 2026
Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC logo

Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC

Thank you so much for your lovely review. We’re delighted to hear that you and your family had such an amazing time at the Churnet Valley Railway.

It’s wonderful to hear how much your 10-year-old enjoyed his visit, especially getting the opportunity to have a look inside the cab. We’re sure that was a very special experience for a young train enthusiast!

We’re also pleased that you enjoyed the food at our café and discovered some of the beautiful walks alongside the canals. There’s certainly plenty to enjoy both on and around the railway.

Thank you again for your kind comments, and we hope to welcome you all back again soon! 🚂

Kind regards,

Debbie
01538 360522

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

A wonderful time!

A wonderful time! Beautiful scenery pulled by a majestic old engine, on a glorious day! Food was superb and staff were so lovely. 10/10!

23 August 2026
Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC logo

Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC

Thank you so much for your fantastic 10/10 review! We’re delighted to hear that you had such a wonderful time with us.

It’s lovely to hear that you enjoyed the beautiful scenery, our heritage locomotive and, of course, the food. We’re especially pleased that our staff helped make your day so enjoyable.

Thank you for your kind words and recommendation. We hope to welcome you back to the Churnet Valley Railway again soon! 🚂

Kind regards,

Debbie
01538 360522

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