Peak Rail Matlock

Peak Rail, Matlock to Rowsley Heritage Railway, Derbyshire

Peak Rail is a heritage railway line in the heart of the Peak District. It operates both steam and diesel locomotives along a 4 mile stretch of track between Rowsley South and Matlock. Sit back and enjoy Afternoon Tea from the comfort of the restaurant car.

Peak Rail Steam Train running between Matlock and Rowsley

They love to celebrate the golden age of the steam train in Derbyshire. It’s a short line but there’s still plenty of time to enjoy a cream tea or a 1940s themed lunch in the Palantine Restaurant Car. The railway is down the road from Caudwell Mill so it’s easy to combine a visit to both attractions on the same day.

The Foodie Travel Guide

Dine in the restaurant car
Enjoy the views
Discover railway history
Have a family picnic

VISIT WEBSITE

Step Aboard A Steam Train

The line forms part of the old Midland line railway which once operated between Manchester Central and London St Pancras and closed in 1968. It has been restored largely by volunteers and now operates all year round on key dates providing visitors to the Peak District with the opportunity to step back in time to the nostalgic age of the steam train.

Eat in The Palantine Restaurant Car

Treat yourself to Sunday lunch or Afternoon Tea in one of their two restaurant cars or visit for a special themed event such as the popular 1940s weekend. They also run a Night Train on select dates where you can taste local and specialist ales. Families may prefer to eat outdoors at the picnic spots at either Rowsley South or Darley Dale station. If you fancy a coffee and a hot bacon butty, there’s also a Buffet Car café at Rowsley station.

Tips

At Darley Dale station, there’s a small museum displaying memorabilia and posters where you can find out more about the history of the railway
It takes 30 volunteers to operate the railway each day. If you fancy working in a dining car or would love to make the flowers bloom on the station platform, here’s your golden opportunity
Trainspotting foodies should check out the National Tramway Museum at nearby Crich. Go for its 1940s week to enjoy a plate of spam, chips and egg