
Ecclesbourne Valley Railway
Ride heritage steam and diesel trains through Derbyshire's scenic valleys, with a fascinating museum and onboard dining.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Unique locomotive experiences

Ecclesbourne Valley Railway
Best Time
Unique locomotive experiences

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride heritage steam and diesel trains through Derbyshire's scenic valleys, with a fascinating museum and onboard dining.
"A brilliant afternoon ride on the Ecclesbourne valley steam train, this 9 mile ride was a taste of the past."

🚂 Book Special Events Early
Popular Diesel Galas and themed days sell out fast. Secure your tickets online to guarantee a spot!
☕ Enjoy Onboard Refreshments
From full English breakfasts to afternoon tea and fish & chips, indulge in delicious food during your ride.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Steam Train Journey
Wirksworth to Duffield
Experience a nostalgic trip back in time on a heritage steam train, chugging through the picturesque Derbyshire countryside.

Twin Peaks Diesel Gala
Ecclesbourne Valley Railway
Witness a spectacular display of diesel locomotives, with enthusiasts enjoying trips behind multiple engines.

Wirksworth Station Museum
Wirksworth Station
Explore a hidden gem of a museum filled with railway history, tools, maps, and vintage advertisements.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Special Events
Consider the Weather for Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚂 Book Special Events Early
Popular Diesel Galas and themed days sell out fast. Secure your tickets online to guarantee a spot!
☕ Enjoy Onboard Refreshments
From full English breakfasts to afternoon tea and fish & chips, indulge in delicious food during your ride.
🚗 Park for Free
There's a free car park available at the station, making your visit convenient and cost-effective.
🤝 Friendly & Welcoming Staff
Expect a warm welcome from the dedicated staff and volunteers who make the experience special.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚂 Book Special Events Early
Popular Diesel Galas and themed days sell out fast. Secure your tickets online to guarantee a spot!
☕ Enjoy Onboard Refreshments
From full English breakfasts to afternoon tea and fish & chips, indulge in delicious food during your ride.
🚗 Park for Free
There's a free car park available at the station, making your visit convenient and cost-effective.
🤝 Friendly & Welcoming Staff
Expect a warm welcome from the dedicated staff and volunteers who make the experience special.
🗺️ Explore the Wirksworth Museum
Don't miss the mini museum at Wirksworth Station, a treasure trove of railway history and artifacts.
🚌 Bus & Train Combo Discount
Save 10% on train tickets by showing your trentbarton bus ticket at the booking office.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway for its nostalgic steam train rides and the dedication of its friendly staff. The onboard refreshments, including afternoon tea and breakfast options, are a highlight for many. While the countryside views are pleasant, some note they aren't always spectacular. The museum at Wirksworth Station is a well-regarded bonus, offering a glimpse into railway history.
"A nice experience going on a Steam train ride. Lovely cake and
scones on board, with tea or coffee. Friendly, welcoming staff. Toilets on site, free car park.
Lovely ride. The views were not amazing, but still we enjoyed it. Nice museum with plenty books and interesting things inside."
Roxy M.
"04/2025 - visited site once again , this time for the Twin Peaks Diesel Gala. Spent a couple of hours behind an assorted array of engines - excellent.
14s @ 60 Gala - 27 July 2024 - spent the Saturday at this special event travelling up and down the line behind these wonderful diesel locomotives. Had a fantastic day, which began with a good full English breakfast on the first train out of Wirksworth at 7.50am, and culminating ìn a trip behind all 7 class 14s from Duffield to Wirksworth in the afternoon - a great day out for an old enthusiast."
Paul Everson
"Brilliant afternoon ride on the Ecclesbourne valley steam train, this 9 mile ride from Wirksworth to Duffield and return was a taste of the past.
Our adventure was organised through Fox and Edwards events which included either fish and chips or afternoon tea but just to see the area on a steam carriage ride was brilliant."
S M
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The main station is in Wirksworth. You can drive and use the free car park.
Alternatively, the trentbarton 'sixes' bus service stops nearby, and you can get a discount on train tickets by showing your bus ticket. The railway operates between Wirksworth and Duffield.Yes, there is a free car park available at the Wirksworth station, making it easy for visitors arriving by car.
Yes, you can reach the railway via public transport. The trentbarton 'sixes' bus route serves the area, and showing your bus ticket can get you a discount on train tickets.
Wirksworth Station is the primary hub. Driving and utilizing the free car park is a popular option. Public transport via the 'sixes' bus is also viable, with potential discounts for bus ticket holders.
Yes, there are lodges and other accommodations in the surrounding Derbyshire Dales and Peak District areas, such as Darwin Forest Lodges and Sandybrook Lodges, which are close to the railway.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary depending on the service and any special events. It's best to check the official Ecclesbourne Valley Railway website for current pricing and to book in advance, especially for special galas or dining experiences.
While tickets are often available on the day, it's highly recommended to book in advance, particularly for special events like Diesel Galas, as they can sell out.
Yes, you can get a 10% discount on Day Rover train tickets by showing your trentbarton bus ticket at the booking office.
Keep an eye out for other potential offers or family packages on their website.Operating hours and days vary significantly depending on the season and scheduled events. Always check the official Ecclesbourne Valley Railway website for the most up-to-date timetable before planning your visit.
