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Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC
Steam Train Afternoon Cream Tea Staffordshire
Steam Train Afternoon Cream Tea Staffordshire

Staffordshire Cream Tea on a Steam Train

Enjoy a quintessential British treat with a vintage twist aboard our heritage steam train

  • Price: £38.50 / person
  • Departs Froghall Station at 13:30 on selected afternoons
  • Next available departure: Saturday 14th March at 13:30

Seats sell out fast, so book early to secure your spot!

Booking for 15 or more people? Contact us to arrange

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A Traditional Cream Tea with Timeless Charm

Indulge in a relaxing afternoon steeped in nostalgia with the Staffordshire Cream Tea. Departing from Froghall Station at 13:30, this classic experience blends the elegance of 1960s railway dining with the simple pleasure of freshly baked scones, locally sourced jam, and bottomless cups of tea or coffee—all enjoyed while gliding through the picturesque Churnet Valley and into the Staffordshire Moorlands.

Served in our specially restored dining coaches Nicholas and Diana, your cream tea is presented on Raspberry and Apple-toned Steelite crockery from nearby Stoke-on-Trent. Every element of this heritage journey is carefully curated—from the locally sourced milk and eggs provided by Wheat Brothers in Cheadle, to the fresh bakes from Longton and Alton. It’s the perfect setting for a romantic outing, family treat, or peaceful afternoon escape.

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Drinks Menu

Drinks Menu
We offer a wide selection of drinks to suit all tastes including:
  • Red, White and Rose wine by the bottle or glass
  • Local craft beers, ales and IPAs
  • Quality champagne and prosecco
  • Soft drinks
  • Tea & coffees

See the full drinks menu

Drinks can be pre-ordered when booking your ticket or purchased onboard.

What's Included in Your Cream Tea Experience

  • Unlimited tea or coffee served throughout your journey
  • Freshly baked scones with locally sourced jam and clotted cream
  • Handmade cakes sourced from regional bakers
  • Your ticket for a 22-mile round trip through the wooded Churnet Valley and Staffordshire Moorlands
  • Full table service in heritage coaches Nicholas and Diana
  • Gluten-free scone option available with advance notice
  • Meals prepared onboard using fresh ingredients in a fully operational kitchen coach
  • Free parking at Froghall Station, where your journey begins and ends
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How much do tickets cost?

Tickets are priced at £38.50 per person

Where is the Cream Tea Train Experience?

All Train journeys depart from Froghall Station (ST10 2HA)

Check running times & book tickets

Have questions?

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes-pre-booking is essential. Seating is limited and Cream Tea Train experiences often sell out quickly. We recommend booking early to secure your preferred date.
Where does the train depart from, and is parking available?
All Cream Tea Train journeys depart from Froghall Station (ST10 2HA). Free parking is available for all customers, with a limited number of disabled bays.
How long is the journey?
The round-trip journey lasts approximately 2 hours. Please allow extra time for check-in. If you're paying by card for additional drinks, there may be a short delay on return.
Is the train heated during colder months?
Yes. Our heritage dining coaches are heated, providing a cosy and comfortable environment year-round—whatever the weather.
What should I wear or bring?
We suggest smart, casual attire for the Cream Tea Train. While the experience is informal, we ask guests to avoid tracksuits, trainers, flip-flops and baseball caps. A camera is highly recommended to capture the scenic views.
Are children allowed on the dining trains?
We welcome well-behaved children aged 8 and above on our Cream Tea dining trains.
Can I board the train in a wheelchair or with a walking frame?
Unfortunately, due to the heritage design of our coaches, we cannot accommodate wheelchairs or walking frames on board. However, we encourage you to contact our office to discuss your needs—we'll always do our best to assist.
Is alcohol available?
Yes. Our licensed bar is open during the experience, offering a selection of local ales, wines, spirits, and soft drinks. You can also pre-order drinks to have them waiting at your table. Drinks from the bar are not included in the ticket price.
Can I get off the train during the journey?
For safety reasons, it is not possible to get on or off the train other than at Froghall Station. We also ask guests to remain seated during meal service.
Are there toilets on board?
Yes, customer toilets are available on board the dining train.
Do you accommodate dietary restrictions?
We are able to offer gluten-free and vegetarian options. We regret that we cannot cater for vegan, dairy-free, nut-free, or halal requirements due to the limitations of our onboard heritage kitchen.
What happens in bad weather?
Our Cream Tea Trains operate in most weather conditions. Our enclosed carriages provide shelter and warmth throughout your journey.
Can I make changes to my booking?
Booking changes may be possible depending on availability. Please contact our booking office as early as possible to discuss your options.
Can I take photos on board?
Absolutely! Guests are encouraged to take photos of their experience, food, and views. Tag us on social media to share the magic!
Are dogs allowed?
Only registered service dogs are permitted on the dining train. Other dogs are not allowed on board.
Where Can I Book A Cream Tea Dining Experience?
You can book directly via the Churnet Valley Railway’s official website on the Cream Tea page.
What Is Included In The Cream Tea Experience?
The experience includes a heritage train journey with freshly baked scones with jam and cream alongside a selection of handmade cakes. All served on board in vintage-style carriages.