Churnet Valley Railway Santa and Steam Train
We have visited Churnet Valley Railway twice now, both during Christmas time in 2015 and 2016 to experience their Santa & Steam Train ride. This blog post will give you insights on what to expect during the train ride, tips to keep your kids entertained as well as photos and videos so that you go prepared and enjoy the ride fully.
The Cheddleton station was built in 1849 and has seen many things in its time including surviving demolition in the 1960s as well as periodic restoration and expansion.
Some of the attractions and facilities there include the unique Victorian style North Staffordshire railway station, toilet facilities, picnic tables, museum room, car parking facilities as well as it is licensed for marriages.
Here’s a shot of the Santa Steam Train, it was really crowded with lots of people at the front of the train taking selfies, so this is the best shot I could get. The steam was really steamy especially when stading in the front.
The above shots were taken when the train stopped halfway through the journey for about 5 minutes. People could get off the train if they wanted to but should not wander off too far.
Photos above are of the crib at the station. The other photos were taken in the train of Santa who came to chat with the kids and give them all presents.
The balloon scluptor who worked wonders, I think kids requested reindeers, seal, snowman etc and he did it in seconds.
The gentleman with the sherry was definately in demand. By the way, It was one of the best sherry I had tasted, went really well with the mince pies.
Some more photos taken after our train ride. As you can see the kids were chuffed especially with all the chocolates and toys they received on the train.
Some tips to read up on before you book your Churnet Valley Train tickets:
- Try to pre-book your seats if you can
- Bring along some toys for the kids to play with to keep them occupied, as little kids may get fidgety
- Bring along some snacks for the kids in case they are still hungry
- Get the kids to use the toilet at Cheaddleton train station before the train leaves
- If possible try to do a group booking, seated nearby, as the kids will have the opportunity to move around to play with other friends / relatives and not feel confined to just seating at their seat
How long is the Churnet Valley Railway Santa and Steam Train ride?
How much does it cost?
The prices roughly cost £16-£18 for adults, £6-£12 for children, depending on your date.
Who organises it?
It is all run by volunteers and sometimes they have up to 4 train rides a day. I can’t tell you, how much dedication these volunteers have.
Where does the train depart from?
The Santa trains departs from both Kingsley & Froghall and Cheddleton stations. We departed from Cheddleton.
Who to contact if you would like to book the Churnet Valley Railway Santa and Steam Train?
You can either ring 01538 758491 or email enquiries@churnet-valley-railway.co.uk
About Churnet Valley Railway
The Churnet Valley Railway is a preserved standard gauge heritage railway to the east of Stoke-on-Trent in Staffordshire, England, that operates along a part of the former North Staffordshire Railway’s (NSR) Churnet Valley Line. Regular services travel between the two main stations at Cheddleton (the base of operations and motive power) and Kingsley and Froghall (the commercial and Administrative base).
There is an intermediate station at Consall. Some trains also head beyond Cheddleton to Leek Brook Junction (the limit of the Churnet Valley Railway’s track) and on to Ipstones, but Ipstones station is not in use. The railway is roughly 10 1⁄2 miles (16.9 km) long from Kingsley & Froghall station to Ipstones. The land from Leek Brook Junction to Ipstones is owned by Moorland & City Railways (MCR), a company aiming to run freight trains from the quarries at Cauldon to the national network at Stoke-on-Trent, and to re-introduce a commuter service between Leek and Stoke.
You may want to also read this:
Review: Churnet Valley Railway Sunday Lunch Train
Review: The Mad Hatters Tea Party at Churnet Valley Railway
