
Peak Rail Rowsley South
Experience the romance of steam and diesel heritage trains on a scenic journey through Derbyshire.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience the full atmosphere

Peak Rail Rowsley South
Best Time
Experience the full atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the romance of steam and diesel heritage trains on a scenic journey through Derbyshire.
"A wonderful afternoon with fantastic value and a truly nostalgic experience."

🎟️ Book Popular Trips Early
Prosecco cream teas and themed event tickets sell out fast. Book online in advance!
🚂 Check the Timetable
Schedules vary, especially for special events. Always check the Peak Rail website before visiting.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Steam Train Journey
Rowsley South to Matlock Riverside
Experience the romance of steam on a scenic journey through the Derbyshire countryside.

Engine Shed Tours
Rowsley South
Get up close with magnificent steam and diesel locomotives undergoing restoration.

Themed Event Days
Rowsley South
Enjoy special events like 1940s weekends or steam/road rallies with re-enactments and static displays.

Prosecco Cream Tea Experience
Onboard the train
Indulge in a delicious cream tea with prosecco while enjoying a heritage train ride.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Beyond the Train Ride
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Popular Trips Early
Prosecco cream teas and themed event tickets sell out fast. Book online in advance!
🚂 Check the Timetable
Schedules vary, especially for special events. Always check the Peak Rail website before visiting.
☕ Cafe Delights
The cafe at Rowsley station serves great breakfasts and snacks. Perfect fuel for a day of exploration.
📸 Capture the Moment
Bring your camera for stunning shots of steam engines and the scenic route.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Popular Trips Early
Prosecco cream teas and themed event tickets sell out fast. Book online in advance!
🚂 Check the Timetable
Schedules vary, especially for special events. Always check the Peak Rail website before visiting.
☕ Cafe Delights
The cafe at Rowsley station serves great breakfasts and snacks. Perfect fuel for a day of exploration.
📸 Capture the Moment
Bring your camera for stunning shots of steam engines and the scenic route.
👨👩👧 Family Fun
Great for families with young children, offering a nostalgic and engaging experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Peak Rail Rowsley South for its excellent value, friendly staff, and the nostalgic charm of its heritage steam and diesel trains. The special event days, like the 1940s weekend, are particularly highlighted for their immersive atmosphere and entertainment. While some note it's a smaller line, it's considered a great family outing and a worthwhile visit for heritage railway enthusiasts.
"We had a wonderful afternoon at Peak Rail’s 1940’s weekend on Saturday 5th July 2025.
Steam train ride, a tour of their engine sheds, and a WW2 re-enactment. Fantastic value for £20 (adults).
Cafe, real ale bar, and period entertainment. Recommended visit when you can!"
Stephen Asbury
"Nice little line, but don’t expect to be blown away, if you are a heritage railway enthusiast. It’s just one train, food sales (at the platform in Rowsley only) and the shop. Unfortunately the signal boxes are not accessible. Nice for families with young children."
Sven van der Hart
"A great place for a trip out to Matlock. There is a little cafe at the station that does a very good breakfast and other snacks.
The staff are all cheerful and helpful and run everything very efficiently. Plenty of parking with easy access to the station. Well done all that are involved in keeping this line open."
Stephen Stiles
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Peak Rail Rowsley South is easily accessible by car with ample parking available. It's also a great starting point for exploring the Peak District, being close to attractions like Chatsworth House.
While direct public transport to the station might be limited, it's well-connected to Matlock, where you can find bus and train services. Consider using the heritage diesel multiple unit for 'Park & Ride' duties into Matlock.
Yes, there is plenty of parking available at Rowsley South station, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Absolutely! Rowsley South is conveniently located near Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall, making it an ideal stop when exploring the Peak District.
Follow signs for Rowsley and then for Peak Rail. The station is well-signposted once you are in the Rowsley area. Specific GPS coordinates can be found on their official website.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary depending on the experience. A standard steam train ride is fantastic value, with adult tickets around £20 for special event days. Special experiences like prosecco cream teas have separate pricing.
For popular events and special experiences like the prosecco cream tea, booking in advance is highly recommended as they can sell out. For general train rides, you may be able to purchase tickets on the day, but checking the schedule is advised.
Opening hours and operating days vary throughout the year and are dependent on the timetable and special events. It's essential to check the official Peak Rail website for the most up-to-date operating schedule before your visit.
Yes, Peak Rail offers various ticket options, including standard train rides, driver experience days, and special themed event packages. They also have options for brake van rides on certain days.
Typically, access to the engine sheds is included with your train ticket or as part of a special event. It's best to confirm this with Peak Rail directly or check the details of your chosen ticket type.
🎫 🚂 Onsite Experience
