Book Now: THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride 2024

Private Hire and Corporate

From Weddings to Corporate Events, We've Got You Covered

Welcome to Churnet Valley Railway, where we specialize in hosting the most unique and memorable occasions, ranging from elegant weddings to professional corporate events. With a history of hosting gatherings, including Scout and Girl Guide meetings, Land Rover, High Sheriff, and a plethora of weddings, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional experiences tailored to your needs. 

Whether you're planning an intimate gathering for 50 guests or a larger event for up to 200 attendees, our venue offers versatility and charm. Notably, our Polar Express events have welcomed an astounding 1500 visitors across five trips in one day, showcasing our capacity to accommodate large-scale celebrations. 

With a nod to the past and 1950s technology at our helm, we embrace the challenge of making the seemingly impossible possible. Let us bring your vision to life with our dedication to service excellence and attention to detail. 

Private Dining Trains on Running Days 

Indulge in a unique dining experience aboard the Churnet Valley Railway's exquisite Dining Train, available on all our operating dates (excluding special events). Step aboard Nicholas and Diana carriages, where we can accommodate up to 90 guests for an unforgettable journey through Staffordshire's picturesque landscapes.  

We are able to offer full cooked breakfasts, Staffordshire Cream Tea or Afternoon team and 3 course lunches. All delicately cooked aboard our sole surviving kitchen coach (Kitchen 80030). You can find all the menus we currently offer on the Dining Train page. 

Bespoke Dining Experiences 

Elevate your special occasions, whether it's a wedding celebration or a corporate outing, with our bespoke menu options tailored to your preferences. Let us craft a culinary journey that perfectly complements your event.  

Journey Details 

Departing promptly at 1330 from Froghall Station, embark on a two-hour journey covering 23 miles of scenic beauty. With a minimum requirement of 60 passengers and a maximum capacity of 90, gather your friends, family, or colleagues for an unparalleled dining experience. 

Extend your adventure with a second departure to Ipstones at 16:00, allowing you to immerse yourself further in the charm of the Churnet Valley. Additional fees apply for this extended trip. 

The particulars:  

  • Departing at 1330 from Froghall Station on all operating days 
  • 2 Hour Journey Time 
  • 23 Mile Journey 
  • Minimum of 60 passengers – Maximum 90 passengers  
  • Bespoke Menu available  

Prices start from:

  • £4000 
  • Plus, second trim departing at 1600 to Ipstones £1500 

Hire the railway for a day

If you are looking for a truley bespoke experiance then hiring the railway might be for you. We have an array of packages available listed below but if you don't find something that is right for you then please email in and we will be happy do discuss with you the different opportunities we have at the railway. 


Hire the railway (Mid-week) 

Despite our bustling schedule, we're dedicated to making your special occasion unforgettable. Our railway typically operates on Tuesdays (in summer only), Wednesdays, and weekends, leaving ample opportunity for your event any other day of the week. Whether it's team building, meetings, corporate events, or family gatherings, we've got you covered. 

At Froghall Station, you'll have exclusive access, with your own train departing at your convenience. Requests for Consall or Cheddleton stations are also welcome, though some additional planning may be necessary due to their unique characteristics. 

The particulars:   

  • Full-day access to the railway 
  • Exclusive hire of Froghall station 
  • Two return trips to Ipstones pulled by a heritage locomotive 
  • Dining train available for up to 90 people (larger groups can be accommodated with prior discussion) 
  • Customizable timetable tailored to your needs 

Prices start from:  

  • January to March: £7,000 
  • April to June: £8,000 
  • July to September: £9,000 
  • October: £7,000 
  • Please note that private hire is not available in November or December. 

Let us help you create memories that will last a lifetime. Contact us to book your event today! 


Hire the railway (Weekend)

Despite our bustling schedule, we're dedicated to making your special occasion unforgettable. Our railway typically operates on Tuesdays (in summer only), Wednesdays, and weekends, leaving ample opportunity for your event any other day of the week. Whether it's team building, meetings, corporate events, or family gatherings, we've got you covered. 

At Froghall Station, you'll have exclusive access, with your own train departing at your convenience. Requests for Consall or Cheddleton stations are also welcome, though some additional planning may be necessary due to their unique characteristics. 

The particulars:   

  • Full-day access to the railway 
  • Exclusive hire of Froghall station 
  • Two return trips to Ipstones pulled by a heritage locomotive 
  • Dining train available for up to 90 people (larger groups can be accommodated with prior discussion) 
  • Customizable timetable tailored to your needs 

Prices start from:  

  • January to March: £7,000 
  • April to June: £8,000 
  • July to September: £9,000 
  • October: £7,000 

Please note that private hire is not available in November or December. 
 


Evening options

Experience the magic of twilight in the Churnet Valley with our exclusive evening offerings! As the sun sets and tranquility descends upon the valley, our railway transforms into a haven for those in search of the romance of steam. From charity dining trains to corporate thank-you meals, we cater to a variety of after-hours occasions (1800 – 2300). 

Picture this: the valley bathed in the soft glow of evening light, with Ipstones offering the perfect vantage point to witness the breathtaking sunset over the Staffordshire Moorlands. 

Here's what we offer: 

  • Froghall Station 
  • One return trip to Ipstones pulled by a heritage locomotive 
  • Dining train accommodating up to 90 guests (larger groups can be accommodated with prior discussion) 
  • Customized menu tailored to your preferences 
  • Option to make stops at other stations along the journey for added enjoyment 

Prices start from: 

  • January to May: £2,500 
  • June to August: £3,500 
  • September to October: £2,500 

Please email us on [email protected] with your questions and queries.

Alternatively please call us on 01538 360522 and someone from the office will happily talk through the options available.


Link to question
We are able to start all services from Cheddleton but please let us know about your interest for Cheddleton when you make the booking/ enquiry.

Due to Consall's remote location we are unable to start any services here but the station can be utilised as a dropping off point or lay over between courses on the dining service.


Link to question
Due to summer being one of our busiest times of year and our successful evening dining services we are unable to offer private evening dinners at short notice. We can however plan them into the year coming up.


Link to question
Don't worry, we will plan the entire day with you from start to finish as well as plan the departure times for your special day.


Link to question
We are able to offer onboard toilets, heating, lighting and a sound system with a microphone so speeches are not a problem, this system is linked between all the coaches so can be heard up and down the train as required. All our coaches are fitted with multicolour LEDs so we can even cater for a party atmosphere.


Link to question

Explore the breathtaking Churnet Valley aboard our historic railway, spanning an impressive 11.5 miles as it winds through the scenic Staffordshire Moorlands. Our pride lies in our American steam locomotives, particularly the renowned S160, offering a variety of experiences, from driving to riding behind them or capturing their beauty through photography. Step back in time with our meticulously restored coaches, reminiscent of British Railways in the 1950s, and immerse yourself in the nostalgia of a bygone era as we recreate the charm of yesteryears with our heritage diesels. Join us for an unforgettable journey through history. 

To make an enquiry please email or call us from the contact us page: [email protected]