Experience THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride this Christmas at the Churnet Valley Railway

Q: What is the difference between Premium and Standard Class?

Standard ClassAll passengers receive a hot chocolate drink, and freshly baked cookie along with the coveted silver sleigh bell – the first gift of Christmas. The seats are in bays of 4 + 4 divided by the centre aisle. We will endeavour to seat those booking in parties of 6 or 8 opposite each other but you may be behind each other. If you do not book in groups of 4 (excluding babies on your knee) you may need to share your table with another group.Premium ClassThe Pullman coaches are decked out in style as you travel the more luxurious POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride. You receive a hot chocolate drink, and freshly baked cookie along with the coveted silver sleigh bell – the first gift of Christmas. You receive in addition the Limited Edition POLAR EXPRESS™ Souvenir Ceramic Mug. These are designed each year and cannot be purchased online or in the shop. Each group will also receive a POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride bag to share. Due to the larger size of the seats in Premium the bays are split into 2 + 4, separated by the centre aisle. Unless bookings are made in groups of 2 or 4 (excluding babies on your knee) you may be seated with others at your table.

Your journey begins at Froghall Station on the Churnet Valley Railway in Staffordshire, where we invite you to hop on board THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride that takes you on a magical journey to the North Pole.

Do you Believe? Well, if you don’t by the end of your journey you will! Join our enthusiastic cast in telling the story whilst singing along (Covid permitting) with your favourite characters from the hit film.

All our passengers are encouraged to join in the fun by attending in your PJ’s (Don’t forget your dressing gown in case its cold at the North Pole!).

Once you have boarded THE POLAR EXPRESS™ the adventure begins when you are served Hot Chocolate and a Cookie at your seat by the singing Chefs. Make sure you have your tickets ready as the Conductor will need to see them, once he has finished punching tickets he will be back to show off his impressive dance moves.

But believers we have a secret on this train, the Hobo is travelling with you. He is going to show you his meaning of Christmas and the word Believe. We think he may become a friend by the end of our journey. Don’t slip now...

Travelling through the Northern Lights is arguably one of the most spectacular parts of our journey and the icing on the cake before you arrive at the North Pole.

Santa will be waiting patiently for the arrival of THE POLAR EXPRESS™ where he will meet all believers ready to hand out the first present of Christmas, a beautiful silver bell from his sleigh.

If you purchased The Polar Express book at the time of booking Santa might sign his autograph for you if you ask him nicely.

When the train returns to Froghall why not take the opportunity to write a letter to Santa or take part in a snowball fight! Not forgetting to check out whether you are on the naughty or nice list.

Finish off your magical trip with a bite to eat in Christmas town.

The journey on board THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride lasts around 1 hour. We recommend you allow 2 hours for the whole experience.

Dates times and prices

Dates, times & Prices

Availability is updated every 15 minutes

Friday 26th November 2021 From £26.95

	Standard	Premium
14:00	?	sold out
15:30	?	sold out
17:00	?	sold out
18:30	sold out	?
20:00	sold out	?

Saturday 27th November 2021 From £26.95

	Standard	Premium
14:00	?	sold out
15:30	sold out	sold out
17:00	sold out	sold out
18:30	sold out	sold out
20:00	sold out	?

Sunday 28th November 2021 From £24.95

	Standard	Premium
15:30	sold out	?
17:00	?	sold out
18:30	sold out	sold out
20:00	sold out	sold out

Thursday 2nd December 2021 From £29.95

	Standard	Premium
14:00	sold out	?
15:30	?	sold out
17:00	sold out	sold out
18:30	sold out	?

Friday 3rd December 2021 From £29.95

	Standard	Premium
14:00	sold out	sold out
17:00	sold out	?
18:30	sold out	sold out

Saturday 4th December 2021 From £29.95

	Standard	Premium
14:00	sold out	sold out
15:30	sold out	sold out
17:00	sold out	sold out

Sunday 5th December 2021 From £29.95

	Standard	Premium
15:30	sold out	sold out
17:00	sold out	sold out
20:00	sold out	?

Thursday 9th December 2021 From £29.95

	Standard	Premium
14:00	sold out	sold out
15:30	sold out	sold out
17:00	sold out	sold out
18:30	sold out	sold out
20:00	sold out	?

Friday 10th December 2021 From £29.95

	Standard	Premium
14:00	sold out	sold out
15:30	sold out	sold out
17:00	sold out	sold out
20:00	sold out	sold out

Saturday 11th December 2021 From £31.95

	Standard	Premium
15:30	sold out	?
17:00	sold out	sold out
18:30	sold out	sold out

Sunday 12th December 2021 From £29.95

	Standard	Premium
15:30	?	sold out
17:00	sold out	?
18:30	sold out	sold out
20:00	sold out	?

Wednesday 15th December 2021 From £29.95

	Standard	Premium
14:00	sold out	sold out
15:30	sold out	sold out
17:00	sold out	sold out
18:30	sold out	?
20:00	sold out	sold out

Thursday 16th December 2021 From £29.95

	Standard	Premium
15:30	sold out	sold out
17:00	sold out	sold out
18:30	sold out	sold out
20:00	sold out	?