Beyond the steam train journey, you can tour the engine sheds, enjoy WW2 re-enactments on event days, take brake van rides, and visit the cafe. Signal boxes are generally not accessible.
Yes, it's a great place for families with young children. The steam trains and the general atmosphere provide an engaging and nostalgic experience for younger visitors.
While the station area is generally accessible, some older carriages may present challenges. It's advisable to contact Peak Rail directly to discuss specific accessibility needs.
Absolutely! Photographers will find plenty of opportunities to capture stunning images of steam and diesel locomotives, as well as the heritage railway setting.
You can see a variety of heritage steam locomotives, diesel shunters, and diesel multiple units. They often feature iconic British Rail locomotives like Class 37, Class 47, and Class 108.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe at Rowsley station that serves a very good breakfast, snacks, and other refreshments. They also offer special dining experiences like prosecco cream teas on select trains.
The cafe at Rowsley station is known for its hearty breakfasts and a selection of snacks. For special occasions, you can enjoy a delicious cream tea with prosecco onboard the train.
While there are dining options available, it's generally acceptable to bring your own snacks and drinks for personal consumption, especially for families. However, purchasing from the cafe supports the railway's operations.
Information on specific dietary options is best obtained by contacting the cafe directly or checking their menu on the day of your visit. Many cafes offer at least one vegetarian option.
Yes, during special events like the 1940s weekend, there is often a real ale bar available, adding to the immersive atmosphere.
📸 📸 Photography
The platforms at Rowsley South station offer great views of the locomotives. The route to Matlock also provides scenic opportunities, especially during freight train runs or when capturing the train in motion.
Access to the engine sheds is usually part of a tour or event. If permitted, the sheds offer a fantastic opportunity to photograph locomotives up close, showcasing their intricate details.
Early mornings or late afternoons can offer beautiful light for photography. Event days, with multiple engines and activities, provide dynamic scenes. Capturing the steam and atmosphere is key.
All of them! From powerful steam locomotives like 'Cathryn'
to diesel shunters and heritage diesel multiple units, each offers unique photographic appeal. Freight trains also make for dramatic shots.Generally, photography is welcomed. However, always be mindful of operational areas and staff instructions. Avoid trespassing on restricted areas for safety reasons.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during a themed event day for added entertainment, such as re-enactments or displays. The cafe at Rowsley station is also a convenient spot for snacks and meals, making a day out stress-free. The generally low crowds on weekday mornings can make for a more relaxed visit for families with very young children.
🚂 Train Enthusiasts
Exploring the engine sheds offers a behind-the-scenes look at restoration efforts, and the chance to photograph these magnificent machines in various settings, from the station to the open line, is invaluable. Special events often feature unique rolling stock or operational demonstrations that appeal to the most discerning railway aficionado.
💖 Couples & Special Occasions
Consider visiting during a special event for added atmosphere, or simply enjoy a leisurely ride and a meal at the Rowsley cafe. The nostalgic charm of the railway provides a perfect backdrop for a memorable outing.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heritage Railway Experience
The railway is run by dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain and operate the rolling stock and infrastructure. This commitment ensures that the heritage railway remains a living museum, preserving these magnificent machines for future generations. Special events, such as 1940s weekends and steam rallies, add an extra layer of immersion, often featuring re-enactments and period entertainment.
Beyond the train rides, the site at Rowsley South is a hub of activity. You can explore the engine sheds to see locomotives undergoing restoration, learn about their history, and appreciate the engineering marvels. The cafe at Rowsley station provides a welcome break with refreshments, and for a truly special treat, the prosecco cream tea experience offers a luxurious way to enjoy the journey.
Locomotives and Rolling Stock
The diesel fleet is equally captivating, featuring iconic British Rail locomotives such as the Class 37, Class 47, and the Class 108 diesel multiple unit. These trains are often used for 'Park & Ride' duties, transporting visitors into Matlock, or for special heritage freight train experiences.
Visitors can get up close to these magnificent machines in the engine sheds, where volunteers meticulously restore and maintain them. Seeing these powerful engines, some of which are over 50 years old, is a highlight for many, offering a tangible connection to railway history.
Special Events and Experiences
Other popular events include steam and road rallies, showcasing a diverse range of vintage vehicles alongside the railway's own collection. These gatherings often feature static displays, brake van rides, and the chance to see a diesel engine shunter in action.
For a more refined experience, the prosecco cream tea on a heritage train is a highly recommended treat. These popular trips offer a delightful way to enjoy delicious refreshments while taking in the scenic Derbyshire countryside. Booking these special experiences well in advance is crucial due to their popularity.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit