The steam train through a hidden valley while you dine on a posh three-course meal is cheaper than you think - Birmingham Live

The starting point for the 'culinary adventure of a lifetime' is a little over an hour away from Birmingham

05:30, 29 Apr 2023

Imagine it: you're sitting at the table of an old steam train, dining on three courses of locally-sourced food and watching the countryside stream by your window. Dressed to the nines, you'd expect such an Agatha Christie-esque experience would cost you an arm and a leg.

‌

But at the Churnet Valley Railway, just over an hour from Brum, it's nothing of the sort. There, you can board and train and head into a 'hidden valley' and see some of the most scenic views in the region.

‌

The 'culinary adventure of a lifetime' through the glorious English countryside in Staffordshire is much cheaper than you'd imagine, with a Saturday, three-course lunch experience costing only £54.50 per person. Guests are invited to dress up and dine on dishes cooked by expert chefs, using local food and with the option of adding fine wine too.

‌

Read more: Reviewed: I tried Indian Streatery and asked for what Prince William and Kate Middleton ate

You board a period restaurant car in Froghall in the Staffordshire Moorlands, where you'll experience the comfort of the 1960's first class dining carriage. Parking is free on site, before you embark on your trip into the Moorlands on the outskirts of the Peak District.

Dishes on the menu include ham hock and leek terrine, gazpacho and soups to start, chicken in cider jus, orzo and herb-crusted sea bass for mains and desserts including dark chocolate and cherry tart and raspberry frangipane tart.

‌

Dress code is smart casual but you might wish to wear black tie or a lounge suit if you're celebrating. Sweatshirts, tracksuits, walking shoes, trainers and hats aren't allowed.

Well-behaved children over the age of eight are welcome and only service dogs can join the dining cars. Because it's a heritage kitchen, they're only able to accommodate gluten free and dairy, not vegan, dairy-free, halal or nut-free options.

‌

As well as Saturday lunch train services, Churnet Valley offers breakfast train experiences, which take you on a 20-mile round trip with breakfast for £28.50 per person.

Mid-week journeys on The Valley Pioneer are £54.50 per person too, for a three course lunch and the Moorlander Sunday lunch train costs the same. It's £33.50 for a Staffordshire cream tea aboard a dining car and there's even a Bombay Express train that offers a three-course curry dinner for £33.50.

‌

Perhaps the ultimate experience that Churnet Valley has, however, is the Murder Mystery night! Talk about Agatha Christie, on this trip you are thrown into Murders by Midnight, being transported to 1939 where you're attending the launch of Aubrey Heffington III's latest screenplay, The Ghost Train.

Dress up like a 1930s star and enjoy the special menu, working to uncover whodunnit. Those experiences are held on the first Saturday of June, July, August and September and will cost £80 per person.

For more information on the Churnet Valley Railway, check out their website. The Polar Express will roll in for Christmas 2023 too, and bookings are already being taken.

Stay up-to-date with food and drink news from across the city with our weekly Brum Food Club newsletter, delivered from us to you, direct to your inbox.

Read more: