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Churnet Valley Railway
Froghall
Staffordshire
ST10 2HA
Tel: 01538 360522
About
Step Back in Time on the Churnet Valley Railway
Tucked away in the beautiful Staffordshire Moorlands, the Churnet Valley Railway offers a charming day out for families, couples, and railway enthusiasts alike. Take a break from busy modern life and enjoy a leisurely ride behind a heritage steam or diesel locomotive, travelling through some of the county’s most picturesque countryside.
Starting from Froghall Station, your journey will take you along the scenic Churnet Valley with its riverside views and peaceful woodland. The line also skirts the Caldon Canal – known as Staffordshire’s ‘Little Switzerland’ – and offers a real taste of the golden age of rail travel. For those after something a little different, there's also a 9-mile round trip on the steeply graded Cauldon branch to Ipstones Loop.
Kids Go Free – Great Value for Families
Our Kids Go Free offer runs on selected dates from April to September, allowing up to four children (aged 0–15) to travel completely free with each full-paying adult. It’s a brilliant way to enjoy a wholesome, relaxed family day out without spending a fortune.
Click here to check dates and book.
Dine in Style on Board
Looking to treat yourself? Our Dining Trains are a real step back in time. Enjoy a freshly prepared three-course Sunday lunch, a cream tea, or a hearty breakfast served in our First-Class carriage, complete with full table service and locally sourced food cooked on board by our chef. A fully licensed bar is also available.
Explore Our Stations
Froghall Station – Our main station and ideal starting point. There’s free parking, toilets (including baby changing), and a traditional tearoom on site. A great place to begin your day.
Consall Station – Only accessible by train, this is a quiet, peaceful stop perfect for a picnic. Enjoy a walk along the canal and spot local wildlife. Toilets and refreshments available on certain running days.
Cheddleton Station – Home to the original preserved railway site, complete with Grade II listed station building, engine sheds and access to the Caldon Canal towpath. Toilets and baby changing are located near the engine sheds.
Leekbrook Station – A recently rebuilt station, open on selected days. There’s a waiting area and disabled toilet available.
Behind the Scenes
At Cheddleton, you may be able to visit our Locomotive Sheds where volunteers restore and maintain our engines. It’s a fascinating look at the work that keeps the railway running. Access is dependent on safety conditions, so please check on the day.
Plan Your Visit
- Sat Nav postcode: ST10 2HA (Froghall Station)
- Car: Easily reached from the A52 between Stoke and Ashbourne, or via the A50 and A520. Follow the brown tourist signs.
- Public Transport: Stoke-on-Trent railway station is 12 miles away, with bus links available. Uttoxeter and Blythe Bridge stations are also nearby.
- Taxis: From Stoke station, a taxi to Froghall typically costs £25–£30. From Alton Towers, it’s around £15.
Map & Directions
Road Directions
The Churnet Valley railway is accessible from either Cheddleton or Kingsley & Froghall station. Cheddleton is 3 miles south of Leek or 3 miles north of Cellarhead along the A520. Froghall is situated on the A52, Stoke to Ashbourne road. Follow the brown and white tourist signs for either the railway or Alton Towers.
Public Transport Directions
Accessible by Public Transport: Stoke-on-Trent station is 12 miles away.
TripAdvisor
Gradings
- VAQAS VAQAS
Facilities
Accessibility
- Disabled access
- Disabled toilets
Booking & Payment Details
- Credit cards accepted (no fee)
Catering
- On-site catering - We have an interesting variety of food available from each of our stations making sure all of our visitors don't go hungry or thirsty! Sit back and relax, take the weight off your feet and enjoy a snack or meal at one of our Stations or toward our bespoke Dining Train.
- Picnic site
Children
- Baby changing facilities
- Children welcome
Groups
- Facilities for educational visits
- Facilities for groups
Meeting, Conference & Wedding Facilities
- Facilities for corporate hospitality
Parking
- Free Parking
Property Facilities
- Dogs Accepted
- Gift shop
- Public toilets
- Smoking not allowed
Routes
- Description of route - In addition to the 11-mile return journey along the valley from Cheddleton to Froghall, there's a taste of contrasting moorland scenery on the 9-mile round trip over the steeply graded Cauldon branch to Ipstones Loop
- Typical duration of route - Return journey approx 1hr 20mins for 9 mile route
Target Markets
- Accepts groups
- Coach parties accepted
Opening Times
* Please check the website or contact our office for opening times and details of our special events .
