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Santa's Enchanted Journey

Our fabulous Santa steam specials from 28 November to 24 December

DETAILS & TICKETS

Cream Tea Countryman
Friday 23 October

Enjoy a traditional cream tea aboard a heritage train on the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway

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The Sunday Countryman
Sunday 25 October

Combining traditional railway travel with a delicious three-course meal

DETAILS & TICKETS

Monster Mash Ball Murder Mystery 31 October

This Halloween immerse yourself in the most spooktacular event of the year

DETAILS & TICKETS

Christmas Countryman

Enjoy a delicious 3-course Christmas Lunch | 27 November & 18 December

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Nine Nostalgic Miles at the Heart of Derbyshire

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Foundations for the Future

Please consider supporting our 2026 campaign to raise funds for essential track maintenance

MORE INFORMATION

Welcome to the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway

Since 2002, we have been welcoming visitors to our heritage railway, operating services between Wirksworth and Duffield, with intermediate stations at Idridgehay and Shottle. The line is run by a dedicated team of volunteers who help to preserve the charm of classic rail travel.
We also run limited services to Ravenstor Station, one mile north of Wirksworth at the end of a unique 1-in-27 incline. From here, visitors can enjoy direct access to the High Peak Trail — a gateway for walkers, cyclists and families exploring the area.
The 9-mile route follows the Ecclesbourne Valley, passing through woodlands, farmland and gently undulating hills — a setting that showcases some of Derbyshire’s most beautiful countryside. It’s the perfect backdrop for a fascinating day out, enjoyed by all ages.
We operate regular passenger services most weekends, hauled by steam and classic diesel locomotives. Throughout the year, we also host a wide range of events, including Santa Specials, murder mysteries, afternoon teas and fine dining experiences.

Santa’s Enchanted Journey

Returning for 2026, Santa’s Enchanted Journey, Ecclesbourne Valley Railway’s Santa special, is the perfect way for all the family to get into the Christmas spirit.

The steam-hauled services will be running from the end of November until 24 December.

For the 2026 season we have lined-up a wide range of new activities and experiences, that will delight every child, and we also have two ticket options: standard and premium.

On board the magical steam train you’ll enjoy:

* Elves reading Christmas stories
* A sing-along with the elves
* Play games with the elves
* A magic elf will look after Christmas wishes
* A toy elf will bring colouring books to life
* Our reindeer elf will look after Rudolph’s nose
* Santa will have presents for all children
* Meet Mrs Claus

Foundations for the Future

We’re inviting members of the public and local businesses to support our 2026 fundraising campaign, which will generate funds for essential track maintenance.

Below, we have various donation suggestions, but any amount will be gratefully received:

• £25 buys one ton of ballast, essential for the stability of the track

• £35 buys a brand new sleeper, securing the rails for years to come

• £60 buys a sleeper and one ton of ballast

We promise that every penny raised will go directly to funding the trackbed renewal and we sincerely appreciate every donation.

Calendar view
Service colour key
  • Steam Hauled Service
  • Steam + Shopper Special & Ravenstor
  • Special Timetable
  • Diesel Hauled Service

October 2026

19 Oct – 25 Oct 2026

Friday 23 October

What’s on today

Cream Tea Countryman 12:30 pm

Cream Tea Countryman

Starts: 12:30 pm

Join us on board our beautifully restored heritage carriages for a traditional British cream tea. Enjoy a freshly baked scone, served with butter, jam and clotted cream, and a slice of a locally baked cake, served with Taylor’s of Harrogate’s fine tea or coffee. Departure Times: 12.45 & 15.20 Prices: from £31 per person (plus booking fee)

Timetable
Train timetableSteam Hauled Service
Regular service

Steam Hauled Service

Regular services hauled by a steam locomotive.

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View train times

Wirksworth to Duffield

TrainWirksworthIdridgehayShottleDuffield
Morning10:1510:3510:4110:53
Midday12:4513:0513:1113:23
Afternoon15:2015:4015:4615:58

Duffield to Wirksworth

TrainDuffieldShottleIdridgehayWirksworth
Morning11:1511:2911:3711:56
Midday13:4513:5914:0714:26
Afternoon16:2016:3416:4217:01
Morning
  1. WirksworthDeparts
  2. Idridgehay
  3. Shottle
  4. DuffieldArrives
  5. Return journey
  6. DuffieldDeparts
  7. Shottle
  8. Idridgehay
  9. WirksworthArrives
Midday
  1. WirksworthDeparts
  2. Idridgehay
  3. Shottle
  4. DuffieldArrives
  5. Return journey
  6. DuffieldDeparts
  7. Shottle
  8. Idridgehay
  9. WirksworthArrives
Afternoon
  1. WirksworthDeparts
  2. Idridgehay
  3. Shottle
  4. DuffieldArrives
  5. Return journey
  6. DuffieldDeparts
  7. Shottle
  8. Idridgehay
  9. WirksworthArrives

Forthcoming Events

Today

23 October 2026

Cream Tea Countryman

Cream Tea on a Heritage Train   Enjoy a traditional cream tea aboard a heritage train on the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway. Book a Table for Two Your Cream Tea Countryman […]

Service: Steam Hauled Service

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Upcoming

25 October 2026 – 8 November 2026

Sunday Countryman

Sunday Lunch on a Heritage Train   Three courses, From £67pp, Departs Wirksworth at 12:45 Book a Compartment Book a Table for Two Sit back and relax in one of […]

Service: Steam Hauled Service

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Upcoming

31 October 2026

The Monster Mash Ball Murder Mystery

A Halloween evening of mystery, murder and monstrous fun It’s Halloween, and you’re invited to the most spooktacular event of the year – The Monster Mash Ball, where the undead […]

Special timetable: Murder Mystery Special Timetable

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Upcoming

27 November 2026 – 18 December 2026

Christmas Countryman

Christmas Lunch on a Heritage Train   Three courses, From £60pp, Departs Wirksworth at 12:45 BOOK YOUR TICKETS HERE Sit back and relax in one of our beautifully restored heritage […]

Service: Steam Hauled Service

Find out more
Upcoming

28 November 2026 – 24 December 2026

Christmas at The Ecclesbourne Valley Railway

Santa’s Enchanted Journey All aboard for a little Christmas magic. Step aboard our steam-hauled Santa special for festive fun, familiar faces and a luxury gift for every child. Share stories, […]

Special timetable: Santa Special Timetable

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Recent Reviews

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Jayne Coleman profile picture
Jayne Coleman
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Enjoyed the train ride but a little disappointed with various stops as there was nothing to do really. Lovely staff
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Annmarie Cooper profile picture
Annmarie Cooper
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We had a fab day
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John Rigby profile picture
John Rigby
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Great heritage site plenty to see and a great trainbtrip
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kate mcdiarmid profile picture
kate mcdiarmid
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EVR provided us with the perfect wedding reception. Customer service; staff; food .... All of incredible high standard. Our guests loved it.
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Kellie B profile picture
Kellie B
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Beautiful trip from Wirksworth to Duffield and back on the steam train 🚂
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Scott Miller profile picture
Scott Miller
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Very good love
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Gareth Guest profile picture
Gareth Guest
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We had a lovely day on the steam train with a ploughmans lunch, highly recommended.