Absolutely. Special events, such as the Twin Peaks Diesel Gala, are very popular and often sell out. Booking your tickets well in advance through their website is essential to avoid disappointment.
🎫 🧳 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy a heritage steam or diesel train ride from Wirksworth to Duffield, explore the museum at Wirksworth Station with its historical artifacts, and experience special events like Diesel Galas.
The railway travels through the Derbyshire countryside. While some find the views enjoyable, others note they aren't always 'amazing,' suggesting a sunny day enhances the experience.
Yes, there's a 'hidden gem' mini museum at Wirksworth Station featuring old railway tools, maps, timetables, and advertisement posters, offering a glimpse into the past.
Yes, toilets are available on-site at the station for visitors.
While there is plenty of rolling stock and engines stationed at Wirksworth, access to some stored items may be restricted for safety and preservation reasons.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You can enjoy a range of refreshments on board, including lovely cake and scones with tea or coffee.
Some special events offer a full English breakfast or allow pre-ordering of fish and chips from Duffield Station.Yes, afternoon tea is an option available on some services or as part of organized event packages, offering a delightful way to enjoy the scenic journey.
For certain services, customers can pre-order fish and chips from Duffield Station to enjoy on their journey, adding a unique culinary experience to the trip.
While the primary dining experiences are often on the train itself, Wirksworth Station serves as the hub for boarding and may have limited snack options. The focus is on the onboard catering and special event meals.
Information on bringing your own food and drinks isn't explicitly stated, but it's generally good practice to check the railway's specific policies. However, the onboard catering options are a significant part of the experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Wirksworth Station offers long platforms and points where trains change sides, making for interesting shots.
The entire line provides scenic countryside backdrops, especially on a clear day. Special events like Diesel Galas are prime times for enthusiasts.Absolutely! The Ecclesbourne Valley Railway hosts Diesel Galas, which are fantastic opportunities to photograph various diesel locomotives in action.
Generally, photography for personal use is welcomed. However, always be mindful of operational areas, staff instructions, and safety protocols. Professional or commercial photography might require prior permission.
You can capture rolling countryside, rural landscapes, and glimpses of the railway infrastructure. The experience of riding through the scenery is often as memorable as the photos themselves.
Yes, the railway preserves steam and diesel heritage, and the museum at Wirksworth Station is a great spot for historical photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the ride, the mini museum at Wirksworth Station is a great place for kids to explore historical railway artifacts in a hands-on way. Consider timing your visit with a special event, though be mindful that these can be busier. Packing snacks or enjoying the onboard refreshments can add to the fun, making it a memorable day out for the whole family.
🚂 Enthusiasts & Trainspotters
The museum at Wirksworth Station provides historical context, and the opportunity to see various rolling stock and engines stationed there is a significant attraction. The long platforms and operational points at Wirksworth also offer excellent opportunities for photography and observation.
💖 Couples & Day-Trippers
Combine your train journey with a visit to the historic Wirksworth town or explore the nearby Peak District. The railway provides a unique way to see the local landscape and step back in time, making for a delightful and memorable day trip.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of the Ecclesbourne Valley Line
Preservation efforts have ensured that this piece of industrial heritage continues to run. The railway is managed by WyvernRail plc, a group of enthusiasts committed to keeping the steam and diesel engines alive. They focus on operating heritage trains for the public, offering a tangible connection to a bygone era of transport. The line stretches from Wirksworth to Duffield, covering a significant nine-mile route.
Visitors can learn more about the line's history through the museum at Wirksworth Station, which houses a collection of railway tools, maps, timetables, and vintage advertisements. This provides valuable context for the operational railway, allowing visitors to appreciate the engineering and social history behind the steam and diesel engines they see.
Experiencing the Dining Services
For a more traditional afternoon treat, afternoon tea is a delightful option. This typically includes a selection of cakes, scones, tea, or coffee, served while you chug through the picturesque Derbyshire countryside. Some services even allow you to pre-order fish and chips from Duffield Station, offering a classic British meal with a scenic backdrop.
These dining experiences are often part of organized event packages or available on specific services. It's advisable to check the railway's schedule and booking information to see which dining options are available on your chosen date. The combination of heritage rail travel and enjoyable food makes for a memorable outing for all ages.
The Thrill of Diesel Galas
During these galas, visitors can often ride behind multiple different diesel engines throughout the day, experiencing the unique characteristics of each. A particularly exciting event mentioned involved travelling behind all seven Class 14s from Duffield to Wirksworth, a rare and thrilling experience for any railway aficionado.
These events are a testament to the dedication of the volunteers who maintain these powerful machines. They offer a fantastic opportunity to see heritage diesel traction in action and are a must-visit for anyone with an interest in railway engineering and history. Booking in advance is crucial as these events are extremely popular.
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