Unforgettable Heritage Railway Adventures in Staffordshire

Discover Staffordshire’s countryside while taking part in this railway adventure, dining aboard with classic afternoon tea service or Indian-inspired cuisine – or even take part in a murder mystery experience!

Visit Midland Railway-Butterley for an exciting day trip, featuring museums at Swanwick Junction and heritage steam and diesel trains – you’ll also find family friendly events such as Christmas Specials!

1. Churnet Valley Railway

Are you searching for an unforgettable heritage railway adventure? Look no further than Churnet Valley Railway! Take a journey back in time as you traverse a picturesque rural line through Staffordshire’s Little Switzerland on this West Midlands attraction located mere moments away from Leek – sure to provide fun memories and experiences for everyone in your group!

The Churnet Valley Railway (CVR) is a heritage steam railway which operates on part of what was formerly the North Staffordshire Railway (NSR), often referred to as ‘The Knotty.” Operating from North Rode in Cheshire all the way east to Uttoxeter in East Staffordshire originally, its central section closed gradually between 1964 and 1988 due to various closures.

Thankfully, this route passed into the hands of a preservation society and now operates as the Churnet Valley Railway (CVR). Their initial purchase included Leek Brook Junction to Endon Station; since then more sections have been acquired.

In 2011, substantial efforts were taken to prepare the line for passenger services, clearing vegetation and rebuilding trackwork as well as replacing sleepers extensively – works carried out by both CVR and Moorlands & City Railways in partnership.

Today the CVR runs a fleet of carefully restored historic locomotives and carriages on its regular passenger service between Cheddleton and Kingsley & Froghall. Additionally, special event trains run frequently, while many activities take place here as well.

People looking to get involved with the railway can participate in one of our volunteer training courses. You’ll gain all of the knowledge necessary for operating and understanding how the railway works, with opportunities to progress into more advanced training roles and leadership responsibilities as you learn more about its workings.

The CVR also owns and operates the Kingsley & Froghall Canal nearby and provides a towpath walk along its entire length. There’s also the museum and loco sheds onsite as well as Oakamoor Tunnel used by British Railways (BR) for industrial sand storage purposes.

2. Statfold Country Park

Statfold Barn Railway near Tamworth offers one of the UK’s finest collections of historic narrow gauge steam, diesel, and electric locomotives for viewing on narrow gauge tracks. In addition, this accredited museum, heritage center and miniature railway line features traditional tea rooms and gift shops for guests’ convenience.

Statfold will unveil an exciting and colorful attraction during May Half Term holidays – The new Fellumpa Village – sure to delight children of all ages, featuring stilt houses, working windmill and mine as homes to a colourful family of Fellumpas! Guests of all ages are guaranteed an enjoyable visit, offering family trails and activities designed especially for this attraction.

Experience the power and romance of steam trains on a heritage train journey across Yorkshire Dales. Discover its scenic natural landscape on Settle-Carlisle railway’s 73-mile Settle-Carlisle line, with famous Ribblehead Viaduct and iconic Dent Viaduct crossings along its path.

GWR Heritage Steam Railway offers an unforgettable family-friendly journey experience. Step aboard one of their heritage diesel or steam trains and discover an array of events and activities such as family trails, film screenings and miniature invention exhibits!

St Albans South Signal Box provides an insight into Britain’s railway stations through its collection of artefacts, models and relics from St Albans South Station relics to heritage steam train driving experiences with GWR between Buckfastleigh and Totnes – offering stunning Devon scenery as you drive yourself along its tracks!

Children will love blowing off some steam at the Brighton Toy and Model Railway Museum, which features one of the world’s largest collections. There are miniature trains to ride as well as an engaging exhibition about how toys were used by railway workers through time and how their use has evolved over time.

The Midland Railway-Butterley in Ripley, Derbyshire offers an unforgettable day out for all the family. The station complex provides playground equipment, picnic areas, cafes and a country park; along with historic diesel and steam locomotives on display and special visitor days where Thomas the Tank Engine might appear!

3. The Roundhouse Museum

Train enthusiasts can enjoy a nostalgic journey back in time at The Roundhouse Museum. Here they’ll discover one of the largest railway repair facilities worldwide with its collection of locomotives, railcars, tools and other memorabilia from days gone by; take part in tours or activities for an insider view on how The Roundhouse operates!

The museum features a vast collection of vintage railway posters and other memorabilia. All exhibits are freely open to the public; visitors may also participate in scheduled events such as train rides and guided tours of roundhouse and locomotive sheds.

Families can discover the history and people behind railways with fun family trails and heritage film screenings at this site, along with picnic areas and cafes to make this an enjoyable day trip for everyone! Plus there’s even a children’s playground, children’s play equipment, picnic spaces and cafe available on-site – making this visit ideal for the whole family!

England’s railways provide the perfect setting for outdoor adventure or just taking in its incredible scenery, making a trip easy and accessible for everyone. Connecting bustling cities, charming villages, and some of England’s most breathtaking autumn and winter landscapes – you can choose between modern trains or classic steam locomotives depending on your tastes and budget.

Are you seeking an active experience? Consider taking a rail-hauled heritage steam and diesel train ride along Cheshire’s Dee Valley Line railway. This volunteer-run railway features standard-gauge heritage locomotives on its tracks; visitors can even take part in night photo sessions of historic equipment under professional lighting!

At Crewe Station Heritage Centre, you can learn all about working on railways and tracing your railway ancestry. Expert speakers give talks here while workshops help explore local heritage.

Chasewater Railway at Burntwood is another volunteer-operated railway, operating standard gauge heritage locomotives on weekends and bank holiday Mondays from its location within Chasewater Country Park. Visitors to this train may enjoy various activities, such as museum tours and shed/workshop visits.

4. The Peak District Railway

Untour Staffordshire’s picturesque moorlands by train with Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway. This open-air 73-mile track winds past breathtaking natural sites such as Ribblehead Viaduct (listed by UNESCO World Heritage), with daily diesel trains or classic steam locomotive-hauled journeys available to choose from. If you want something luxurious for an extra special scenic adventure, opt for first class observation carriage for maximum views on your scenic journey!

Follow in the footsteps of The Railway Children on two newly developed trails beginning at Strines railway station. Created by South East Manchester Community Rail Partnership and volunteers from Friends of Strines station, these routes feature stunning scenery as well as access to former railway buildings such as Grade II-listed booking office and Victorian station house.

Family days out on the Peak District Railway are an essential experience. Children will love riding electric vintage trams and exploring woodland walks full of kid-friendly activities; and discovering an extensive collection of railway artefacts at their Heritage Centre. Plus, this popular attraction hosts special events throughout the year like winter lantern parades and summer fireworks displays!

Discover Britain’s oldest national park on a journey along Hope Valley Line. This spectacular region of rugged hillsides and windswept cliffs draws hikers, horse riders, thrill-seekers and hikers, while its bustling food scene and charming villages provide plenty of attractions. Searching Peak District Cavern for precious pieces of ‘Blue John’ or learning about pioneering inventions at Derby Museum are only among many surprises within its borders – this region holds many pleasant surprises to discover!

Discovering Chesterfield is easy on the local bus network, which connects towns and cities throughout the area. Enjoy walking tours hosted by Peak District Heritage Trust as well as museums and attractions such as Chesterfield Museum, Chesterfield Canal Centre and Heights of Abraham. Crich Tramway Museum offers unlimited rides on electric vintage trams plus woodland walks plus indoor and outdoor playgrounds for kids; alternatively visit Chesterfield Town Centre or Derbyshire Market Place where traditional crafts can also be learned!