Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC Reviews 

14,005
TrustScore 5 out of 5

4.8

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Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Considering 4,591 reviews, reviewers overwhelmingly had a great experience with this company. Customers frequently mention that the staff and volunteers are exceptionally friendly, helpful, and professional, making every single interaction feel genuinely special and well-organized. People also love the delicious, freshly cooked food and the wonderful nostalgic atmosphere provided by the beautiful heritage steam trains and historic stations. Though some customers noted that the environment could get very warm, the overall journey remains widely appreciated by almost everyone on board. A few consumers explained that direct sunlight and high temperatures inside the carriages caused some temporary discomfort while they were eating their meals.

What people talk about most

Staff

Clients share positive opinions on staff, consistently praising their welcoming and helpful attitude.... See more

Service

Customers had positive experiences with service, consistently praising the staff for being exceptionally... See more

User experience

Customers consistently note positive experiences with user experience, highlighting the beautiful... See more

Product

Reviewers express high satisfaction and delight with the food and overall dining experiences provided on the... See more

Quality

Consumers find quality to be positive, consistently expressing delight with the excellent food and... See more

Reviews shaping this summary

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The setting at Froghall station is beautiful. The locomotive and rolling stock magnificent.The staff very friendly,helpful and engaging.We had booked for the cream tea experience.Trip scheduled 1.30-... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Excellent, the staff and volunteers work so hard, the train was lovely, with a beautifully set table, the table service excellent and the food exceeded my expectations. I’ll be honest I was half expec... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Yet another fantastic trip on the Churnet Valley Railway. Took my granddaughter on the breakfast train for her 17th birthday, went on the new part of the line to Leek it’s a little bit shorter than th... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The ambience was absolutely fantastic. We were in the dining carriage which is wooden paneling and art deco lighting on the tables. The Greek meal we had was well prepared and cooked. It was an... See more

Company replied


Company details

  1. #5 of 12 best companies in Tourist attraction
  2. #1 of 1 best companies in Breakfast restaurant
  3. #1 of 1 best companies in English restaurant
  4. #3 of 3 best companies in Heritage Preservation
  5. #2 of 5 best companies in Railway 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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4.8

All reviews

(14,005)

4,413 reviews in the last 12 months

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Birthday bash .

It was great. This was booked for my father in laws 93rd birthday and he loved it. Staff were very helpful at the station and on board. Weather was just right .the pie and mash was tasty too. Would recommend 💯

14 August 2026
Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC logo

Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC

Thank you so much for your kind words! 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 reach out!

Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Enjoyable experience

Enjoyable experience, even with the fire alert warnings and shorter journey, because of the fire risk! Value for money.

14 August 2026
Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC logo

Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC

Thank you for taking the time to leave such a positive review. 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. We truly appreciate your trust. Should you need any further assistance, please feel free to contact us anytime.

Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Our Pie and Mash evening 😋

Our Pie and Mash evening on the churnet railway was a great trip. Very reasonably priced, making it a trip we would do again and recommend to others. Really good service and such friendly staff.

14 August 2026
Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC logo

Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC

Thank you so much for your kind words! 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 reach out!

Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful food for the Greek Dining…

Wonderful food for the Greek Dining experience. Good service and great surroundings. Excellent value for money.

14 August 2026
Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC logo

Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC

Thank you, please visit us again.

Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Very well organized

Very well organized. Enjoyed pie and mash. Staff were very welcoming and friendly. Lovely experience.

14 August 2026
Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC logo

Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC

Thank you for taking the time to leave such a positive review. 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. We truly appreciate your trust. Should you need any further assistance, please feel free to contact us anytime.

Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Fabulous selection of cakes

Fabulous selection of cakes enjoyed on a lovely journey.

12 August 2026
Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC logo

Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC

Thank you, please visit us again.

Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

A really enjoyable Greek dining experience.

A really enjoyable Greek dining experience on the Churnet Valley Railway. On a light summer's evening the journey is lovely. The food was excellent and the prices of drinks very reasonable. There was plenty of parking at Froghall station. Point of note, it's cash only to pay for drinks on the train, otherwise you have to queue to pay in the gift shop at the end of the night. We will return for one of the other dining experiences.

