Churnet Valley Railway (Kingsley and Froghall Station) - Stoke-on-Trent

yasmin G.

We attended one of the murder mystery nights which was set in the 1920s. We dressed up and I’m so glad we did as it enhanced our experience. The actors were amazing and so great at what they do. They brought the evening to life. We had a 3 course dinner with our experience and the food was fantastic with attentive staff. But I think the whole evening was made perfect by the train and the journey. The steam train was beautiful and full of character. I could not fault the evening and experience. Amazing, we will be back!!

Rhonda

We had a wonderful visit to Churnet Valley Railway for the coffee and cake steam train ride. Although we accidentally boarded at the wrong station, the incredibly helpful and friendly volunteers made sure we didn’t miss out — they arranged for our drinks and cake to be brought on board once the train reached us. Such thoughtful service!

The journey itself was lovely: a short but scenic ride through the countryside, made even more memorable when a herd of cows briefly wandered onto the track, which everyone found quite amusing. It really added to the charm of the day!

The experience felt welcoming to both adults and children, with plenty of excitement watching the steam engine in action. Additional snacks and drinks were also available on board, which was a nice touch.
All in all, a delightful outing — we’d happily recommend it to families, couples, or anyone looking for a relaxed and memorable trip back in time.

Mick S. V.

Absolutely brilliant. Four of us went & we all thoroughly enjoyed it.
Went on the standard £10 trip & were on the train for over 2 hours. What a bargain!
The carriages, were clean, nicely restored, spacious, with really comfortable seats, (sprung we think.)

We'll definitely be back again & probably try one of the food trips.
They do a pie & mash one, a curry one, I believe they also do a bacon butty trip, plus fine dining trips, murder mystery, xmas specials etc.
The genuine enthusiasm of the people running this railway, many of whom are volunteers, is obvious.
Very pleasant, friendly people.
The loco, carriages, building, track, etc, have all been carefully restored, it must have taken ages & is a credit to them.
Proper blast from the past, chilling for a couple of hours at a leisurely pace. Job done!

Abbie F.

Everyone was so friendly! We had the coffee and cake package. It was such a lovely day out for the family. The gift shop lady even had her dog asleep under her desk and all the controllers were happy to pose for photos with us.

Katie H.

We had such a lovely day, four of us booked the coffee and cake deal which includes a either tea or coffee, a choice of slice of cake and the 2 hour train ride for £15. The weather was beautiful, the experience was smooth from start to finish (including the booking process), the seats felt like they were spring loaded which made them very comfy, every member of staff had a smile on their face and the food and drink was great. Cannot fault a thing and have already said about coming again in the autumn 😊

teri C.

Fantastic trip on the steam train through the countryside today with a Sunday lunch too. The staff were friendly, the service was excellent and the food was very enjoyable whilst we chugged along on a steam train. Well worth the journey and the price.

Rebecca H.

Treated my husband to breakfast on a steam train for his birthday. We both enjoyed the experience.

Everyone at Froghall Station and on the train was really lovely. The breakfast was good and well-presented.

We also visited the cafe and the gift shop at Froghall.

Every part of the experience was wonderful, the train and stations are well maintained.

Chris H.

From the moment we arrived at the Churnet Valley Railway, we felt like we had stepped back into the golden age of steam travel. The beautifully restored station, complete with a traditional ticket office and staff dressed in authentic period clothing, set the scene perfectly.

The breakfast train itself was a real highlight. The dining carriage was full of old-world charm, and the service from the volunteer staff was truly exceptional – warm, welcoming, and clearly passionate about making the day special. We were treated to a delicious oatcake breakfast, a local favourite that was both hearty and flavourful.

Watching the locomotive arrive and then switch tracks added an extra bit of magic to the morning – a real treat for railway enthusiasts and curious visitors alike. It’s well worth arriving early to take in the full experience.

This is more than just a breakfast outing – it’s a journey into a lovingly preserved piece of history, powered by dedicated volunteers who clearly care deeply about creating something memorable. I honestly can’t recommend it enough – perfect for families, couples, or anyone looking for a unique and nostalgic day out.

Five stars all the way!