Peak District Kids writer: Alice Wyatt
Discover a hidden gem in Derbyshire where narrow-gauge trains run through scenic limestone countryside. Steeple Grange Light Railway, tucked between the towns of Cromford and Wirksworth, may be slightly hidden away if you’re arriving by road, but it’s well worth the effort. Run entirely by passionate volunteers, this charming little railway offers a fun, friendly, and memorable ride that the whole family will enjoy, whatever the weather.
Steeple Grange Light Railway is only open to visitors on Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays from the end of March to the end of September. Trains ride from 11am to 4pm.
What to expect from your visit to Steeple Grange Light Railway
There are two train rides that can be taken once a ticket is purchased.
The longer ride is about 1km in length and takes you on a scenic 25 minute round-trip along a disused branch line, through pretty woodlands and limestone cuttings. Kids will love being carried along in the old ‘manriders’, which actually used to transport miners below ground! The carriages are partially covered, and even have rain covers that can be pulled down if needed, making it a good wet weather option.
Volunteers are more than happy to invite children into the cab to see where the driver sits; so many buttons and controls! Young visitors may also be given the role of waving the green flag to signal the ‘all clear’.
The shorter ride chugs along in open-topped carriages to a nearby quarry, where a volunteer driver talks about the local geology. Visitors are invited to spot rock formations and fossils, and children can hunt for ‘fool’s gold’ and explore the varied patterns and textures of the stones.
There is so much history here, and the extremely knowledgeable volunteers will happily share everything they know. They are very good at gauging their information and interactions to suit the age of the children.
The small train depot houses the ticket office and a nice selection of snacks and drinks. It also has a wonderful little model railway.
Where to find Steeple Grange Light Railway
Click here for Google Map location or use the app what3words: surprises.tunnel.fenced
The Steeple Grange Light Railway is located just outside the southwest National Park boundary of the Peak District, 2km from Cromford and 4km from Matlock Bath.
The entrance is just off the B5035 Cromford-Carsington road. It can be found at The Engine House, Old Porter Lane, Wirksworth, DE4 4GE.
Steeple Grange Light Railway can also be easily accessed from the High Peak Trail and so you could even arrive by foot or bike. It is only ¼ mile from The National Stone Centre and close to Black Rocks in the other direction.
Where to park
There is plenty of parking right by the railway on Old Porter Lane, which is an unadopted road.
How much does Steeple Grange Light Railway cost?
Tickets cost £6 for adults, £4 for children (3 years and under travel for free) and £5 for concessions.
A family ticket is £18, which is for 2 Adults and up to 3 children.
Single fares can also be purchased for £1.50
Do I need to book?
No need to book. Just turn up on the day and pay at the entrance.
Opening times
Steeple Grange Light Railway is only open to visitors on Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays, so make sure you factor this in if planning a visit.
Trains run from 11am until 4pm.
They close for winter and open from the end of March through to the end of September.
The railway may not operate in bad weather conditions. Contact them in advance if you are unsure whether they will be open.
Do check their website for more information.
How much time should I allow at Steeple Grange Light Railway?
Allow around an hour and a half.
We happily pottered around in between train rides and there were a couple of picnic tables where we ate our lunch and watched the comings and goings.
Is it pram friendly?
You could certainly arrive by pram along the High Peak Trail, and the volunteers would happily store this for you whilst you enjoyed your train rides.
Facilities
There are a couple of portable toilets on site, but no official baby changing facilities.
There are snacks and drinks available in the train depot, including homemade biscuits!
Are dogs welcome?
Dogs are welcome, but it may not be suitable for them to ride on the trains.
What to do after your visit
If time and weather permits, definitely take a stroll (or cycle) along the High Peak Trail. The National Stone Centre is just a few minutes walk along the track and is another really interesting place to visit with kids. Going the other way will take you to Black Rocks, with spectacular views, and then continues along down to the Cromford canal.
Do also check out our guide of things to do in Matlock and Matlock Bath.
You may also like to read:
Things to do in Matlock and Matlock Bath
High Peak Trail and Cromford Canal walk
A circular cycle route for kids along the High Peak and Tissington Trail