Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC Reviews 

14,012
TrustScore 5 out of 5

4.8

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Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Considering 4,620 reviews, reviewers overwhelmingly had a great experience with this company. Customers frequently praise the incredibly friendly and attentive staff who consistently go out of their way to ensure a memorable, pleasant journey for everyone on board. Additionally, people thoroughly enjoy the delicious food options, excellent service, and the truly wonderful nostalgic atmosphere of the vintage train rides. However, some people mentioned that the enclosed carriages could become uncomfortably hot during warm weather days without any adequate cooling. A few consumers also noted that certain stops or shortened journey lengths felt less engaging due to unexpected delays and extended waiting times.

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

It was first experience of Churnet Valley Railway, but hopefully it won’t be my last. Due to the extreme weather conditions they were running to an Emergency Timetable and couldn’t go across the moor... 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


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

(14,012)

4,431 reviews in the last 12 months

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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

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

We enjoyed our trip so much

We enjoyed our trip so much. The Station is so quant. The tea room welcoming ( as we arrived rather early) the train was very nostalgic to my husband and me and our grandaughter loved it too. Having the package of ‘spud and steam’ was such a lovely idea and delicious. Would highly recommend to our friends and family and we will be back to perhaps try another package. Well done to all staff who worked so hard to made our trip successful, they were all so friendly and made time to answer any questions we had.

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 5 out of 5 stars

Really nice experience

Really nice experience
Staff were really helpful and nothing was to much trouble

12 August 2026
Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC logo

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

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Afternoon Tea Experience

We really enjoyed our time at Churnet Valley. The staff are all so helpful and friendly. On the train the staff were amazing, nothing was too much trouble and they worked really hard to ensure excellent service. Food was delicious and there was plenty for the afternoon tea. It was a fabulous experience and am already looking to book again.

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 3 out of 5 stars

Great train, poor food

Lovely experience and great train but food was not good.

12 August 2026
Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC logo

Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC

Thank you for your feedback. We're glad you enjoyed the train ride but are sorry you did not enjoy the food. Did you raise the subject of your food with a member of staff at the time? - we could have perhaps rectified the problem.
Please do visit us again.

Kind regards
Kaaren

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

What an excellent evening of…

What an excellent evening of entertainment and excellent food and atmosphere.
Highly recommend to anyone wishing to have a special night out.

7 August 2026
Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC logo

Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC

Thank you for your lovely review. Please travel with us again

Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

A lovely memorable experience on the…

A lovely memorable experience on the afternoon tea train. I would recommend to others.

12 August 2026
Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC logo

Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC

Thank you for your lovely review. Please travel with us again

Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Excellent

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 expecting a cardboard box with a few cakes and someone coming around with a catering teapot of lukewarm tea. Instead it exceeded any posh Cream tea I’ve ever had and bar service too. It was extremely hot on the day we went and the staff were still upbeat and so friendly. Well done Churnet Valley Railway, we will be back.

12 August 2026
Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC logo

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

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Had a Cream tea

Had a Cream tea. Although it was exceptionally hot. The staff were wonderful. Couldn't be more attentive despite the temperature aboard the train.

12 August 2026
Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC logo

Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC

Thank you for your lovely review. Please travel with us again

Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Well organised

Well organised, clean train and station facilities and kept to timetable. Only other comment is that the on board trolley only came once early on the outward journey. We expected another visit on the return journey.

12 August 2026
Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC logo

Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC

Thank you for your lovely review. We apologise for only the one trolley visit, we had an exceptionally busy train with 3 coach loads of customers. This made the trolley service to only come along once. Please travel with us again

Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

It was a fabulous evening

It was a fabulous evening, the dining coach was like stepping back in time. The menu was great and the food freshly cooked and very tasty, the staff were helpful and friendly. We would highly recommend this as a fun experience for all ages, and we will be doing it again soon.

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 5 out of 5 stars

Kind and friendly welcome.

Kind and friendly welcome.
Good service.
Pleasant and attentive staff, particularly as it was a very hot and sticky day.
Lovely food.

12 August 2026
Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC logo

Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC

Thank you for your lovely review. Please travel with us again

Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Good value, great afternoon out.

My husband and I had a wonderful afternoon yesterday on the Churnet Valley railway. The staff were very friendly, helpful and efficient.
The afternoon tea was lovely. The extreme heat of the day made the train ride very hot, but very enjoyable all round.

12 August 2026
Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC logo

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

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The perfect evening.

Me and my wife had an absolutely fantastic evening with yourselves, the whole experience from start to finish was excellent, the train and the staff were great and so helpful. The food was out of this world, cooked perfectly and plenty of it. 10/10. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Thank you for a very memorable evening.

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

lovely train ride

lovely train ride, but entry exit needs to be sorted when you have bus trips trying to enter when people are trying to exit, perhaps letting people vacate the platform before letting others pushing to get to the train. perhaps it was because the train was running late.

12 August 2026
Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC logo

Reply from Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC

Thank you for your feedback regarding the exiting of our station, I'll certainly pass on your ideas. We're glad you enjoyed the train ride.

Kind regards
Kaaren
01538 360522

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