Gin Tasting Steam Train Experience Staffordshire | Churnet Valley Railway

Gin has always been a favourite summertime drink, with more and more varieties and flavours appearing in the recent years. Returning this summer for the first time since 2019, we are excited to present our Gin & Trains festival. A perfect day out for the botanical connoisseur, this three-day event has a full timetable of passenger trains for you to travel on while you sample gins from the UK and beyond.

Celebrate this August Bank Holiday weekend in style aboard our authentically-restored train carriages, pulled by nostalgic locomotives. Our Gin tasting experience will be accompanied by the gorgeous Churnet Valley countryside passing by outside of your window. Soak up some of the most stunning countryside in Staffordshire.

It’s an 11 mile round-trip on the train, starting at Froghall Station and with opportunities to disembark at Consall, Cheddleton.  Trains will be running frequently throughout the weekend.

Start your day out right by stopping in at the Signals Tearoom at Froghall Station before you board the gin train. Enjoy freshly-brewed tea, coffee and delicious, traditional snacks in a comfortable and pleasant atmosphere. We highly recommend the BBQ using Shucker’s finest meats for a satisfying meal. For the members of your group who aren’t gin aficionados, our bar at Froghall station has a range of Prosecco and ales to choose from.

For gin lovers, music buffs, and foodies, our gin tasting experience has something for everyone to enjoy.

Sample 30 Varieties of Gin …

Once you’re on board, it’s time to relax with a drink in the vintage décor of our passenger carriages. We will have a gin list of over 30 varieties, so you’ll be spoiled for choice! Select your gin, choose the tonic or lemonade you’d like to blend it with, and add a garnish to create your perfect drink. Sample your way from Conwall to Scotlant as you take in the picturesque country landscape outside.

On the way to the main festival location, stop off at Cheddleton – the only original Victorian station building left. You can also visit the village itself, or stroll along the canal and take in the summer sunshine on the way to Cheddleton Flint Mill.

The Main Event

Our main festival location, apart from the trains themselves, is at Consall. This gorgeous little forge is only accessible by the train, giving it a secret feel. Here we will have a range of food stalls. We are also putting on a live music show for your entertainment, with the line-up being announced soon. Enjoy the sunshine and a buzzing festival atmosphere as you eat, drink, and dance until 22:30 Saturday and Sunday night with Monday finishing at 17:00. Be sure to stop off at the Black Lion pub, a traditional old inn in view of the railway. If you fancy a beautiful country walk, you can walk out of the village straight into the Staffordshire Moorlands.

For gin lovers, music buffs, and foodies, our Gin & Trains festival has something for everyone to enjoy. Children and dogs are more than welcome to come along for the ride, too. Make this Bank Holiday weekend an adventure for your family and friends to enjoy and remember. Pre-book your tickets before the event to get a 50% discount!

Music Times:

All Bands are performing at Consall with DJ and requests inbetween acts

The Gin List ... coming soon