What Can I Expect

All aboard for the Churnet Valley afternoon cream tea, served in the First Class dining car of the steam train at Staffordshire’s finest heritage railway! Enjoy the views and the food on these very special afternoon departures from Froghall Station.

Setting off mid afternoon, you will be guided to your reserved table, which has been beautifully set with a crisp linen tablecloth, shiny cutlery and delicate bone china cups and saucers (just like your Grandma used to dig out for special occasions!).

And yes, this is a very English steam tea on the Churnet Valley railway, complete with delicious cakes, fluffy fruit scones, lashings of whipped cream and a selection of those cute little individual jam pots. You'll also be brought a nice big pot of fresh brewed tea, so you can keep topping yourself up at your leisure.

So all you have to do is sit back, relax, enjoy the gorgeous home-made scones and sip tea as you gaze out of the window at the slow-moving panoramas before your eyes.

You'll pass the historic Thomas Bolton Copperworks (this line used to transport many of their workers) and then meander through a leafy valley to Consall, a little station with the canal on one side and the river on the other. It is very tranquil and picturesque - especially as it isn't at all accessible by car!

It's then a steep climb for the steam train to Cheddleton - and all this whilst enjoying your cream tea on the move - before returning to Froghall.

As well as your reserved seat on the afternoon cream tea Churnet Valley steam train departure, you’re very welcome to spend the morning riding on the trains with your unlimited travel ticket, as well as exploring all there is to see at Cheddleton and Froghall stations.

When Is It Available

• The train departs from Froghall Station at 13:30 returning at 15:00
• Due to the popularity of this experience please book well in advance to avoid disappointment

2025 Schedule

• Wednesday 11th June
• Saturday 6th September
• Wednesday 17th September
• Saturday 20th September
• Wednesday 24th September
• Wednesday 1st October
• Saturday 4th October
• Saturday 11th October
• Wednesday 15th October
• Saturday 18th October

Suitable For

• Minimum age 8
• Under 18s must be accompanied by a participating adult

Anything Else

• The railway does not guarantee that trains will depart as stated and reserves the right to cancel or alter any trains without prior notice and change the motive power for whatever reason. No liability for loss, inconvenience or delay can be accepted