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
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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
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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
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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
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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 98% of negative reviews
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Great nostalgic experience on the…
Great nostalgic experience on the train. Comfy seats and the best pie and mash ever!
Great service from friendly staff.
21 August 2026
Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC
Thank you for your lovely, supportive review. We look forward to seeing you again!
Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522
Great Food and Service.
We had a great evening last night on the Greek Dinning experience. The food was excellent and the staff very friendly and professional.
We were celebrating our wedding anniversary, we had expected to be on a table for two (something to check when booking) but we ended up sharing a table for four with another couple celebrating their wedding anniversary, and to be honest only made the night even better 👍
21 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 well organised from online booking…
Very well organised from online booking to a great dining experiance
21 August 2026
Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC
Thank you for your lovely, supportive review. We look forward to seeing you again!
Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522
What a fabulous time we had the whole…
What a fabulous time we had the whole experience the trip the staff were excellent the Greek dining meal was expertly presented and very nice would really recommend the whole experience could not fault it
21 August 2026
Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC
Thank you for your lovely, supportive review. We look forward to seeing you again!
Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522
More info required on booking.
The cake was lovely and even had a choice of coffee. Parked in the overspill carpark, but no sign to the station which made us on the last minute as we had a disabled person with us, had to ask someone where the station was, then walk up over the bridge. Also didn't know beforehand we had to collect the beverages from the ticket office. When we got on the train we couldn't find anywhere to sit together as couples were taking up all the seats of 4, so we had to sit in one of the larger enclosed areas at the back of the train with another couple, so none of us had a window seat. Also the train didn't complete the journey, as we were told it wouldn't make it up the hill. We were offered no compensation for this. Staff on the train were pleasant though and they came round with more beverages to buy, we had made sandwiches though as we didn't know.
19 August 2026
Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC
Thank you for taking the time to share your detailed feedback. We’re pleased to hear that you enjoyed the cake, coffee choices and the friendliness of our staff, but we’re sorry that several aspects of your visit caused disappointment.
We appreciate your comments regarding the overspill car park and the lack of clear signage directing customers to the station. We can understand how this would have been particularly frustrating when travelling with someone with mobility difficulties, and we will review the signage.
We are sorry that the arrangements for collecting the beverages were not clear. We will look at how this information is communicated to customers before their visit.
Unfortunately, on the day of your visit we were unable to complete the full advertised route due to operational conditions and the locomotive not being able to safely negotiate the gradient. We appreciate that this was disappointing, particularly as you had planned your day around the full journey.
Thank you again for your comments. They are helpful in highlighting areas where we can make information clearer for our customers.
Kind regards,
Debra
01538 360522
A great day out
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 arrived. The dining car was beautifully laid out for lunch and the staff were friendly and welcoming. Our three course lunch was delicious and unrushed. Overall, we had a wonderful time and felt we had celebrated my husband’s birthday in style.
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
Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC
Thank you for your lovely, supportive review. We look forward to seeing you again!
Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522
We attended the Greek dining experience…
We attended the Greek dining experience on 21/8/26, arrival and welcome great, steam train and dining carriages lovely, food ok, service top class, but why o why wasn’t it mentioned
to us that we had to share a table with
2 complete strangers, we sat opposite a couple where the man must of coughed
200 times during the evening, often not
covering his mouth, needless to say we didn’t eat much, what should of been a romantic dinner for 2 turned into what seems like a visit to A&E, it doesn’t mention anywhere that we had to share
a table, please guys tell the people before they book, all in all what should have been a nice evening turned into a bit of a nightmare
21 August 2026
Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We are pleased to hear that you enjoyed the welcome, steam train, dining carriages and the service from our team, but we are very sorry that the seating arrangement affected what should have been a special evening for you.
Our heritage dining carriages are laid out with a mixture of tables for two and tables for four, and where a table for four is allocated to a booking for two, it is possible that the table will be shared with another couple. This is a consequence of the layout of our heritage carriages, which have a limited number of tables for two.
We are sorry that this was not clear enough in your case.
We are also sorry that the behaviour of the other guest made you uncomfortable and affected your enjoyment of the meal. Unfortunately, this was outside of our control, but we completely understand why it made the evening particularly unpleasant for you.
Your comments regarding the booking information have been noted, and we will review how the shared-table arrangement is communicated so that customers can make an informed choice before booking.
Kind regards,
Debra
01538 360522
Went on the Greek Dining Train and had…
Went on the Greek Dining Train and had a fantastic time. Food was lovely, the staff were all attentive and welcoming. So lucky to still have these old carriages and steam engine to enjoy. Worth every penny for such a wonderful experience, highly recommend.
21 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
Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC
Thank you for your lovely, supportive review. We look forward to seeing you again!
Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522
Churnet Valley Greek Night
Smooth checking in on arrival, great organisation, friendly staff. Service was quick. Food was delicious. Maybe a bit of Greek music playing on arrival would of added a bit to the atmosphere. We all loved the experience and for train buffs a perfect evening.....😍
21 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
Outstanding Mrs s tunniciffe
Very friendly Volunteers.\n Food was great. Good value.\n Everybody was lovely. Thank you so much again. Really enjoyed it.
19 August 2026
Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC
Thank you for your lovely, supportive review. We look forward to seeing you again!
Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522
What a wonderful date night!
What a wonderful date night! From the moment we arrived to the moment we were seen off the train, the customer service was exceptional.
Being so close to a steam train was an epic experience. The sights, sounds and smells were incredible - the gentle music in the background, the chugging and rhythm of the engine, the hiss of the steam, the unmistakable smell of the coal and smoke, and of course the wonderfully dramatic chooo-ooo! of the horn. It was such a wonderfully immersive, nostalgic experience.
It felt intimate and romantic, and at one point we decided we must have been born in the wrong era! As we steadily travelled along the tracks, it genuinely felt like life had slowed down for a while - something we don’t get enough of nowadays.
The meal was absolutely delicious. My only criticism was that the black bean cakes were enormous - half the size would have been plenty!
The only thing that slightly let the experience down was the gift shop. We really wanted to buy something to remember the evening by, but the selection and presentation felt a little dated and uninspiring. I think there’s a real opportunity to make it much more appealing with unique railway and locally made items.
Overall, though, it was a fantastic and genuinely memorable evening. We absolutely loved it! When can we go again?
19 August 2026
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
Really well organised
Really well organised, lovely pie and mash, lovely scenes. Would recommend for a birthday treat.
21 August 2026
Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC
Thank you for your lovely, supportive review. We look forward to seeing you again!
Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522
A really enjoyable evening journey on…
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 a delightful group of young people, who went out of their way to make it a special event for us.Food was hot, tasty and good portion sizes.
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
Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC
Thank you for your lovely, supportive review. We look forward to seeing you again!
Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522
We thought the experience was a joy
We thought the experience was a joy. A step back in time indeed. Staff were helpful and committed. The only small disappointment was the fact that our train couldn't make the incline close to the turn around...
19 August 2026
Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC
Thank you for your lovely review, please join us again for the full route through the Staffordshire Moorlands!
Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522
The volunteers were very friendly
The volunteers were very friendly, the food in the trio was delicious and the full train experience was delightful.
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
Absolutely brillant morning apart from…
Absolutely brillant morning apart from not being able to go last 4 Miles as the engine was struggling to get up the hill, staff are amazing very pleasant and the food was good to
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.
Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522
Lovely little cafe at Froghall station…
Lovely little cafe at Froghall station and staff friendly and got chan e to stand on the footplate and chat to the driver
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
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