Friday 17th December 2021 From £29.95

	Standard	Premium
14:00	sold out	?
15:30	sold out	?
17:00	sold out	?
18:30	sold out	?
20:00	sold out	sold out

Saturday 18th December 2021 From £31.95

	Standard	Premium
14:00	sold out	?
15:30	sold out	?
17:00	sold out	?
18:30	sold out	?
20:00	?	sold out

Sunday 19th December 2021 From £31.95

	Standard	Premium
14:00	sold out	sold out
15:30	sold out	sold out
17:00	sold out	sold out
18:30	?	sold out
20:00	sold out	sold out

Monday 20th December 2021 From £31.95

	Standard	Premium
14:00	sold out	sold out
15:30	sold out	sold out
17:00	sold out	?
18:30	sold out	sold out
20:00	sold out	sold out

Tuesday 21st December 2021 From £31.95

	Standard	Premium
14:00	sold out	sold out
15:30	sold out	?
17:00	sold out	?
18:30	sold out	?
20:00	sold out	sold out

Wednesday 22nd December 2021 From £34.95

	Standard	Premium
14:00	sold out	sold out
15:30	sold out	sold out
18:30	sold out	?
20:00	sold out	sold out

Thursday 23rd December 2021 From £34.95

	Standard	Premium
14:00	sold out	sold out
15:30	sold out	sold out
17:00	sold out	sold out
18:30	sold out	sold out
20:00	sold out	sold out

Finding Us

How far away are you from the THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride Staffordshire?

We are approximately 80-minutes from Manchester
We are approximately 80-minutes from Liverpool
We are approximately 60-minutes from Birmingham
We are approximately 30-minutes from Buxton
We are approximately 70-minutes from Wrexham
We are approximately 30-minutes from Stoke-on-Trent
We are approximately 30-minutes from Stafford
We are approximately 30-minutes from Uttoxeter
We are approximately 40-minutes from Congleton
We are approximately 50-minutes from Macclesfield
We are approximately 55-minutes from Burton-Upon-Trent

How to find us?

Froghall is located on the A52 (Stoke on Trent – Ashbourne road, enter "ST10 2HA" into your SatNav).

If coming from Ashbourne approach Kingsley village; immediately after crossing the bridge over the railway turn left into the station area and drive into the car park area. If this is full there is an overflow car park located on the left hand side immediately before the bridge over the railway (this is normally clearly sign-posted when in use).

If coming from Stoke-on-Trent follow the A52 to Kingsley and drive through the village onto a steep hill dropping towards the railway. Immediately before the bridge over the railway turn right into the station area. If this full there is an overflow car park located on the right hand side immediately after the bridge over the railway (this is normally clearly sign-posted when in use).

FAQs

Where does the POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride Staffordshire depart from?

All THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Rides Staffordshire depart from Froghall Station, Froghall, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire ST10 2HA

How long does the POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride Staffordshire last?

The actual train ride lasts around an hour; however, we suggest you allow 2 hours for the whole experience.

What dates do POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride Staffordshire operate on?

It runs on the 26,27,28 November 2021 and 2,3,4,5,9,10,11,12,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23 December 2021

How much do POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride Staffordshire tickets cost?

Our tickets are priced depending on time and date of travel. Please visit: churnetvalleyrailway.co.uk/polar-express-train-ride/prices

Will COVID-19 derail Christmas?

We are constantly monitoring government guidelines. We shall keep the page updated with information closer to the event. Currently government guidance requires all public transport users over the age of 11 to wear a face covering unless you are eating or drinking.

We are not releasing all our tickets at the moment, should we need to implement greater social distancing requirements.

How can I buy a ticket?

All tickets are sold online via our website. Please visit: churnetvalleyrailway.co.uk/polar-express-train-ride. You cannot book tickets via phone or in person.

What is the difference between Premium and Standard Class?

Standard Class

All passengers receive a hot chocolate drink, and freshly baked cookie along with the coveted silver sleigh bell – the first gift of Christmas. The seats are in bays of 4 + 4 divided by the centre aisle. We will endeavour to seat those booking in parties of 6 or 8 opposite each other but you may be behind each other. If you do not book in groups of 4 (excluding babies on your knee) you may need to share your table with another group.

Premium Class

The Pullman coaches are decked out in style as you travel the more luxurious POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride. You receive a hot chocolate drink, and freshly baked cookie along with the coveted silver sleigh bell – the first gift of Christmas. You receive in addition the Limited Edition POLAR EXPRESS™ Souvenir Ceramic Mug. These are designed each year and cannot be purchased online or in the shop. Each group will also receive a POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride bag to share. Due to the larger size of the seats in Premium the bays are split into 2 + 4, separated by the centre aisle. Unless bookings are made in groups of 2 or 4 (excluding babies on your knee) you may be seated with others at your table.

Under 2 tickets – child on knee

Babies are those children aged 2 and under at the time of the event. If you select any baby tickets, they will not receive a cookie or hot chocolate drink, but they do get a coveted silver sleigh bell – the first gift of Christmas. All babies have to travel on the knee of an adult as they will not be allocated a designated seat on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride.

