The Churnet Valley Railway operates carriages built in the mid 1950's. We have where possible adapted these to enable visitors with impaired mobility the opportunity to still travel on our trains.
Given the heritage nature of our railway these adaptions are in places somewhat limited and may at times appear crude. We really value all our visitors, so please do not hesitate to contact us ahead of your visit and we will do our utmost to accommodate your party with your specific requirements. Our team are adept and adapt to many situations so please do contact us.
Froghall Station
- Large accessible car park, with 4 Disabled parking bays at the station entrance, and plenty of other space for cars, coach parking or minibuses and an overflow car park for busier days and events.
- This Station’s platforms are flat and you have access to the gift shop, Tearoom and outdoor seating area.
- Toilets including a Disabled toilet
- Baby Changing Facilities
- Our Tea Room has hot and cold food, cakes, Ice-cream, alcoholic and non-alcoholic hot and cold drinks available. We cater for various diets including Gluten, Dairy free and Vegetarian sandwiches and salads, Gluten, Dairy free, Vegan cake.
- Our tearoom has plenty of space indoor and outdoor for ease of some mobility issues.
- Ticket office and a large Gift Shop selling books, toys, branded souvenirs and clothing.
- We have a Tannoy announcement system to help customers understand where to go and what is happening. ( no loop system in place at the moment)
- Please note that you will need to step up onto the carriages from the platform, this is like a stair’s height in your house
Cheddleton Station
- Two car parks. Please note some walking is required from one of the car parks and across the railway level crossing.
- Male and Female Toilet block with one small step into them.
- Baby Changing Facilities within the ladies' toilets.
- Locomotive Sheds are open to the public on most running days. There are occasions when this is not possible normally when welding is taking place and subject to volunteer led guides.
- The platform is flat but there is 2 large steps up onto the train, anyone who struggles with large steps or requires assistance is advised to join the train at Froghall/
- Outdoor accessible picnic tables and indoor waiting area.
- Ticket office and small shop, the shop has a small selection of toys, branded souvenirs, cold drinks, alcoholic drinks, snacks and Ice- creams. Please note there are a couple of steps up into this shop.
- We have a Tanoy announcement system to help customers understand where to go and what is happening. (no loop system in place at the moment)
- Please note that you will need to step up onto the platform box and then up onto the carriages from the platform.
- If you have travelled from Froghall it may not always be possible to alight at Cheddleton due to the length of our train.
Consall Station
This station is not always open but when it is we have:
- Unisex Toilets
- Waiting room
- Picnic Grassed Area
Please note that the paths leading from the station to the county walks and canal are undulating and shared with cars traveling past to the local pub and nature reserve.
Being a rural station, Consall is only accessible by rail or on foot. Please look after the local wildlife and habitat during your visit. Not only does it help to keep the scenery as enjoyable for you as possible, it also helps to conserve the local environment.
Our Dining Train experiences
Please note that you can only board at Froghall station for the dining experiences, and due to the age of our dining carriages with their narrow doors and gangways, it is NOT possible to accommodate wheelchairs, walkers or mobility scooters at a table in one of these carriages. It is also important to note that passengers with mobility issues will need to climb up or down a step to get on and off the train.
For those who can walk a short distance, wheelchairs can be left on the platform, and we can look after it at the station until your return.
Non-mobile, Wheelchair and Mobility users
Access getting on and off the train is at Froghall station only, we have a wheelchair/access ramp for ease of getting on and off the train with a large, designated space on our guard's van, where you can use the table for any food and drink you take on the train or purchase from our table trolley service. We have extra seats for anyone else who is travelling with you at the table.
Please note there are no accessible toilets on the train from the guard’s van for wheelchair or non-mobile customers.
If you are mobile, you could leave the wheelchair, mobility scooter in the guard's van and walk to the compartments or open carriages. please speak with the guard or a member of the station staff on arrival and we will glad help you.
Size of mobility unit to use the ramp is:
Width: 700 millimetres
Weight (loaded): no more than 230kg (36 stone), that is the safe limit that our ramps can carry
The platform at Froghall is higher and is the only station that has access for disabled visitors in wheelchairs or mobility scooters to get on and off the train safely.
Our staff are always on hand to help with any assistance you may require. We strongly recommend that you contact us prior to booking and travelling if you are unsure and need to seek advice prior.
Carers tickets
Can be obtained for the public trains from station ticket Offices on the day of travel at £10. All other customers will need their own valid ticket. We request customers requiring carers ticket please produce of one of the following forms of ID at the time of purchase, Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Document, Disability Living Allowance Record Book, Attendance Allowance Book, Invalidity Benefit Book, Visual Impairment Registration Card (BD8), Blue/Orange Parking Permit or written confirmation of the above from the DWP with photographic identification.
Assistance making a booking
An email facility is also available to assist people with communication difficulties in making enquiries please contact us at [email protected]
Dogs
Well behaved dogs are allowed to travel on the public timetable train for a fee of £10.00 each dog. There are restrictions for some of our special events including our Polar Express TM Train Ride and Dining train – with the exception of service dogs who can travel on all services throughout the year for free. We kindly ask that they stay on the floor and do not sit on the seats or tables and any mess is cleaned up.
Assistance Dogs and Assistance Dogs in training provided they are accredited as such.
- We recognise that these dogs provide assistance not only for the sight impaired but also for those with hearing loss, epilepsy, diabetes, physical mobility problems and more. Assistance dogs are welcome in our Tearoom and on all our trains.
Continuous Improvement:
We are committed to continually improving accessibility and inclusivity. We regularly review and update our policies, procedures, and facilities.