What to see and do!
The Foxfield Railway is home to nearly 40 steam diesel and electric locomotives, the railways main focus is operating as a 'Steam Working Museum' reconstructing its past heritage as a Colliery branch line of industrial importance.
All our locomotives have spent their working existence in, ship yards, gas, electric power stations, steel works, coal and mining industries, most within Staffordshire and all have unique individual features of their own!
Included in our collection are 3 Victorian steam locomotives, the oldest being 129 years old! Here the focus on Victorian transport and workmanship can be seen and most are in a working condition!
One of our diesel locomotives took part in the 2 nd World War, the Normandy Landings over 60 years ago! Again the focus on evacuees during the 1940s can be linked.
Guided tours
We can guide you and your school around the steam railway (in-groups) with one of our local guides, who can show you around the museum area and incorporate a visit to our signal box to show you how it is worked.
Most of our locomotives can be seen within our museum building with the chance for children to stand inside the cab of a steam engine and see what it is like inside!
Studies
Why not study at the railway! We can accommodate (up to 54) pupils inside one of our historic coaches to add an ambience to your studies. We also have a small classroom with whiteboard, with a seating capacity of approx. 20 pupils. We can provide some exhibits to help your studies.
Steam train rides
The highlight for any school trip of course is the 'steam train ride' the reconstruction of an authentic, nostalgic trip down memory lane. Heavily focusing on the sights, smells & sounds of a bygone era all but forgotten on today's rail transport systems.
Listen, to see if you can distinguish the sounds of the engine working hard to climb the steep gradients, then easing gently on the straight. Listen for the rhythm and make your own music and sounds!
Look out of the window as the engine winds itself along the bends and curves of the track, taking in the beautiful scenery, looking for horses, cattle and other wildlife along the way! And finally take in a deep smell of the engine, almost tasting the air at the same time, for a true sense of the age of steam travel!!
Further Facilities
Lunch facilities
Again your classroom coach can double as a lunch time area for your group. We have a buffet with a seating capacity of 40 adults (may seat more children) provision of extra chairs can be made. There is under cover picnic area, under the station canopy which will seat approx. 32 children or in fine weather the field may be an option for you to lunch.
We can provide packed lunches for children if required (please phone for details in advance ) Lunch/classroom facilities are issued on a first come basis and you must pre-book to guarantee space.
Field & play areas.
You may want to bring along facilities to play your own games in our field, i.e. Victorian games or activities (weather permitted, Children must be suitably supervised by teaching staff.) there is no charge for this.
Shop facilities
We have our own station shop, selling small souvenir's, pens & pencils etc at reasonable prices ranging from 40p ~ £2.00 for most individual items, should you require this service for the children to use.
Toilet & washroom facilities
Inside the main building can be found our toilet facilities.
Ladies, have two cubicles, Gents have three urinals and a cubicle. There is an accessible toilet for children/adults in wheelchairs, within this facility is a baby changing station for parents with toddlers. There is a staff toilet, which can also be used if necessary.
We have toilet facilities on board all of our trains, either 1 or 2 per coach depending on which coaching stock is used on your day of travel.
Disabled access
Our site is all on one level and is accessible for wheelchair users. All double entrance doors to facilities, buffet, bar, shop, museum. Help may be required on the incline onto the platform, our staff will be happy to assist if necessary.
There is wheel chair access on board our trains, please be sure to tell us if wheelchair access is required, (occasionally this facility may be unavailable.)
*Please note that access onto Dilhorne Park Station is unsuitable for wheelchair visitors without assistance.
Toilet facilities are based at Caverswall Road Station. Guide dogs welcome. Portable hearing induction loop available at the booking office.
Suitable dress recommendations
We recommend you advise all children to dress in comfortable, warm, casual clothing. We would also recommend children wear full shoes, trainers or wellington's and not open toe sandals.
Although for most of your time spent with us you will be undercover, there will be occasions whilst boarding the train, a waterproof jacket or coat with a hood would be required if inclement weather is expected.
All our trains require oiling as part of their preservation, especially in our museum building so we do recommend children wear old clothes.
Of course you may wish to dress in period costume, Victorian or 1940s style to theme your day!
Pre-School visits.
We do recommend a site visit prior to your trip to help plan your day and check out the facilities. We enclose some basic health & safety guidelines to help you with your own risk assessment.
Track safety awareness may be an area that you wish to educate children prior to your visit.
Please give us a call for a convenient time during the week should you wish. Alternatively you may visit on a Sunday during our operating season.
We can provide various railway memorabilia exhibits for pre-classroom discussions prior to your trip also. (refundable deposit required)