14 August 2026
Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC logo

Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC

Thank you so much for your kind words! 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 reach out!

Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The setting at Froghall station is…

The setting at Froghall station is beautiful. The locomotive and rolling stock magnificent.The staff very friendly,helpful and engaging.We had booked for the cream tea experience.Trip scheduled 1.30- until 3pm. It was a very hot day during this years heatwave and unfortunately the carriage soon turned into a mobile souna ( no fault of the trust) but the journey for some reason took a further hour ending at 4pm. We were by then quite glad to be able to exit the hot box now turned into a torture chamber!!. Trackside scenery not very spectacular but overall a nice experience.

12 August 2026
Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC logo

Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC

Thank you so much for your kind words! 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 reach out!

Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great experience

Great experience, staff amazing as was the food great value definitely will book another

14 August 2026
Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC logo

Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC

Thank you for taking the time to leave such a positive review. 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. We truly appreciate your trust. Should you need any further assistance, please feel free to contact us anytime.

Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

It was something different to do.

It was something different to do.
The food was lovely and the atmosphere was great

14 August 2026
Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC logo

Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC

Thank you so much for your kind words! 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 reach out!

Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

This was the third time that I have…

This was the third time that I have travelled on this railway and each time it has been a lovely experience .I would say it is the most competitively priced of all of the heritage lines ,exceptional value for money .The staff were all very pleasant and helpful .

12 August 2026
Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC logo

Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC

Thank you so much for the lovely review that you have left us. We're really pleased that you enjoyed your trip with us. All of the Churnet Valley Railway team pull together to ensure that you have a wonderful & memorable visit.
Please come again soon!

Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Myself my daughter and son in law…

Myself my daughter and son in law enjoyed the experience immensely. The station and train just make you feel like you have gone back in time but beautifully kept and the food was delicious, restaurant quality and so tasty. All the staff were so pleasant and happy to help, will definitely be booking another trip.

14 August 2026
Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC logo

Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC

Thank you for taking the time to leave such a positive review. 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. We truly appreciate your trust. Should you need any further assistance, please feel free to contact us anytime.

Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

A truly great experience

From arriving at the station, the carriage looked lovely. Staff welcomed you on. The table dressed with cutlery, plates, glasses and cool old style lamps.
Within a few minutes we were served for drinks, the staff were so professional, friendly & polite.
Its given me the bug to look at other trips. Sorry, forgot to mention the quality & quantity of the food.
10 out of 10 for me, thoroughly enjoyed it.

8 August 2026
Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC logo

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

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

We had an amazing time

We had an amazing time , the breakfast was superb and so we're the staff . I have already told lots of people , recommending what a lovely experience this was .

12 August 2026
Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC logo

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. We truly appreciate your trust. Should you need any further assistance, please feel free to contact us anytime. 
Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

A wonderful railway experience

The steam engine is beautiful and its whistles are very pleasing to the ears. Staff are very friendly and the stations that the train stops at look very cute. The spud is hot and tasty and the carbonated water is cold enough to cool down my body on a hot day. On the whole, the experience is wonderful and happy. I really hope this railway can continue to run in the years to come to bring joy to passengers.

12 August 2026
Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC logo

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

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Love steam trains the lunch was not as…

Love steam trains the lunch was not as good as when we came before

9 August 2026
Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC logo

Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC

Thank you for your review, we're glad you enjoyed your train ride. May we ask what in particular you didn't like about the food?

Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Lovely evening spent on a steam train…

Lovely evening spent on a steam train in a first class carriage with a lovely meal .
The staff were lovely despite the heat
Thankyou for a bucket list moment
We had the solar eclipse too

12 August 2026
Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC logo

Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC

Well, we can't take credit for the Solar eclipse but thank you for your lovely words for the part we did play!

Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great couple of hours spent

Great couple of hours spent. The whole team who are running this experience are all excellent from the meet and greet, All catering members and conductors. All friendly, helpful making the whole experience great. Keep up the great work.

12 August 2026
Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC logo

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. We truly appreciate your trust. Should you need any further assistance, please feel free to contact us anytime. 
Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522

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