Churnet Valley Railway
Churnet Valley Railway
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The Churnet Valley Railway takes you on a journey back to the 1950s and 1960s. Take a break from busy urban life and hop on board a steam train to ride in a heritage carriage behind one of our beautifully restored heritage steam or diesel locomotives. Pass through delightful countryside with riverside views and The Cauldon Canal. You can learn more about the history of Churnet Valley Railway and the North Staffordshire Railway Company in our small museum based at Cheddleton Station, which houses a wealth of information and memorabilia. Fancy a bite to eat during your day out? Then enjoy the traditional atmosphere in our Signals Tea Room at Froghall Station, The Tea Room offers freshly brewed coffee, cooked breakfast, lunch including hot and cold sandwiches, cream teas and a delicious selection of cakes. On a cold day bask in the warmth of an open fire and listen to some music on the wireless. Signals Tea Room is wheelchair accessible and child-friendly.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

See what travellers are saying
  • nutterbirdy1983
    Madeley, United Kingdom33 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Science of steam with all the bangs and whistles
    Went for the science of steam event working with ROLL. Had a great time seeing the science demos explain how the steam trains worked. Then enjoyed a jaunt up and down the line watching the beautiful scenery. All the staff were friendly and helpful. Would throughly recommend it.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 12 October 2023
  • Heather
    England, United Kingdom116 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Good experience, slightly let down by catering
    This was a great experience. Friendly station volunteers. However, portion sizes were small and we ran out of time for coffee at the end, as we had arrived back at Froghall station. Serving/waiting staff rushed and seemed stressed, perhaps not enough of them to cater adequately for a busy experience and full train.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 15 October 2023
  • jomidd39
    46 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Old and very young family day out
    We bought this experience as my grandfather was the station master at Cheddleton Railway station many years ago . We wanted to see where he worked . We boarded the steam train at Froghall , lovely professional staff booked us in , fab little tea room . Steam train was amazing up Close !! Carriage so comfortable and quiet for a 89 year old and a nearly 2 year old . Wonderful 2 hour journey through stunning countryside. Refreshments served by two very pleasant ladies . Can highly recommend this day out xx
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 16 October 2023
  • Lesley D
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Excellent day out
    I took a friend for a birthday treat who had never had a meal on a train before and she thought it was fantastic and enjoyed the whole experience. The breakfast was amazing and the staff excellent. The journey was made more special as the sun shone and made the views all the better from the train. Would recommend a day out to Churnet Valley as a great day out.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 23 October 2023
  • Greenislander
    Nottingham, United Kingdom38 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Polar Express
    We had an amazing trip on the Polar Express. All the details are just like in the film and the engine is exactly right. Loved the hot chocolate and cookies and Santa bringing a bell from his sleigh. Special mention to the train conductor for his ticket clipping skills.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 18 November 2023
  • Rich S
    Bedfordshire, United Kingdom10 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Best ever Father Christmas experience
    The whole experience was just magical and enjoyable for everyone in our family. From the singing and dancing to meeting Father Christmas and receiving a bell each. The characters were so good as well. The slightly disappointing aspect was Lukewarm Hot chocolate but the cookie was lovely and the very expensive gift shop, if the prices were reasonable I think more people would buy something. Overall 5 stars.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 19 November 2023
  • RayJa
    Wrexham, United Kingdom646 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A great feel good Christmas evening for the whole family.
    Went to the Plat Express and my 4 year old loved it as did mum and dad. The whole event was very well organised with friendly staff. The singing and dancing was just awesome, getting to watch with our Hot Chocolate and Cookie then the main attraction was getting to meet Santa. Anything that can get me to spend money in the gift shop must be great. Definitely going to go again next year. A fantastic evening for all the family especially the kids.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 21 November 2023
  • Kirsty W
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fabulous start to Christmas Festivities.
    This was the start of the most magical of festivities. The team made this very special and magical from start to finish. We went as a couple and no children, and just loved it. We still got the same amount of attention and time as people with children. Santa was just amazing, i would highly recommend, and you get out what you put in i say, so if you interacted, its more fun. Thank you Polar Express for a magical start to the Christmas season x x
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 22 November 2023
  • Chelsey K
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Magical
    This was our second time on the Polar Express experience and it didn’t disappoint. All staff (volunteers included) were so cheerful and welcoming. They engaged with the children, sharing their excitement and making the experience more magical. The set up is perfect and functional, and a bonus that the setting is so picturesque too. The station has been clean and tidy on both occasions and toilet facilities are also clean. The actual experience was amazing both times and we can’t wait to book again next year! My two girls loved the whole experience. Communication is great too with lots of email reminders and tips for your visit.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 25 November 2023
  • Quest48302254664
    12 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fabulous!
    This was a fabulous experience. So much thought and effort has gone into this trip. We took our Grandchildren, aged 3 and 5 on this trip and their parents too, and we all loved it. It’s really exciting when the train steams on to the station. The actors put so much effort into their performance, Santa is suitably jolly and spends sone time with each group of children, the station is all lit up and very pretty. You couldn’t ask for more. I booked in February to ensure an after dark ride. For what you get I don’t think it was expensive. What a lovely way to start Christmas.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 25 November 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles903 reviews
Excellent
576
Very good
168
Average
68
Poor
43
Terrible
49

Scott N
16 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2020
Trip was cancelled in late November and after being told you would get your refund weeks later in by January 17th was still left waiting.

Contacting CVR was obviously a timewasting exercise as you were told excuse after excuse as to when a refund would be coming, this was obviously to string you along, tales of BT phone line issues were also given.

In the end i contacted my credit card provider and chargeback the cost of the tickets through them as it was obvious CVR weren't going to do the honest thing and refund.

Will not be using them again.
Written 19 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Andy F
1 contribution
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2020 • Family
We were due to attend 'Santa and Steam' just before Christmas in 2020 as we had in previous years.

Understandably it was cancelled due to covid and the business sent an email asking people to defer their booking to show loyalty in a cash flow tough time. We happily obliged.

We got to this year at the time to rebook and the only dates offered to loyal customers who hadn't requested a refund were either late November or early December.

Given we had originally booked Christmas week this was more than disappointing. I emailed to ask why and was told that the licencee for the new setup had dictated this (trying to absolve themselves).

I was offered the option of booking my slot well before Christmas or asking for a refund and rebook the time I'd booked last year but with a 30% price increase.

This is an absoutley disgusting way to run a business and has alienated me and a lot of others from ever returning.

Clearly their priority is cashing in on the price premium closer to Christmas while fobbing off last year's customers who didn't add to the cash flow problems by requesting a refund.

Management response is that their hands have been tied but they've had "2000" bookings from customers who chose not to take a refund.

All they had to negotiate was that existing bookings were offered the same date and time or a refund. Its either basic business ineptitude or a complete disregard for existing customers.

