Churnet Valley Railway (1992) plc in Leek

Dont bother booking here I paid over £160 for 3 premium tickets called before hand to make sure the seats were available only to be called 2 weeks later to be told I cannot be seated with my 5 year old child who I have told santa is sending him a golden ticket and showed him the movie...Ive now got to let down a child and try to explain why santa is no longer sending him a ticket for the polar expressGreat work churnet Valley what a complete failure you are I hope you go out of business!!!!!

Very good experience but it takes a long time to get there and back, so wouldnt recommend for children as they would get bored. You need to take your own drinks and snacks as there are not any on the train. The shop sells food and drink so you can purchase there. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Absolutely disgusted with the customer service from the office admin "Debbie" at this company. I have spent over £200 on a premium polar express train experience for my 3 children and requested to change the date of the tickets to another available date, same time. (Bearing in mind we are still 2 months away from the event). Plenty of time to change and still available slots, plus I was willing to pay the £25 charge to make a change - I was shut down every time by "Debbie" who would not actually answer a question, but would rather send policies for me to read and just say - we dont change dates and we dont refund. I was not allowed to escalate my complaint, as "Debbie" said she would forward anything I said on to "the relevant person".I would seriously think twice before booking anything with this company, as once they have your money, they are no longer interested in helping you if you need to make a slight change due to a genuine change in circumstances. They are not flexible, helpful or accommodating in any way. I will never book anything with this company again and am going to be calling to speak to the events manager first thing on Monday morning to discuss this absolute disgraceful response to what should be a straightforward request. Furious is an understatement!***THANKS FOR THE UNHELPFUL REPLY. WHO IS THIS ELUSIVE EVENTS MANAGER?? BECAUSE YOU CANT GET HIM ON THE PHONE, OR HIS EMAIL ADDRESS TO SPEAK TO HIM THAT WAY EITHER! I HAVE NEVER KNOWN A COMPANY SO UNHELPFUL OR DOWNRIGHT RUDE. IT MAKES GETTING PAST THE GP RECEPTIONIST LOOK LIKE A WALK IN THE PARK!! AS IVE STATED BEFORE...ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTING! ITS PERFECTLY CLEAR THAT I WILL RECIVE NO HELP OR REFUND AND SO I ONLY HOPE THIS REVIEW HELPS PEOPLE IN THE FUTURE, BEFORE THEY GIVE YOU THEIR HARD-EARNED MONEY!!*****

Lovely steam train ride in a 1930s experience been served cakes and tea

Fantastic experience, excellent meal and a lovely train ride through the countryside .

Wonderful warm welcome. Beautiful food. Delightful train journey . We will be back. Thank you all from Ann Karen & Jules.

Froghall cafe coffee good with a selection of cakes, biscuits, crisps and chocolate. Add a few home made cakes and would be spot on. Thanks.

Took 4 friends as a treat.Had an absolutely fabulous afternoon. Tea, cake and a beautiful steam train ride.Staff were super friendly.Recommended. A++++++

This is like a step back in time. A fantastic steam train, beautiful station, cafe and shop. The friendly staff were very helpful. You have 2 trains which allows you to get off for a pub lunch from one and catch one later to carry on and return. Theres 4 stations it stops at I think. We stayed on for the whole journey which took about 2hr 20min. Some stops dont have much there. The train had about 8 carriages with a breakfast carriage. The whistle is very loud and the steam billows away. Theres some good views too. Take a packed lunch or buy in the shop. This was a great experience and not expensive at all. Brilliant few hours

Overall very good staff and food 4 star. Could have had a better day if we had had the seats we booked. These were doubled booked, we were found other seats but was on a table for four so being as I am slightly disabled could not sit comfortably and was in very much pain the whole journey. We booked just a table for two that would have been fine such a shame for such a lovely day. Well worth a visit.

We unfortunately arrived at Froghall Station just as the early train left which was a big mistake as there isnt anything to do while waiting for the next train. The tearoom has the usual selection of snacks and drinks and a good meal deal is available. Again not enough disabled parking but if you phone them in advance they will reserve one for you.

Lovely railway which has lots of potential.Had great ride from Froghall to the end and back. Train was clean and staff were all dressed in period clothes which was nice to see.The countryside views are fantastic.There has been a lot of work on the route and buildings which has been great to see.Only negative thing is the tea room and the shop at the station. My wife and I felt that the selection of food was somewhat limited and the shop was poorly stocked. However dont let this detract from a great heritage railway and the work that they are doings

We were gifted a dining experience for our wedding, having read some of the reviews I was a little pessimistic, but we couldn’t have had a nicer time!The staff were all friendly, the service was excellent, the food was good (although could’ve done with being hotter), the train was lovely and the journey really delightful (could’ve done with being a couple of hours longer! 😂).I would definitely recommend the experience

A really enjoyable and relaxing experience. Travelling in classic style, going back in time on one of the wonderful trains looking out at beautiful countryside and the old stations. Enjoying a lovely meal with very attentive staff/volunteers.Enjoyed a lovely cup of tea in the Victorian tearoom at Froghall before our journey began.

