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Steam Train Dining Experiences in the Heart of the Staffordshire Moorlands
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Murder Mystery Dining Train Experience - £80.00pp - Departing at 18:30 on Saturdays in May - September

Murder Mystery Dining Train Experience

A thrilling evening of fine dining, theatrical intrigue, and steam train travel through the Staffordshire countryside

Price: £80.00 / person
Departs Froghall Station at 18:30 on selected afternoons
Next available departure: Saturday 9th May at 18:30

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

Booking for 15 or more people? Contact us to arrange

Step into a Whodunit Aboard a Heritage Railway

Board the Churnet Valley Railway on selected Saturday evenings this summer for an immersive Murder Mystery experience that combines captivating storytelling with nostalgic steam travel and a delicious three-course meal. Departing from Froghall Station at 18:30, you’ll journey through the twilight countryside as a vintage tale of secrets and suspicion unfolds around you.

Two original mysteries await in 2025: “Here's to the Bride & Vroom!” (June and August) set in the glamour of 1928 with archaeologists, mummies, and mayhem; and “Kintsugi Gold” (July and September), a 1946-era art world riddle with surprise retirements and secret technology. Use your detective skills to interview suspects, follow leads, and uncover the culprit—all while enjoying food prepared in our onboard kitchen coach, Car No. 80030.

Check running times & book tickets

Freshly prepared for you by our chefs at the station kitchen

Murder Mystery Menu

All dishes are freshly prepared onboard and served in the specially restored coaches Nicholas and Diana, with tableware from Steelite of Stoke-on-Trent adding elegance to the evening.

Gluten-free versions of all dishes available on request

This menu has a vegetarian option

Starters

Simple, warming, and perfect for opening your Sunday feast.

Tomato, Mozzarella and Basil Salad (V)

A refreshing, light introduction to the evening’s drama.

Gluten-free available on request

Ham Hock Terrine

Served with piccalilli and a wedge of rustic bread made in Alton.

Gluten-free available on request

Artisan Bread Board (V)

Includes sourdough, French stick, and seeded rye bread, served with olives and vinaigrette.

Mains

Mushroom Stroganoff (V)

Served with creamy mashed potato for a comforting vegetarian classic.

Salmon en Croute

A flaky, golden pastry-wrapped salmon served with new potatoes and seasonal vegetables.

Roast Beef

Tender slices accompanied by Yorkshire pudding, new potatoes, and local seasonal vegetables.

Gluten-free available on request

Desserts

Bread and Butter Pudding

Made with fresh scones and tin loaf from Longton, served with pouring cream.

Apple Crumble

Spiced and sweet, topped with golden crumble and served with custard.

Fruit Salad

A light and refreshing end to your meal, served with pouring cream.

Gluten-free available on request

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 Murder Mystery Experience

A full theatrical murder mystery performance played out onboard across your journey
A freshly prepared 3-course dinner cooked in the heritage kitchen coach
22-mile round trip by steam train through the Churnet Valley and Staffordshire Moorlands
Full table service in the atmospheric dining coaches Nicholas and Diana
Steelite crockery and vintage-modern presentation from Stoke-on-Trent
Locally sourced ingredients from regional farms, bakeries, and dairies
Licensed bar and pre-order drinks service to complement your evening
Free parking at Froghall Station, where your thrilling night begins and ends

Check running times & book tickets

How much do tickets cost?

Tickets are priced at £80.00 per person

Where is the event?

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 Murder Mystery 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 Murder Mystery 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 attire for the Murder Mystery Train (especially fancy dress to suit the decade in which the mystery is set!). Please remember to bring your little grey cells!

Are children allowed on the Murder Mystery Trains?

All sleuths must be 16+ on our Murder Mystery 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 Murder Mystery 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 Murder Mystery Dining Experience?

You can book directly via the Churnet Valley Railway’s official website on the Murder Mystery page.

What Is Included In Murder Mystery Experience?

The experience includes a heritage train journey with a thrilling evening of fine dining and theatrical intrigue.