Won't be back and recommend you look at their other reviews through Google and Facebook. Will paint a clear picture of the sort of unreliable business that is run and you're booking with.
Written 31 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Cheeky Chappy
Sale, UK2 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2020 • Family
This company had taken full payment for last years Santa with Steam experience from a number of family’s and not refunded. They have over £160 of my money. When we booked, we checked if we’d get a full refund if they went into a higher tier and they told us we would so we felt comfortable to pay over the phone to secure booking. They promised a refund on the 18th January, but have not refunded anyone, giving a number of excuses for not refunding as promised. See the reviews on their Facebook profile for more information.
Written 8 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Samantha Smith
Brownhills, UK4 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2021 • Family
Hi I was wondering if you could give me an insight as to what had happened with our seats tonight please. We were booked on the 5:00pm train and where allocated seat numbers 57,58,59 & 60 in the Dasher carriage. As we were about to get on a heard a lady tell her partner what seats they were in which just happened to be the same as ours. I told the lady who was great but in the mean time me and my family where stood outside in the pouring down rain getting soaked not knowing what was going on. A man went away with our confirmations and when he arrived back our seats had been moved to Prancer 17-20 which was at the opposite end of the train. So we had to walk again in the rain while everyone was waiting for the train to leave it was quite embarrassing and my daughter was so worried that we would miss the train she got upset. Which is quite disappointing considering the cost that was involved. I would appreciate it if you could come back to me please x
Written 23 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jacqueline E
449 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2021 • Couples
Plenty of parking at Froghall station when we arrived. Very friendly greeting on entering the station. There is a cafe on site and although it was only serving snack food when we arrived there was enough choice to ensure that we didn’t go hungry. There are good COVID measures in place and all touch points were cleaned before we were allowed to embark.
Once the train set off there was plenty to look at, and although I thought the guide book was a little pricey, at £5, it contained a great deal of information about the sights we were passing. It is worth investing if you want a bit of history about what you see.
All in all the journey took about 2 hours, and was an interesting way to spend time.
Written 31 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Hezekiah312
Lancashire, UK109 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2021
Things did not start well when we found it difficult to book a service. Phone calls only went through to a lady who identified herself as the switchboard operator who could only take messages but nothing else. This happened 3 times (over a few days) before someone eventually called us back.
We booked for a luncheon train and just before leaving home received a call to say that the chef had not turned up. Whilst we accept that these things happen, surely it is not beyond the wit of the organisers to have a Plan B in these circumstances. Nonetheless, we accepted the option of a ride on the train with the option to come back for a ride with lunch on some future occasion. When we arrived at the station is was chaos for parking. There is insufficient space to cope with busy periods and the problems ware made worse by the number of people milling around. For safety's sake, some volunteers should be provided to supervise parking at busy times. We eventually got parked when the morning train arrived and people from that started leaving although by that time there were cars everywhere and people found it difficult to get out. This needs to be resolved before an accident occurs.
We then joined a long queue with one person checking tickets whilst three other staff/volunteers (including one dressed up as a station master) stood chatting on the platform but did not assist in getting the queue through the gate. Because of this, the train was 18 minutes late departing. It was pulling away when people on the platform started shouting and waving causing the driver to make an emergency brake application to allow the lady who was doing the teas/coffees to join the train! (Why she was not on it at the scheduled departure time was anybody's guess).
We eventually set off 20 minutes late on what was a very pleasant ride with coffee (no biscuits) with some information provided over the speakers.
Some weeks later, we still have not heard what the arrangements will be for the re-booking. I am sure that their offer will be honoured and when it is, I hope to be able to write a more favourable review.
Written 20 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mel L
2 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2022 • Family
I booked a holiday in the Peak District for myself, my son and our two dogs and booked an event on this train. The dogs cost more than the 2 of us! A month prior to coming I got a long term illness and had to cancel the whole holiday. I understand that the train has a no refund policy to protect themselves against people just cancelling if it’s raining etc. However, with a bit of compassion, cancelling a month in advance due to sickness should be allowed as they can re sell. Shocking in my opinion.
Written 2 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Gail W
2 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2020
Like other people on these reviews Churnet Valley Railway have over £100 of my money paid last September for the Santa train which was cancelled Dec 2020 and refunds were promised.
Despite my emails I have received no refund just some complicated excuse about them having to claim back money before they can refund customers? I have requested a full explanation as to why they are withholding money that is not theirs to withhold and they are now ignoring my emails.
I am disgusted and intend to take this to a small claims court.
I would advise people NOT to book in advance in fact - not to book at all!
Written 9 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Notredna
17 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2022 • Family
Polar Express experience is very good, a little bit pricey for what it is as an experience, but the steam train element and the actors/staff make it worth it.

I think the scaffolding at the North Pole just ruins it a little bit, either go big or don't bother. But definitely recommend coming when there's still a bit of daylight (we did the 3.15 booking) as the route is stunning, with some beautiful scenery. The bells are a wonderful touch and the Santa we saw was very warm, just how Santa should be.
Written 25 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sam3314
Derby, UK2,087 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020
Went on the morning service on the post-lockdown timetable. Excellently presented and managed. Park at Froghall station (the only departure point at present) and present your pre-booked tickets. They confirm contact details and direct you through the shop and cafe where you can get drinks for your journey (you can't visit the shop on your return). Masks are required once you pass the ticket kiosk.

Once the train arrived, the staff opened the doors and we found our assigned seats (easy for contact tracing). Seating allocation was managed very well to provide the required separation. Coaches were very well presented. Lovely journey along the Churnet Valley to Leek junction and then up the Cauldon Vale branch. Passing the canal and various farms, there's plenty to see including highland cattle calves. A two hour return trip (there's no getting off anywhere at present). You exit the station past the locomotive and then there are photo opportunities from the car park as the loco runs round.
The staff were all really friendly and it was an excellent morning out. All information presented clearly and professionally.
Written 9 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Showing results 1-10 of 901
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing

CHURNET VALLEY RAILWAY (2024) All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

All Leek HotelsLeek Hotel DealsLast Minute Hotels in Leek
All things to do in Leek
RestaurantsFlightsHoliday RentalsTravel StoriesCruisesCar Hire