Churnet Valley Railway
Froghall, Staffordshire
About Churnet Valley Railway
Embark on a Timeless Family Adventure with Churnet Valley Railway
Nestled in the heart of Staffordshire's picturesque countryside, the Churnet Valley Railway offers families an enchanting journey through the scenic Churnet Valley. This heritage railway invites visitors to step back in time aboard beautifully restored steam and diesel locomotives, providing an unforgettable experience for all ages.
Kids Go Free – Making Family Days Out More Affordable
Understanding the importance of budget-friendly family outings, Churnet Valley Railway proudly offers a "Kids Go Free" initiative. On Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays from April through September, up to four children (aged 0–15) can travel free with each full-paying adult. This generous offer ensures that families can create lasting memories without stretching the budget.
The Polar Express™ Train Ride – A Magical Christmas Experience
During the festive season, the railway transforms into a winter wonderland with the renowned Polar Express™ Train Ride. Departing from Froghall Station, this immersive experience brings the beloved Christmas story to life. Passengers are treated to hot chocolate, cookies, and a visit from Santa himself, all while enjoying the enchanting journey to the "North Pole." It's an unforgettable adventure that captures the spirit of Christmas for both the young and the young at heart.
Scenic Journeys Through Staffordshire's Hidden Valley
Beyond special events, the railway offers regular services that traverse the stunning Churnet Valley. Passengers can relax in vintage carriages, taking in views of rolling hills, lush woodlands, and tranquil waterways. Stations like Cheddleton and Kingsley & Froghall are steeped in history, featuring charming architecture and facilities such as tea rooms and gift shops.
Plan Your Visit
Location: The railway is easily accessible from Stoke-on-Trent, Leek, and the Peak District.
Facilities: On-site parking, accessible toilets, and dining options are available.
Booking: Tickets and schedules can be found on the official website: www.churnetvalleyrailway.co.uk
Whether you're seeking a delightful day trip, a memorable holiday experience, or simply a journey through beautiful English countryside, the Churnet Valley Railway offers something special for every family.
Nostalgic train journeys through stunning countryside with magical family experiences.
The Churnet Valley Railway offers a charming and nostalgic steam train ride through the picturesque Staffordshire Moorlands. This enchanting journey takes you through the hidden beauty of the Churnet Valley, offering stunning views of lush landscapes and serene countryside. Located just a short distance from the outskirts of the Peak District, the railway provides a perfect blend of history and natural beauty. Whether you're a train enthusiast or simply looking for a unique day out, the Churnet Valley Railway promises an unforgettable experience for all ages, making it a must-visit attraction in the region.
Magical Polar Express journey with Santa, songs, pyjamas, and more
Experience the magic of Christmas like never before aboard The Polar Express™ Train Ride at Churnet Valley Railway. Departing from the beautifully decorated Froghall Station, this immersive festive journey takes you and your family on an unforgettable trip to the North Pole. Step aboard vintage-style carriages, where the classic Christmas story is brought to life by a talented cast of characters. Expect joyful performances, a touch of theatre, and plenty of heart-warming moments.
From the moment you board, the adventure begins – singing chefs serve hot chocolate and cookies, children are encouraged to wear their pyjamas, and everyone is swept into the festive spirit with music, storytelling, and interaction with favourite characters from the much-loved book and film.
Of course, the highlight for many is a special visit from Santa Claus himself, who gifts each child a silver sleigh bell – the first gift of Christmas.
With hundreds of glowing reviews and a high rating on Trustpilot, families return year after year to enjoy this magical experience. Don’t miss your chance to step into the story – it’s a tradition in the making.
Year-round themed train events delight and entertain children and families.
Looking for a fun-filled, memorable day out with the kids? Churnet Valley Railway offers the perfect mix of excitement, nostalgia, and value for families. Climb aboard a real heritage steam or diesel train and journey through Staffordshire’s stunning countryside — it’s like stepping into a storybook adventure.
One of the biggest draws for families is the Kids Go Free offer. On selected dates from April to September, up to four children aged 0–15 can travel completely free with every full-paying adult. It’s a brilliant way to enjoy a classic day out without stretching the budget.
Children love the thrill of riding a proper train — waving from the window, watching the countryside glide by, and visiting the charming stations along the way. There are often seasonal extras too, like treasure hunts and interactive days where little ones can meet the crew and learn about how trains work.
The experience is relaxed, friendly, and full of moments you’ll treasure. With great reviews from families on Trustpilot, Churnet Valley Railway is more than just a train ride — it’s a day out that sparks joy and imagination.
Facilities
Toilets
Onsite Parking
Accessible Toilets
Food Available
Card Payments Accepted
Free Wifi
Gift Shop
Baby Changing
Opening Times
- Monday, Closed
- Tuesday, Closed
- Wednesday, 09:30 - 16:00
- Thursday, Closed
- Friday, Closed
- Saturday, 09:30 - 16:00
- Sunday, 09:30 - 16:00
April to September Trains Depart from Froghall Station Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 10:30 and 13:30
Pricing & Tickets
- Child (0-16) : Free
- Adult (17-18+) : £22.00
General AdmissionAdults (16 - 59) :£22Kids under 16 FREE Seniors (60 +): £18.40
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train RideAdults and Kids from £28.95-£52.95 Toddlers (under 2) £3.00
Book in advance for cheapest tickets
Find other attractions similar to Churnet Valley Railway by visiting our attraction tickets section.