Can we link bookings and sit together?

Once you have made your booking you can email the office with BOTH reference numbers and request to be seated together. However, this may not always be possible but we shall always try our best. We would aim for you to be beside each other but if this isn’t possible you maybe in front of or behind one another. Standard and Premium tickets holders cannot be seated with each other as holders of these classes of ticket will be seated in different coaches.

Cookie & Hot chocolate allergy information

When you make your booking, please select the relevant allergens. We will do our best to accommodate all allergies, however we cannot guarantee this.

You are more than welcome to bring an alternative drink and cookie with you for any member of your party who have allergies.

Do we have to wear PJ's ?

Of course...you don’t but we feel that it adds to the story with as many people as possible wear PJs and a dressing gown. Make sure to dress warm underneath and we do have heating on the train. Do not worry if you choose to not wear PJ’s, we will still let you travel to the North Pole.

How do I receive my tickets?

Tickets are posted to you no later than 2 weeks before your date of travel. Should you for whatever reason not have received your tickets by then please send an email to enquiries@churnetvalleyrailway.co.uk Owing to the number of postal issues we have had with incomplete, incorrect and sometimes outdated address, we have been advised to email all tickets out to our customers. Your golden ticket will be available for collection on the day. If you require your golden ticket in advance, then please contact our office with your booking reference number and will be happy to post these out to you. Our email address is enquiries@churnetvalleyrailway.co.uk

What happens if I lose/have lost my tickets?

If you have lost your tickets these will not be resent. Therefore, on the day of the event, you must be able to produce your order confirmation either on your smart phone or print out the order confirmation and bring it with you. (Please arrive in plenty of time to allow our staff to process your boarding of the train).

If you can’t find the order confirmation in your inbox, please check your spam folder. If you are still unable to find your confirmation email, please contact us.

Can I make any changes to my order?

There is a £10 fee chargeable should you need to make any changes to your order. This includes, but is not limited to, Name, Address, Date, Time etc.

You will not be able to make any changes to your order after the 30th September 2021.

Can I purchase items from the event in the shop or online?

Due to the popularity of the event, we do not currently operate an online shop. The shop at Froghall station will be fully stocked and is worth a visit after The POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride. It is only available for ticket holders.

To avoid disappointment please order your souvenir books when making the booking. These will be posted to you with your ticket.

Is THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride hauled by a steam locomotive?

We aim to provide a steam locomotive for all our services. However, because of the ever-increasing age of our locomotives, occasionally, despite our best efforts, sometimes our locomotives are not available and we may have to substitute our booked locomotive for an alternative to ensure the experience goes ahead.

Do you have any compartments available this year?

We do not have any compartments available on our trains this year.

Is there any heating on the train?

Our train is fully heated.

How early should I get there?

You should allow ample time to ensure you arrive at the time printed on your ticket. The trains will depart promptly so please do not be late or you will miss your train.

Is there events parking?

Event parking is around 6 minutes’ walk away from our station. If you require closer parking due to a disability or health condition, please contact us after you have made your booking quoting your reference number.

Do we offer discount to carers?

If you are in receipt of the higher/enhanced rate of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP) benefits, we offer a 50% discount on the carers tickets.

Please contact us at enquiries@churnetvalleyrailway.co.uk with your order number and proof of entitlement so we can arrange a 50% refund of 1 ticket.

Are pushchairs allowed on board?

You are unable to take pushchairs and car seats on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride. You will be required to leave them on the platform and our staff will look after them until you return.

Are dogs allowed on the train?

With the exception of service dogs, no dogs or animals are allowed on the train. Service dogs will need to sit under the table for the duration of the journey.

Is the railway suitable for guests with disabilities?

Whilst we are a heritage railway, we aim to try and accommodate those with disabilities as best as we can. Do please be aware there are some areas where the surface is uneven.

Are there disabled toilets available?

Yes, we have toilets available for our disabled guests. Should you wish to use the facilities please ask a member of staff who will be happy to guide you to them.

Can wheelchair users board the train whilst in their wheelchair?

Unfortunately due to the design of our heritage coaches we are unable to accommodate wheelchairs. If the wheelchair user is able to climb a step, and walk a short distance we can assist in boarding. Wheelchairs will be looked after by our platform staff until you return.

Pending Payment and No Confirmation Email

Unless you have gone through the entire booking process and reached the screen which says Payment Successful then we do not have your booking.

This is down to our fraud protection systems.

We have a security setting in our checkout that asks our payment provider Braintree to decline payments where the CVC check fails, or where the post code check fails. If your bank approves a payment where the check has failed, Braintree declines the payment at our end.

In summary, your bank has said the transaction is OK, our payment system said, no it’s not (based upon a set of rules in place to protect us, their customer), so the payment was not taken. You are seeing your banks approval, not a payment. Hence why is it ‘pending’. The pending charge will disappear shortly if it has not already.

The tickets you tried to purchase are not saved for you. You will need to make a new order and a new payment to secure your tickets.