Ecclesbourne Valley Railway - (Wirksworth,Station) Reviews

Kev Bowler 2026.10.23

     

I used to enjoy calling and walking around for half an hour when no trains where running and it was quiet. I've just called today and they have introduced parking charges so I didn't stay and drove straight back out. According to the Internet parking costs £4 and ANPR controlled I wait to see if I get a fine. I certainly won't be back. Peak rail is still free parking so will be spending more time there.

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David Jones 2026.10.19

     

Warning, I’ve just been done for car parking here, and it’s cost me well over £100. The car parking now has an ANPR camera sited to nab anyone daring to visit the railway. BEWARE!

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S C 2026.10.17

     

It is now pay and display parking on top of rail fair ANPR number plate I used to go see shop locomotive and have a coffee in cafe now I'm paying to park less visits if any 😡😡😡😡 Lookely I saw the sign in shop doorway as it was very busy and would probably have not noticed

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Steve Mitchell 2026.10.16

     

Parking charges implemented without any notification on website. Spent thousands here on travel, food and books only to receive £100 parking fine when they changed to paid parking without any word of this on the website

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James C 2026.10.13

     

Heritage steam & diesel trains over approximately 9 miles of line. Regular weekend steam & diesel services at approximately 20-30 pounds for the day. Cafe and bar onsite, reasonably priced and good quality.

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Paul Sanders 2026.10.04

     

Called in on Wizard Day. It was packed, there were some vicious looking birds, and craft stalls. I had no idea that Wirksworth had a rail line. I will definitely go again when less busy. Bravo for the wizarding work that had been put in.

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Jaythreehundred 2026.09.25

     

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Jeffrey Brown 2026.09.20

     

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Sarah McCall 2026.09.16

     

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Alan Towse 2026.09.13

     

Shop museum and cafe serving teas coffee and sandwiches.

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josh pitt 2026.09.03

     

Its okay but amenities lack given the cost of it you expect better

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SUZANA DJURICIC 2026.08.23

     

My partner and I went for the cream tea , I paid extra for a compartment, I received an email with details of our up coming afternoon cream tea, on the countryman. It said to arrive 20 mins before departure, parking is free, red carpet and greeted by catering staff enjoy lashings of tea and coffee. . ..contrary to all of this was the total opposite , once there at wirksworth station we waited to get our ticket, then to be told we had to pay for parking, we waited and waited on the platform , where there was absolutely no organisation whatsoever, nobody knew what was happening, after half an hour we began to board , but from only one door and 2 queue s had formed either side. The compartment was nice, and though I appreciate the train is old, the windows and glass were filthy, a bit off putting. The cream tea came on a long narrow dish but had no plate to put the food on, the scones etc were very lovely. We had 1 hot drink there and not another till we were practically back to Wirksworth. Unfortunately the beautiful countryside was obscured most of the journey by overgrown embankments. For those reasons we would not book any of the events with this company I am sad to say.

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Amishiva Jamie CULLEN 2026.08.23

     

Check before you go to make Sure trains are running

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KayDee 73 2026.08.17

     

Poor. Red hot day in the middle of summer and can’t even get a soft drink on the train. Bar closed on the train and the platform. Asked the young lady in the platform buffet and got a terse reply. Asked the guard on the train and was told the one on the platform was open. No one seems to know what’s happening. We sacrificed the second trip and went into Wirsksworth instead. Spent money on lunch and drinks there. Several compartments marked as reserved with no one in them so it looks like they put out the reserved signs on the first train, even if it’s reserved on the third run. Again, staff didn’t know and a few groups of people were confused about where they could and couldn’t sit. Always nice to support your local preserved railway but try as you might, they won’t let you. I suggest you bring your own drinks and food to consume on the train, but that won’t help towards the £500,000 station project. You can’t even spend money in the shop after the last run of the day as everywhere is locked up and everyone has gone home. Used to love it here but doubt we’ll be returning anytime soon.

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Gillian Brocklesby 2026.08.13

     

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Hugh Izit? 2026.08.12

     

Great few hours spent on the train and looking round the museum. Breakfast on the train was excellent. Well worth a visit.

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Steve Roberts 2026.08.10

     

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Anthony Furnival 2026.08.09

     

Visited for the diesel gala and had a great day with 20166, 33103, 73001, D1842, M79612, W55006 and not forgetting 26888 on the narrow gauge! A lovely line with great staff! Hope to visit again sometime!

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Kim Wainwright 2026.08.09

     

They were charging £30 per adult for a short diesel train trip. Plus £3 for the dog. There certainly were not many people there. Surely they would have done better to have halved the charge and get more people in. We did not do the train. I know that there is work going on there building a damned huge building and trying to raise half a million but is that honestly necessary? I thought the idea of heritage was to refurbish original buildings. This seems like it's lost its way .

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Nigel Harkness 2026.08.06

     

Very enjoyable afternoon travelling on this railway, the steam had been replaced by a diesel due to the increased fire risk. Day rover was £23 each for Adults which also got you a free tea and cake from the buffet coach. Again as with most preserved railways very friendly. The second hand shop is massive with many bargains to be had from railwayana to books.

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