This access statement does not contain personal opinions as to our suitability for those with access needs, but aims to accurately describe the facilities and services that we offer all our guests/visitors. This is Issue 5, October 2026.
Download this access statement in PDF format here. The Download version includes some extra photos.
Introduction
The Apedale Valley Light Railway offers a ride on a narrow-gauge train alongside the Apedale Community Country Park. Visitors travel behind historic steam or diesel locomotives in carriages of the type which would have carried workers around quarries and factories. We provide level access to the station platform, and a ramp is available to assist wheelchair users in boarding the train.
Pre-Arrival
- For full details of how to find us, visit www.avlr.org.uk. If arriving by car, approach us through Apedale Community Country Park, off Loomer Road, Chesterton, Staffordshire. Sat Nav users will find ST5 7LB is a point near the park entrance – carry on through the park.
- Car parks are maintained by Staffordshire County Council.
- Visitors with limited mobility can park in an area with level access to the Railway.
- The nearest main line railway station is Longport. However, facilities here are very limited. We therefore recommend using Stoke on Trent station or Kidsgrove station.
- There is no direct bus route from Stoke station to Chesterton; it is recommended that one catches a (frequent) bus to Hanley from outside Stoke Station. From Hanley bus station, take the bus route 38 or 38A. Route 38 goes from Hanley to Kidsgrove, via Chesterton and Newcastle-under-Lyme. Route 38A goes to Waterhayes via Chesterton. One should alight in the centre of Chesterton Village, on London Road, from which it is approx. one mile to the railway. Bus information can be found at www.cartogold.co.uk/stoke/map.html. Train information can be found at www.nationalrail.co.uk
Car Parking and Arrival
- There are two main car parks in the park adjacent to the railway. One of these is at a higher elevation than the railway, so a ramp leads down to the level of the railway.
- Visitors with limited mobility can park in an area with level access to the Railway.
- All car parks are free
- There is level access to the railway; a shallow angle ramp leads onto the platform. This is our main station, known as Silverdale Station.
The railway has a small additional station known as Apedale Road. This station is described in a separate section below.
Main Entrance, Reception and Ticketing Area – Silverdale station
- The visitor arrives onto the station platform, which is level with a tactile edge.
- Tickets and souvenirs are bought from the Shop. Double doors lead from the platform into the shop.
- There is a 3 1/2″ (85mm) step up from the platform to the shop.
- There is ample access within the shop for wheelchairs etc.
- We do not have a lowered section of the shop counter.
- We do not have an inductive loop system.
Access to the train
- There is a step up to board the train, with which those of limited mobility may have difficulty.
- The train can convey two wheelchair users at a time.
- We are not able to convey powered wheelchairs or mobility scooters.
- Please note that our trains, especially the steam trains, can make loud and sudden noises which can alarm or startle some visitors.
Ticket Policy
As we are a charity, and our train fares are very cheap, we are unable to offer specific discounts for the disabled.
The Museum
The Museum is accessed from the station platform. There is fully level access from the platform to the Museum, and also the toilets (see below).
All floor areas within the Museum are level. There are rail tracks set into the floor, but the resulting gaps have been filled. It is possible, but unlikely, that any resulting height differences may present a hazard for some wheelchair users.
Access to the remainder of the site can be direct from the Museum, but this involves negotiating two steps. An alternative, step-free, route is available by means of the station platform, and moving around the back of the station building.
Public Toilets
- Fully accessible toilets are provided as part of our museum. There is level access from the station platform to these toilets. They are open whenever trains are running.
- An accessible toilet is also provided by our colleagues at the Apedale Heritage Centre. This is adjacent to the Railway. Please note that on some days the Heritage Centre may close before the end of train services. Please contact us or speak with shop staff if that is a concern.
Apedale Road Station
There is a small station that has been opened at the opposite end of the railway to the main entrance. This small station is known as Apedale Road.
- Station is accessed via a gate from Apedale Road.
- There is a path leading to the platform, with a ramp leading onto the platform. The path may present some difficulties for wheelchair users, as it is not hard surfaced.
- We do not normally carry the wheelchair ramp on the train, due to space issues, and also because most wheelchair users join and alight from the train at the main entrance. Therefore:-
- Should a wheelchair user wish to JOIN the train at Apedale Road, please advise us by telephone. Phone numbers are displayed at Apedale Road station.
- Should a wheelchair user wish to ALIGHT from the train at Apedale Road, please tell the Guard; arrangements will then be made to convey the ramp on the train.
Additional Information
- This access statement describes access to the facilities available on a standard operating day. On special events and galas, we allow access to areas of the site which are not otherwise available to the public. These are industrial working areas, and are not specifically designed with accessibility in mind. However, the vast majority of the site offers level access (albeit with unpaved paths) and experience has shown that wheelchair users are able to access virtually the entire site. We are always pleased to assist; if anyone with mobility issues has any specific requirements for a visit, please get in touch and we can normally make specific arrangements to assist.
Contact Information
| Address (Inc postcode): | Apedale Valley Light Railway. Site Location:- Loomer Road, Chesterton, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffs ST5 7LB. Address for correspondence:- Moseley Railway Trust, 11 Ashwood Road, Disley, Stockport SK12 2EL |
| Telephone: | 0845 094 1953 |
| Email: | info@avlr.org.uk |
| Website: | www.avlr.org.uk |
| Grid Reference: | SJ 823 484 |
| What 3 Words: | ///rainy.nests.muddy |
| Usual Hours Of Operation: | 1130 to 1600 |
