Ecclesbourne Valley Railway | Nostalgic Steam Train Experience

Visit Ecclesbourne Valley Railway Website Here!

Derbyshire’s Longest Heritage Railway!

The Ecclesbourne Valley Railway line runs for nine miles, through the picturesque Ecclesbourne Valley from Duffield to the market town of Wirksworth, calling at Shottle and Idridgehay, the perfect stop off destinations for walkers. Beyond Wirksworth, you’ll find Ravenstor at the top of an unusual 1 in 27 incline which is close to many of the area’s tourist attractions.

Great news – dogs are welcome on board too so you can enjoy a real family day out!

So, if you’re planning a day in the Peak District why not travel from Duffield to Wirksworth by train, enjoying the stop offs enroute, or hop onto the Ravenstor shuttle from Wirksworth, where you can spend a great day out in this beautiful part of the country!

Be sure to keep your eye out for upcoming special events, including Santa’s Enchanted Journey!

Check Out the Latest Timetable Here!

Ecclesbourne Valley Stations

Each station along the nine mile route has its own touch of nostalgia and interest, making for a fabulous day out.

Wirksworth – The Main Northerly Station

Wirksworth is a large station at the northerly end of the line and is Ecclesbourne Valley Railway’s main base. Here you can relax at the Station Café which is open on operating days serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, savouries, hot food and cakes.

For those who fancy something a little stronger, The Apollo Bar is a unique venue, operating days from 11:00am, serving draught lagers, ciders, real ales, wines and spirits. Licensed until late Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, The Apollo is available to hire for parties in a unique setting up to around 40 guests. This could be tied with a meal, chartered train or simply for drinks.

The Museum and Association Shop at Wirksworth features an interesting array of railway-related artefacts, information about the railway and interactive displays. The Association shop features heaps of both railway-related and other topic books for you to rummage through, as well as model railway items, DVDs and other gifts, open every operating day from 30 minutes before the first train departs until the last train departs.

There’s fun for all the family on the Wirksworth Miniature Railway, a 7 1/4 inch railway which runs a short distance from Platform 1 at Wirksworth. The Miniature Railway opens on Saturdays through the season and also at other special events. In addition, the Model Railway Coach features a selection of layouts, including a very special layout of Idridgehay Station as it used to be in the 1940s.

Located above the yard at Wirksworth, the Picnic and Play Area is a perfect area for you to relax and have lunch whilst the kids play, where you can watch the goings-on in the yard. Alternatively, there are plenty of picnic benches and park-style benches on the platform for you to use.

The station has a large free car park with space for around 100 cars. It is also accessible for coaches and larger vehicles too. There are also public toilets available here.

Idridgehay Station

Idridgehay Station is nestled at the heart of the valley in the small village of Idridgehay and is the perfect stop for walkers, particularly those wishing to walk along the Ecclesbourne Way. Idridgehay is a small village, making a lovely spot for a picnic, perfect for a stop off to break up your journey! Please note, there is no parking at this station.

Shottle Station

Shottle Station is in the hamlet of Cower’s Lane and is closer to the village of Turnditch than it is to the village of Shottle. The station is perfect for those who are walking the Ecclesbourne Way.

The village of Turnditch hosts a number of public houses including The Tiger and The Cross Keys. Also within easy walking distance is The Railway Inn public house and restaurant which offer an excellent carvery – with 10% off if you show your ticket for the day!

Please note, there is no parking at the station.

Duffield Station – The Southerly Station

Duffield Station was reopened on the 8th April 2011 after 11 years of graft by volunteers to refurbish the line from Wirksworth and the station at Duffield. The station is shared with main line rail services on the Midland Mainline between Sheffield and London St Pancras International.

The beautiful Booking Office opened in October 2016 and features a range of souvenirs of your visit for you to take home. They also serve hot and cold drinks and have a range of crisps and confectionery too.

For those who wish to bring a packed lunch, you are free to relax on the lawned picnic area and watch the main line trains zoom by.

The station is in Duffield village centre just a few minutes from shops, cafés and pubs.

The station has a free car park at the bottom of the platform ramp with space for around 30 cars. Public toilets are also available.

Ravenstor Station

Ravenstor Station is the most northerly point of the line, situated just half a mile away from Wirksworth Station at the summit of a 1 in 27 incline. Upon arrival, the beautiful surrounding countryside might make you feel as if you’re in the middle of nowhere, but in fact you’re just a few minutes away from the many tourist attractions associated with the area.

There are many places to visit around Ravenstor Station, making for a great day out, including:

National Stone Centre
Derbyshire Eco Centre
Black Rocks
Middleton Top Engine House
The High Peak Trail
Steeple Grange Light Railway

Countryman Dining & Experiences

Enjoy a ride through beautiful countryside while on board The Countryman Steam Train, enjoying a delicious meal during your one hour, thirty-minute journey, on selected dates. Choose from a three course Sunday roast, afternoon tea, a traditional ploughman’s lunch, and more hearty favourites. Throughout December, visitors can also enjoy festive menus on board the Christmas Countryman.

Why not enjoy an Immersive Theatrical Dining Experience on board The Countryman? The theatrical performance is specially adapted to take place on the train from the stage show, which takes place during your return steam train journey of around 2 hours, during which you will relax over a three course meal.

The perfect day out, and the perfect gift!

Keep your eye on the website, for upcoming Experiences.

Footplate Experiences

For the railway enthusiasts, why not live that dream and try Ecclesbourne Railways’s steam or heritage diesel driving experiences? There’s a variety of packages available, including:

– The Bronze two hour session where you can try your hand at driving and firing one of the medium-sized steam locomotives;

– The Silver full day experience where a group of participants enjoy a full day on the railway taking the controls of one of our large locomotives and indulge on lunch on board the train too;

– Upgrade to a Gold experience and enjoy the full day with one-to-one tuition using one of the heritage diesel locomotives all day!

Group Visits and Special Occasions

Ecclesbourne Valley Railway have a range of group and private hire options available, for groups of 10 or more, so whether you’re a coach tour operator or visitors looking for that special occasion, the team at Ecclesbourne Valley Railway can tailor your visit to make it that trip to remember.

Enjoy a single or return train journey through the beautiful countryside and indulge in a selection of dining options while on board.

Your group can be accommodated on a timetabled train or you can hire a whole steam or heritage diesel train as a charter for a daytime trip or evening to remember.

Christmas at Ecclesbourne Valley Railway

Santa’s Enchanted Train Journey at Ecclesbourne is a magical day out for the whole family running each December! You’ll start the festivities arriving at the beautifully decorated Wirksworth Station platform, where you’ll be greeted by jolly elves. You’ll then hop on board the seasonally-decorated steam train for your train ride with entertainment from Mrs Claus and Santa’s lively elves, while you enjoy hot chocolate and cookies! Of course, the magic really happens when you receive a visit from Santa to your seat who has a present for every child.

Or why not hop on board early for Breakfast with Santa, where you’ll also get to enjoy a delicious breakfast during your ride?

Children’s activities are also available on the platform, with an optional small fee before you board. The Candy Cane Kiosk is open on the platform too, where you can enjoy drinks and tempting sweets!