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Steam Train Dining Experiences

Dining Trains

Welcome to Churnet Valley Railway, where we invite you to embark on a unique dining journey aboard our luxury steam-powered trains. We have something for every palate and occasion: hearty midweek or weekend breakfasts; authentic and exotic flavours of the East; classic English cream teas, and so much more.

Our memorable and Instagram-worthy steam train dining experiences for two are always a huge hit with our patrons.The entire experience, from the moment you arrive at our platform to the moment you disembark, is marked by exceptional service and attention to detail; something our returning diners have come to expect from us.

Churnet Valley Railway’s dining experiences offer a unique day out. It could be a memorable weekend indulgence with a group of friends, a fun and out-of-the-box birthday event, or a part of a romantic getaway for two. A delicious meal prepared on board, enjoying your favourite drink from our well-stocked bar, and watching the Midlands slide by on an authentically restored vintage steam train also makes the ideal Christmas, anniversary, or wedding gift, or surprise trip for two.

To reserve your spot or to learn more, please explore the options below.

Saturday Lunch Train

Treat yourself to a Saturday lunch with a view that no restaurant can compete with.

Churnet Valley Railway’s Saturday steam train lunch menu features incredible options that cater to all palettes and tastes and includes favourites like our Ham Hock Terrine, Roasted Cod Loin with Chorizo, and delicious vegetarian options.

Prebook a drink from our onboard bar to have it waiting for you at your table when you board.

Sunday Lunch Train

Enjoy a Sunday roast lunch in the time-honoured British tradition—aboard the most beautifully preserved and restored authentic steam train and carriages to be found anywhere in the Midlands.

With a classic Sunday Roast menu that could compete against any and attentive service from the moment you arrive at the station, your Churnet Valley Railway Sunday Roast is one you'll be talking about for years to come.

Breakfast Train

Get a busy day of adventuring around the Staffordshire Moorlands off on the right foot with a scrumptious hot breakfast prepared freshly on board.

This 20-mile round trip aboard our preserved and restored vintage dining carriages, complemented by great service and a better breakfast, is guaranteed to leave you with a smile on your face that will last the whole day.

Mid-Week Lunch Train

Experience a unique lunch aboard Churnet Valley Railway's beautifully restored vintage steam train and authentic mid-century dining carriages.

Travel back to a gentler era, enjoying fine dining in style as the Staffordshire Moorlands unfold before you.

Whether you're looking for a memorable day out with friends or impressing a business client with a unique and unforgettable business lunch, our steam-powered mid-week break is guaranteed to provide an exciting and memorable journey.

Staffordshire Cream Tea

Treat yourself to the quintessential British treat with a vintage twist.

Our steam train afternoon cream tea combines the elegance and charm of 1960s train travel with the pleasures of a traditional English cream tea for a truly unique day out.

With unlimited hot drinks, fresh-out-of-the-oven scones dripping with locally sourced jam and cream, and a fine selection of cakes to complement it all, it's hard to think of a more relaxing and refreshing train ride anywhere.

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Bombay Express

It shouldn't come as a surprise that our Bombay Express lunch and dinner train experiences are one of our best-selling and most popular attractions here at Churnet Valley.

Our love of exotic cuisine runs deep, and when you enjoy your perfectly cooked curry and other authentic side dishes aboard our vintage restored steam train, you'll quickly understand why our patrons flock back to the Bombay Express again and again.

This experience works equally well as an out-of-the-ordinary date with a loved one or a fun and memorable day out with some friends.

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Murder Mystery Evening

This summer, join Churnet Valley Railways on selected Saturdays in June through August as we step back in time, right into the shoes of history’s most famous and beloved detectives..Live out your inner Holmes, Clouseau, or Drew as you spend the evening dining on fine food, fine drink, and, most importantly, solving the mystery ...

With two uniquely crafted mysteries to crack, you’ll need every ounce of cunning you have to pick up subtle hints in the story, interview suspicious-looking characters to discover the truth, and search our vintage restored steam train for clues.

Immerse yourself in stories set in either 1911, where you board our train in a race against time to find the missing Joseph Owens Diamonds at Mrs Fothergill’s Literary Symposium; or fast forward to the late 60s and it’s up to you to investigate the suspicious passing of Lord Rags, the illustrious founder of Twinkle and Shine Cleaning Company.

Churnet Valley’s Murder Mystery Train Experience is a perfect group activity, where friends and colleagues bond around a fantastic 3-course meal freshly prepared onboard our dining train, taking in the beauty of Staffordshire at dusk. At around 2 hours in length, our Murder Mysteries are perfect for groups looking to try something new. We invite our guests to dress for their year of departure, but this is optional.

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Private Hire and Corporate

Looking for something out of the ordinary for your guests, colleagues, or friends? Churnet Valley Railways hosts private events aboard our fully private trains, making sure to equip them with everything you need for a memorable event.