Booked the Christmas train and couldn't recommend it less. Santa was shocking. No interaction with the children, very badly fitted suit, no Christmas cheer whatsoever. Customer service don't even acknowledge complaint never mind apologise or resolve. Would never book again

Went on the fish and trip steam train ride today. We were a little early so had a coffee from the cafe carriage. £3 each for half a cup, from an automatic machine. Ouch. The steam engine itself (the front bit) didn’t stay in the station for very long before moving to the back of the train, so no real opportunity to get any decent photos. There was no interaction from the staff with my grandad, who will tell anyone about the 15 years he served as a firer on a steam train - I thought this would be what this heritage railway is all about. We were directed to the back of the train, passing through the nicer carriages with white linen tables laid with flowers and cutlery until we got to the end carriage which was old, shabby and in desperate need of a good clean. The windows were also dirty which ruined the views. The seats are really quite small but you’re crammed in, sitting opposite another couple that you don’t know - all rather awkward. We were given a bag at the end of the line with some wooden cutlery and a flapjack (random) then were given fish and chips for the ride back, but we’d nearly eaten ours by the time we got going again. Fish was ok but chips were pretty soggy - no sauce offered, no peas etc. Paid £70 for two people, feel massively ripped off.

Not worth the money. Did the curry train for 2. Popadoms were burnt. Bhajis were cold AND burnt. Lamb curry was tasteless and no flavour. Drinks server told us there was no bottled lagers left ( he had only served 2 tables before us ) so ordered a white wine. This was served unchilled. While drinking this a drinks trolley was pushed to another carriage with about 20 bottles of lager which were not ordered and were being sold. Chicken curry was thigh/wing meat, so not the best but sauce was nice. At £90 for 2 with another £16 for drinks, it was not worth the money. Complained to Ollie who did apologise but really dismissed the complaint by saying “others had said it was nice” and that “you come for the train ride” Perhaps others were just being nice, not being one’s to complain, but come on, the price being charged does not represent value. Ollie did say the facilities in the train are restricted but if you cannot do something well, don’t do it at all. Do what you can do, and do it properly

Was ok but the weather couldn't have been worse which spoilt it quite a lot. The steam train was great but the fish and chip carriage wasn't very comfortable. My husband is disabled and went with a rollator walker which we checked previously with the company and were told help would be available if needed to board the train. Not so! We had no help whatsoever. The only offers of help were from other passengers. I'm afraid as with many other companies they claim to cater for the disabled but only do it half heartedly. We also had to get off the train to fetch the fish and chips in the rain, which again was not what we expected. The carriages for the afternoon tea looked better with tablecloths and place settings so would recommend you try that not the fish and chips, which by the time you got back to your seat they were not very warm.

On September 9th, 4 of us went on the fish and chip train in Wirksworth. It was a disappointing experience. The train was lovely, it was just everything else that wasn’t. The train station itself was run down and looked neglected. There wasn’t much of a view, although once we got into the countryside it was lovely. The fish and chips were mediocre, the fish was awful. It all felt very rushed, then we were back at the station. Underwhelming and overpriced. I have been on lots of steam trains but I won’t be going on this again !

This was an overpriced and understated experience that isn’t a true reflection of the advertised event online. The carriage was dirty, unclean and required substantial upgrades. The fish and chips you collect yourself off the train in a queue like going to the food bank. Food is provided in horrible brown sweaty boxes with wooden forks not served to you on a plate like the website shows. No choice or drink’s just water or no sauces which let’s be honest is a small fish special with peas or curry sauce. I wouldn’t recommend this experience at all and after raising this disappointing experience with the provided I just got fobbed off and advised that they have updated their website. Please don’t be coned into purchasing this overpriced experience as I have.