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The Churnet Valley Limited - £64.50 Per Person - Departs Froghall 13:30

The Churnet Valley Limited - £64.50 Per Person - Departs Froghall 13:30

Saturday Lunch Train

A steam-powered three-course Saturday lunch through the heart of Staffordshire’s scenic countryside

Price: £64.50 / person
Departs Froghall Station at 13:30 on selected afternoons
Next available departure: Saturday 9th May at 13:30

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

Booking for 15 or more people? Contact us to arrange

Savour a Leisurely Lunch on a Vintage Dining SteamTrain

Step aboard the Churnet Valley Limited for a dining experience that blends traditional British flavours with a journey through time. Departing at 13:30 from Froghall Station, this Saturday steam train lunch is served in lovingly restored heritage coaches—Nicholas and Diana—outfitted specifically for onboard dining at its finest.

Your journey begins in the wooded Churnet Valley, winding alongside the canal through Consall before emerging into the open beauty of the Staffordshire Moorlands. As you relax at your table set with Steelite crockery from Stoke-on-Trent, a freshly prepared three-course meal is served by our attentive team—all made from locally sourced ingredients and cooked on board in our original kitchen carriage, Car No. 80030. It’s an indulgent yet unpretentious experience made for food lovers, romantics, and heritage enthusiasts alike.

Check running times & book tickets

Freshly Prepared for you by our chefs in our on-board kitchen

Saturday Lunch Menu

All dishes are cooked fresh aboard the train by our dedicated chefs, using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.

Gluten-free versions of all dishes available on request

This menu has a vegetarian option

Starters

Start your journey with a selection of light, flavourful dishes that celebrate artisan craft and regional ingredients.

Tomato Bruschetta

A trio of sourdough, French stick, and seeded rye bread, served with olives and vinaigrette. Baked fresh in Alton, where the railway once ran.

Ham Hock Terrine

A hearty, traditional terrine paired with tangy piccalilli and crusty bread. Made with meat sourced from Dunwood Farm and Shukkers Farm Shop.

Gluten-free available on request

Sweet Potato & Red Pepper Soup (V)

Smooth, gently spiced, and served with a wedge of fresh-baked bread from Longton.

Gluten-free available on request

Mains

Hearty classics inspired by traditional British comfort food, each dish freshly cooked in our onboard kitchen coach.

Bangers and Mash

Cumberland sausages from local butchers served with creamy mash and a rich onion gravy.

Creamy Garlic Chicken

Pan-seared chicken breast in a velvety garlic cream sauce, accompanied by seasonal vegetables from local growers.

Gluten-free available on request

Veg Lasagne (V)

A golden, oven-baked vegetarian pie with robust flavour, served with seasonal vegetables and gravy.

Gluten-free available on request

Desserts

Sweet, comforting finishes crafted to complement your nostalgic journey.

Sticky Toffee Pudding

A rich, indulgent classic — moist sponge drenched in warm toffee sauce for the ultimate comforting treat.

Apple Crumble

A British classic with spiced apple and golden crumble topping, served with custard.

Fruit Salad

A light and refreshing medley of seasonal fruits, finished with pouring cream.

Extras

Sweet, comforting finishes crafted to complement your nostalgic journey.

Cheese & Biscuits (+ £6.50)

A handpicked selection of local cheeses served with biscuits and traditional accompaniments.

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 Saturday Lunch Steam Train Experience

A freshly prepared 3-course lunch crafted on board using locally sourced ingredients
Your ticket for a 22-mile round trip through the picturesque Staffordshire Moorlands (£20 p/p)
Full table service in vintage dining coaches outfitted specifically for comfort and atmosphere
Vegetarian & gluten-free options available with advance notice
All meals prepared in Car No. 80030 — the UK's only operational kitchen coach in active railway serviceSteelite crockery and modern-vintage presentation designed to make every dish pop with colour and charm
Onboard licensed bar and pre-order drink service so your drink is ready at your seat
Free parking at Froghall Station, where all journeys depart

Check running times & book tickets

How much do tickets cost?

Tickets are priced at £64.50 per person

Where is the Saturday Lunch 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 Breakfast 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 Breakfast 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 Breakfast 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 breakfast 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 Breakfast 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 dining train. Other dogs are not allowed on board.

Where can I book a breakfast train dining experience?

You can book directly via the Churnet Valley Railway's official website on the Breakfast Train page.

What is included in the Breakfast Train experience?

The experience includes a heritage train journey with a full cooked breakfast served on board in vintage-style carriages.