Ace heritage experience our daughter loves going to the themed events an dressing up. The restaurant experiences are great value for money too.

Was really looking forward to Sunday lunch on the churnet valley railway, which had been a gift for me and my husband from the children. What a fiasco!! First of all we were delayed by 25 mins waiting for people who had been held up, even tho it said on our tickets that the train had to leave on time. There was water and Prosecco on our table which was really warm. We had ordered gazpacho soup which we thought as it was a cold soup it would be refreshing in this hot weather, but it was served hot!!!! The main course came about 30 mins later and the Yorkshire pudding was black as were the roast potatoes, so these could not be eaten. By this time everyone around us was complaining about a variety of mistakes. One couple was missed when starters were served and they had to find a member of staff to correct this, everyone else had finished theirs by this time. A couple on the opposite table were served their main course and they had no potatoes. The little packs of butter were just liquid. We will not be repeating this experience and my children are so upset that it turned out to be such a shambles.

What a great place to visit from the time we arrived it felt like we had gone back in time to the golden age of the steam railways. The train journey was even longer than I expected and the children had a great time too.

Fabulous time on the Bombay Express. Delicious food and the staff were amazing, all of them. Really, really enjoyed it.

Booked tickets for an event and due to terrible illness unable to attend. Tried to cancel 4 weeks prior to event therefore they could re sell but no compassion and refused refund. Am aware they have no refund policy but surely that far in advance should be acceptable

The most wonderful preserved steam and diesel railway. The scenery is gorgeous whatever time of year you ride through it. The volunteers are kind and helpful. Well worth a visit.

I booked the breakfast train but 5 days before we were due to go my wife aged 82 tested positive for Corona virus I contacted the company to rearrange the booking. I was willing to pay the fee which was on the letter which did not state the 7days condition. But they refused saying it is in the t& c’s no refund for any reason within 7 days. They said it was because the food was ordered a week in advance. They suggested I give it away but we do not know anyone who could go. £62 lost. No offer even to send the guide I had paid an extra 5pounds for. I would suggest anyone booking reads the t&c’s if you can find them.

Had a wonderful journey on the train through woodland on a beautiful sunny day with a lovel breeze through the window. The afternoon tea was delicious with scones and cakes. The staff were very. Pleasant and helpful helpful.Nothing was too much trouble. The station was interesting with a gift shop and cafe. What a wonderful day out.

Had a most delightful day on the Churnet valley railway, we were treated to a breakfast package, great service from all of the staff and a great 2 hour train journey. Well done and thankyou to everyone who made the journey extra special

Lovely day spent travelling on the train. Only down side we were charged £10 for our dog. This is the most we have ever paid especially as our dog is a tiny Maltese who spent the whole journey on my lap. No water bowls were available at any stop and I was left wondering what exactly I was paying this exceptional price for.

Was travelling with elderly parent with limited mobility. Ramp access into guards van but unfortunately the van theyd linked up that day didnt have seating in and we were group of 5. Managed to get along corridor a short way to compartments but would recommend that end compartment be reserved for disabled access as they were all full when we got on but luckily a family offered to move. We had advised on internet booking that limited mobility person in party.

Went on a train from here in June 2022 which was a birthday treat from my mum and dad.We started at Froghall station and travelled to Ipstones station and had a afternoon tea on the train which was scones and cakes and either tea or coffee.Took 2 hours 10 minutes to do the loop with stopping at a few station on the way as you can get on and off in youre not having an afternoon tea.They also had gluten free scones and cakes available too so I had my own stand to myself as Im a diagnosed with coeliac. The service was very good too!

Excellent day out staff friendly and the young lady that coped with a busy tea room single handedly should get a medal!!

Having arrived ,we had a brew in the cafe area and a wonderful cream tea on the train , absolutely loved it we will be back !

Love love love. We were whisked away to a by gone age with a very comfy carriage and fabulous service. Cream tea was delicious

Really enjoyable day out.Very friendly staff advised us where to get off the train and walk down the canal to the next station via 2 pubs!

My family and I did the round trip from Froghall to Leek Brook Junction and back pulled by the lovely Class 33 "Sophie" diesel locomotive. I know people complain when you get pulled by a diesel instead of a steam but I thought it was great! Good to hear the big old diesel going up the hills!Carriages were lovely and clean, staff were helpful and friendly.The views were spectacular, especially the baby Highland cattle!My son loved all the tractors in the fields.Highly recommended

I lovely little train ride with pleasent views and friendly staff.We went for the breakfast experience and I would recommend it to anyone. I very much felt like we had gone back to a bye gone era, imagining Hercule Poirot to walk through the carriage at any moment.With other experiences available, including Sunday dinner, and a polar express for Christmas, we will definitely be back.

