Book Now: THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride 2026
Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC
Rail Ale Trail - Staffordshire Beer Train
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Rail Ale Trail - Staffordshire Beer Train

Enjoy real ale, live music, and a laid-back heritage railway festival through the Churnet Valley.

    Ticket Prices

    Adult tickets (aged 17+)
    Book online (save 10%) £16.00
    Evening tickets (Fri / Sat From 16:00 onwards for evening travel ONLY)
    Book online (save 10%) £6.00
    Family tickets (2 Adults + 2 Children or 2 Adults + 1 Senior)
    On the day £45.00
    Book online (save 10%) £40.00
    Child tickets (Aged 4 - 16)
    On the day £10.00
    Book online (save 10%) £8.00
    Dogs
    Book online (save 10%) £10.00
  • Departing regularly from Froghall Station throughout the event:
    • Friday 17th 17:30 - 23:10
    • Saturday 18th 10:30 - 23:10
    • Sunday 19th 10:30 - 16:15
  • Next available departure: SOLD OUT

    • Booking for 15 or more people? Contact us to arrange

Trustpilot

A Summer Beer Festival with a Hidden Stop at Its Heart

Settle in for a laid-back weekend of real ale, live music, good food, and heritage train travel through the Churnet Valley.

The Rail Ale Trail is more than just a beer festival - it's a chance to explore the line, enjoy the journey, and discover characterful stops along the way.

The highlight is Consall Station, where the main event takes place in a village only accessible by rail, giving the festival a secluded, exclusive feel that makes the whole experience even more memorable.

With frequent trains running throughout the weekend, you can relax on board, hop off for the live music and food stalls, and enjoy a summer event that feels a world away from the ordinary.

*** Event not bookable ⁄ sold out ***

What’s Included in Your Rail Ale Train Experience

  • Unlimited travel throughout the event between Froghall, Consall and Cheddleton
  • Entry to the main festival at Consall Station, with live music and food stalls
  • A heritage train journey through the Churnet Valley in vintage carriages
  • On-board and station bars serving a wide range of ales and other drinks
  • The flexibility to hop on and off and enjoy each stop at your own pace
  • Frequent trains throughout the weekend for a relaxed, easy-going experience
  • A fun social atmosphere that's great for groups, couples and friends

The Ales List

Ales List

Discover a broad festival line-up of ales, bringing together local names, classic cask favourites, and something for every kind of beer drinker:

  • Pale ales
  • IPAS
  • Bitters
  • Golden ales
  • Blonde ales
  • Milds
  • Amber ales
  • Porters
  • Stouts

See the full ales list

Timetable

Friday Timetable Departure 1 Departure 2 Departure 3 Departure 4 Departure 5
Motive Power Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel
Froghall Departs 1730 1915 2100 2245
Consall Departs 1748 1933 2118 2258
Cheddleton Departs to Leek Brook 1815 1945 2130 2310
Cheddleton Departs to Consall 1645 1830 2015 2200 END
Consall Depart 1702 1847 2032 2217
Froghall Arrive 1710 1855 2040 2222
Saturday Timetable Departure 1 Departure 2 Departure 3 Departure 4 Departure 5 Departure 6 Departure 7 Departure 8 Departure 9
Motive Power Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Steam Steam Steam Steam
Froghall Departs 1030 1215 1400 1545 1730 1915 2100 2240
Consall Departs 1048 1233 1418 1603 1748 1933 2118 2258
Cheddleton Departs to Leek Brook 1100 1245 1430 1615 1800 1945 2130 2310
Cheddleton Departs to Consall 1000 1130 1315 1500 1645 1830 2015 2200 END
Consall Depart 1012 1147 1332 1517 1702 1847 2032 2217
Froghall Arrive 1020 1155 1340 1525 1710 1855 2040 2225
Sunday Timetable Departure 1 Departure 2 Departure 3 Departure 4 Departure 5
Motive Power Steam Steam Steam Steam Steam
Froghall Departs 1030 1215 1400 1545
Consall Departs 1048 1233 1418 1650
Cheddleton Departs to Leek Brook 1100 1245 1430 1615
Cheddleton Departs to Consall 1000 1130 1315 1500 END
Consall Depart 1012 1145 1330 1515
Froghall Arrive 1020 1153 1338 1523

This is the timetable for 2026 Rail Ale Trail and maybe amended in the coming weeks. We advise that you keep up to date on social media.

Varieties Of Ale

Once on board, relax in the vintage comfort of our 1950s-style carriages and peruse our extensive ale list while the stunning Churnet Valley landscape rolls by outside. With over 30 varieties from all over, you can sample your way up and down the country.

Cheddleton station is a throwback to the Victorian era, with an original Grade II-listed building. Hop off here to explore and stroll around the country village. Take a little wander down by the canal to see St Edwards Church and the Cheddleton Flint Mill, before returning to the station and our smaller bar for your next round of beers.

See the full ales list

The Main Event

Our main festival location will be at Consall. The tiny village is only accessible by train, giving it an exclusive, secret-garden feel. Join us here for live music and soak up the buzzing atmosphere. There will also be a variety of food stalls offering tasty treats to festival goers. Eat, drink, and dance until late on both days of the festival. Don't forget to check out the delightful Black Lion pub too!

Walk in any direction out of the village to experience beautiful and peaceful countryside walks in the Staffordshire Moorland. Because of the frequency of our trains throughout the weekend, you can be as leisurely as you like when you explore the stops en-route. This makes for a laid-back day for you to simply enjoy.

Whether you're a beer lover, virtuoso, or a keen foodie, the Rail Ale Trail festival has something for everyone. Children and dogs are also welcome to come along for the ride, and passengers can enjoy a 50% discount if you pre-book your tickets! What's not to love?

Have questions?

Do I Need To Book In Advance?
Yes—pre-booking is essential. Seating is limited and Rail Ale Trail experiences often sell out quickly. We recommend booking early to secure your preferred date.
Where Does The Train Depart From, And Is Parking Available?
Rail Ale 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 Rail Ale Trail experience. 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 Rail Ale Trains?
We welcome well-behaved children aged 8 and above on our Steam Train services.
Can I Bring A Pushchair Or Pram?
Due to limited space in our vintage carriages, pushchairs and prams are not permitted on board. Please leave them in your vehicle or speak to station staff for assistance.
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.
Can I Reserve A Table For Two?
Private tables for two are not guaranteed. You may be seated with other guests at a table of four unless you’ve purchased an exclusive table-for-two voucher from our partner, Into the Blue.
Can I Request A Specific Seat Or Table Location?
We will do our best to accommodate preferences, but specific seat requests cannot be guaranteed without an exclusive table-for-two voucher.
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.
Can I Buy Tickets Or Vouchers As A Gift?
Yes! Gift vouchers make a wonderful present and can be purchased directly or via Into the Blue.

Recipients can choose a date to suit them.
How Do I Redeem A Voucher?
Please call our booking office to redeem your voucher and secure your preferred travel date.
What Happens In Bad Weather?
Our Train operates 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 Rail Ale Trail experience. Other dogs are not allowed on board.
Where can I book a Rail Ale Trail experience?
You can book directly via the Churnet Valley Railway's official website on the Rail Ale Trail page.