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. Re-live the classic days of railway travel on a rural line that passes through beautiful countryside, with riverside views and the Caldon Canal, known as Staffordshire's "Little Switzerland".
Our picturesque stations offer lots of interest with a complete range of visitor facilities, and there's plenty more to see and enjoy along the way. In addition to the 11-mile return journey along the valley, there's a taste of contrasting moorland scenery on the 9-mile round trip over the steeply graded Cauldon branch to Ipstones Loop.
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.
Dining Trains
On board our dedicated First-Class dining carriage, enjoy a 3-course lunch with full waitress service, a traditional afternoon cream tea, or new for 2020, why not join us for Breakfast? All our food is locally sourced, prepared and cooked on board our very own kitchen coach by our own chef. There are full on train bar facilities available, and all this combines to make this a nostalgic journey taking you back to the halcyon days of on-train dining.
Froghall Station
Froghall is an impressive replica North Staffordshire Railway station and is currently our main station. It is set in the wonderful Staffordshire Moorlands situated near to the idyllic Froghall Wharf. The 11-mile return journey commences from Froghall to Consall and then onto the peaceful village of Cheddleton. We highly recommend that our passengers join at Froghall. Fancy a bite to eat during your day out? Then enjoy the traditional atmosphere in our Signals Tea Room at Froghall Station,
Facilities:
Toilets and baby changing facilities are available in the station building.
Disabled Facilities
We offer dedicated disabled parking, however, numbers are limited and we advise that if disabled parking is not available then the drop-off zone is next to the platform and just a short distance from the car park.
Consall Station
Consall is located between Froghall and Cheddleton stations. It is accessible by rail only. Stop at Consall to enjoy a picnic before taking a scenic stroll. Consall is the ideal location to walk back to Cheddleton along the combined section of the River Churnet and the Caldon Canal or to Froghall along the canal route.
Facilities
A limited selection of hot and cold drinks will be available on selected running dates and a unisex toilet is available.
Cheddleton Station
Situated next to the River Churnet, Cheddleton Station is the original home of the preserved railway with its impressive Grade II Listed Victorian Station. It offers a small museum and is the location of our locomotive sheds and carriage restoration facility. You can pay a visit to The Boat Inn, a local pub just a stone's throw from the station, while St Edward's Church and Cheddleton Flint Mill are both within walking distance along the Caldon Canal Towpath.
Facilities
Toilets and baby changing facilities are available away from the station and towards the engine sheds.
Cheddleton Station Museum
The museum captures days gone by, with a collection of memorabilia and railway paraphernalia dedicated to the North Staffordshire Railway. Read about how the Churnet Valley Railway was built and how the North Staffordshire Railway Company purchased the canal to make way for the ever expanding railway.
Locomotive Sheds on the Cheddleton Site
For the enthusiasts or just the curious why not visit the Shed where you can take a look at the work being carried out by our volunteers who work hard to keep locomotives running. Whether you are interested in steam or diesel, you are sure to find something to your taste. If you have any questions feel free to ask a volunteer we will be sure to answer as best we can. *Please Note: on some days the Sheds are not open to the public for safety reasons whilst welding work is being undertaken.
Leekbrook Station
This is the latest station to be rebuilt on the location of the original building.and will be open on selected days.
Facilities
There is a disabled toilet and small waiting room area.
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