Plan Your Visit
Typical visit time 2 - 3 hours
Suitable for Kids and Adults too
Food & Drink Options
There are snacks and refreshments available in the station cafe, as well as specific dining trains for a broad range of hot food and drinks.
FAQs
Parking
Toilets
Family Friendly Options
Food & Drink
Accessibility Information
Tickets & Bookings
Private Hire & Birthday Parties
Public Transport
Contact Details
Froghall Station, Dovedale Road, Stoke-on-Trent
Froghall
Staffordshire
ST10 2HA
England
Tel: 01538360522
Visit WebsiteTransport Information
Getting to Froghall Station
By Car:
From the M6 Motorway: Exit at Junction 15 and follow the A500 towards Stoke-on-Trent. Then, take the A52 eastbound towards Ashbourne. Froghall Station is located on the A52; follow the brown and white tourist signs for the railway or Alton Towers.
Geograph
From the A50: Exit at the Blythe Bridge junction and take the A521 towards Cheadle. From Cheadle, follow signs to Froghall via the A52.
From the M1 Motorway: Exit at Junction 23a and take the A50 westbound towards Uttoxeter. From Uttoxeter, follow the A522 to Cheadle, then take the A52 to Froghall.
For satellite navigation, use the postcode ST10 2HA. Ample free parking is available on-site.
By Public Transport:
From Stoke-on-Trent: Stoke-on-Trent railway station is approximately 12 miles from Froghall Station. From there, you can take the D&G Bus service 16, which departs from Stoke-on-Trent Bus Station and arrives at The Avenue, near Froghall Station. The journey takes around 24 minutes and operates hourly from Monday to Saturday.
From Uttoxeter: Uttoxeter railway station is about 13 miles from Froghall. D&G Bus operates the 32 service from Uttoxeter Bus Station to Burton Crescent in Froghall. Buses depart every three hours on weekdays, and the journey takes approximately 33 minutes.
From Blythe Bridge: Blythe Bridge railway station is located approximately 7 miles from Froghall. While there isn't a direct bus service, you can take a bus from Blythe Bridge to Cheadle and then transfer to a service heading to Froghall. The total journey time, including transfers, is approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes.
From Alton Towers:
By Bus: There is no direct bus from Alton Towers to Froghall Station. However, you can take the D&G Bus service 32A from Alton Towers to Oak Street, then transfer to the 32 service to Haste Hill Avenue, near Froghall. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes.
By Taxi: A taxi from Alton Towers to Froghall Station takes about 8 minutes and costs between £13 and £16.
Taxi from Stoke-on-Trent Station:
A taxi from Stoke-on-Trent railway station to Froghall Station takes approximately 25 minutes. While exact fares may vary, it's advisable to check with local taxi services for current rates.
Verification
Verified Status:
This attraction has been claimed and verified. All information has been recently checked.
Churnet Valley Railway Reviews
Recent blog posts
If you’re on the hunt for a brilliant family day out in the north of England, Calypso Cove Waterpark in Barnsley, South Yorkshire is one of the UK’s best-kept secrets. Nestled inside the Metrodome Leisure Complex, this tropical indoor waterpark packs a serious amount of fun into every visit – and with sessions starting from just 90…
If you thought dinner out meant a table, a menu, and maybe a candle if you’re lucky – think again. Feast in a Spin in Marlow is the immersive dining experience that starts before you even sit down, because first, you have to crawl through a washing machine. Yes, really. And it is every bit as brilliant…
Sephora’s iconic global beauty festival is landing in the UK for the very first time – and it’s bigger than anything the country has seen before. SEPHORiA Beauty Metropolis is coming to London on 16 and 17 October 2026, and if you’ve ever wanted to step inside a living, breathing beauty world packed with brands, masterclasses,…
WOW this week has been a SCORCHER to say the least, and we’re sure that cooling down has been all that’s on your mind! As those scorching summer afternoons arrive, there is no better way to stay chilled and have a total blast than by heading straight for the water. Whether you are looking to…
If your kids are obsessed with Buster Moon and his singing crew – or they can’t get enough of Max, Duke, and Snowball – we’ve got some brilliant news. Illumination has officially confirmed that both Sing 3 and The Secret Life of Pets 3 are in active development, and the studio sounds genuinely excited about both.…
Plan your visit to Slimeville Warrington, from the Slime Station to tickets, SEND sessions and accessibility, all in one family-friendly guide.
Meet Stanley, Longleat’s new Nubian giraffe, and plan your visit. See why his arrival matters, where to spot him, and book tickets now.
Plan your visit to the Harry Potter drone show at Haydock Park in August 2026, with dates, tickets, timings, travel tips and family info.