We booked breakfast on the Train and were not let down good food/service and a great experience

Great heritage steam railway with around 10.5 Mike of track.The staff are great and make you feel right at home.We had a meal on the 13.30 train which we pre booked and all I can say it was as good as any I have had in a restaurant or hotel.The service staff on the train were great and are a credit to the company.Most of the staff are volunteers and do it for love not money so take a lot of pride in the railway and rightfully so.Congratulations to all concerned.

We spent a very nice couple of hours on board and enjoyed afternoon tea as well. Highly recommended

What a fabulous place, highly recommended, nothing is too much trouble, clean toilets with hot water to wash with, not sure if food is available at the moment wonderful steam engine to look at a must place to visit for all steam fans, the station staff bent over backwards to help,

We went to churnet valley on the 23rd December for the polar express too see Santa. What an amazing experience went with my husband, grown up daughter and toddler foster child, we had such a good time, watching the train pull into the station whilst playing the theme tune was unforgettable. Nicely decorated train, the dancers/ actors were brilliant, there man who played the ghost was really good. Then to receive the first bell of Christmas from Santa, brilliant, definitely be back again. Well priced for the experience you get, thankyou so much🙂🙂🙂

Absolutely loved the whole experience. We went as a 2 family party with 5 kids between us. They LOVED it! Staff/performers were amazing like in the movie!!!! Loved it xx I would highly recommend this place & event.

Superb Polar Express experience. So well presented by all concerned. We all enjoyed the train ride very much and considered that very good value. Food trucks were expensive. Might have done more trade if it wasnt £5 for a sausage in a bun...

Great preserved railway, think they run steam and diesel but the train we were on was a steam one, good facilities at Froghall station where our trip started, lasted around 2 hours, they also run dinner services which we intend to try at some point in the future. A nice way to sample a little bit of British heritage

Lovely 2hrs round trip from Froghall Station (plenty of parking inc 3 x disabled spaces). We got there early and got sandwiches, tea and cake as the buffet was not on due to a wedding party hire. Others brought own picnic food. Station itself is very pretty with flower baskets, picnic benches and seats, all well maintained. Lovely to see the huge steam trains in action. Thoroughly enjoyed. Pics taken through window so quality not great, the real thing much nicer.

The volunteer staff are very friendly and helpful. The carriage was clean and well looked after. We had the breakfast which was freshly made, hot and delicious. Hot and cold drinks provided throughout journey. Only disappointment was the steam train wasnt working.

Really good if you are a train enthusiast. The locomotive that pulled us was USA made S160 brought over here by the US military during WW2. The journey was quite slow around 15mph on average. The announcements were very informative.

The train did not seem very maintained and cleaned! Old and torn seats and it does not allow you to get off for pictures at any point! You can just see the usual places you can generally from a car when driving around in the area! Nothing special! Kids enjoyed the cabin though but nothing too special!

We visited the line yesterday afternoon for the first time. We enjoyed our visit very much. The cafe was reasonably priced and we bought a meal deal for £5.00 for a sandwich, large bag of crisps and a bottle of pop. The staff were welcoming and were organised for Covid safety. Our train was steam hauled by a WW2 vintage ex US Army Transport Corps 2-8-0 locomotive. We pleasant journey up and down the valley. We would certainly visit again.

Went to this railway having been given Virgin Experience gift vouchers.Really nice journey in a secluded and remote feeling valley, despite being so close to major conurbations.Initially a little disappointing as a Diesel loco was used, not steam as expected.However, there had been an issue which they fixed and, keeping us informed throughout, the steam loco was added for the return journey.Staff were excellent and friendly.We will return again and I would recommend this railway to others.

Theee pictures are from July 2019.I loved this place, and would have been back last year had it not been for lockdown.Looking forward to going again soon, maybe later this year. Time will tell.It was a lovely journey through the forests and back, the old carriages really make you feel like youre travelling in the past.I wish there were more of these railways where I live in Scotland, as I would probably volunteer. These places are amazing venues with amazing staff, if youre thinking about going here, stop thinking and just do it. You wont be disappointed.

The line is has some great views and the trains are good to ride on.We went for the Staffordshire Cream Tea which I would highly recommend, just book in advance as it sells out fast!

We went on Yankee Weekend. We had a great time. The trains are clean and so are the toilets at the station. The staff are friendly. We had unlimited train rides, we enjoyed the scenery. They had music playing all day. We watched a film outside at the end of the day, chairs were provided. It was a perfect day.

Overall staff were helpful and the station was clean. However being winter the gift shop was not open and a full menu was not available in the cafe. Only bacon rolls and sausage baps available. Good for our experience day with the steam trains however there isnt much there except for the train itself, which unfortunately for us was an hour late.Id recommend taking an activity with you if you have children and making sure you dress warm in the winter!