General
The Aln Valley Railway Trust (AVRT) does not guarantee that trains will arrive or depart at the times stated and reserves the right to cancel, alter or suspend any train without notice, or to substitute a different train should this be necessary for whatever reason.
The AVRT cannot be held responsible for any loss or inconvenience should it be necessary to alter or cancel the advertised services.
The AVRT reserve the right to ask any member of the public to leave the railway if it is deemed necessary to do so, including if they are using abusive language, displaying unruly behaviour that is likely to cause themselves or others harm or causing damage to any property.
Members of the public are to remain behind barriers, which are there for their safety, and to obey all warning signs. The AVRT will not be held liable for any injury or loss occurring from persons trespassing.
Adults/Carers are responsible for the safety and wellbeing of children in their charge and at all times are to ensure they are supervised. Where an individual has a disability of such a nature that they would be unable to visit the railway without the direct support and assistance of a carer (paid or unpaid), then one such carer may, at the discretion of AVR, travel free of charge. Tickets bought under this provision being only available from the shop.
In the event of an emergency, visitors to the site must obey any instruction given by the management or staff of the Railway.
Children under 3 years of age travel free except *. Child prices are for those aged between 3 and 15, and passengers 16 years and over are classed as adults. * Children under 3 years of age do not travel or participate free of charge on any of the pre-bookable special events.
Dogs may be brought onto site and are allowed to travel, but only 1 dog per adult is allowed with a maximum of 10 dogs per train. Dogs are not allowed in certain compartments on the carriages – these are clearly marked. They are not permitted to stand or sit on the seating. Full responsibility for such an animal remains with the accompanying person, including feeding, hygiene and general control so as not to disturb the other passengers. Dogs are to be kept on a leash at all times. The AVRT reserves the right to ask dog owners to leave the site if they do not comply with the above. On certain special event days, dogs may not be permitted. On Santa Specials and Dining Trains such as Afternoon Tea on the Train they are not permitted (with the exception of assistance dogs).
Tickets
Tickets are to be purchased online via the Aln Valley Railway website. No one is permitted to travel without a ticket, regardless of their age.
A limited number of tickets may be available to purchase from the shop on the day, but there is no guarantee of availability. Tickets for pre-booked events can only be purchased online in advance.
Season Ticket holders must obtain tickets from the shop. Passengers with vouchers are required to visit the shop to collect their complimentary tickets.
Tickets are valid only for the specific day and booked service for which they were purchased. Booking the correct date and time is the responsibility of the purchaser.
The ticket holder must comply with all relevant statutes, safety announcements and AVRT regulations whilst travelling.
Tickets are not refundable but may be transferred to another date or time, depending on availability, and only upon authority of the Duty Manager. No refunds will be given for missed trains. Special event tickets are not transferable.
Damage
Visitors to the site will be held responsible for any damage they may cause to any part of the railway, stock or premises and will be charged the full cost of repair or replacement.
Railway Safety
As in any product and service of this type, you are entirely responsible at all times for your own safety and for that of others. Going off any marked pathways, through closed gates, barriers, jumping down onto the railway line, crossing tracks, climbing onto rolling stock is strictly prohibited. Anyone doing so is acting entirely at their own risk and no responsibility can, or shall, be taken by the AVRT in such an instance. Anyone found to have breached safety regulations, putting themselves and others at risk will be removed from the site and the Police may be called.
Passengers must not attempt to board after the signal for the train to proceed (green flag and/or whistle) has been given and are not to open the doors until the train as come to a complete stop in the platform. Passengers must not lean out the window of a moving train.
Members of the public are not permitted to wear hi-visibility clothing except on permission of the Duty Manager. The AVRT reserves the right to request such items are removed and admission to the site denied if the request is refused.
Afternoon Tea Train Information & Terms / Conditions (in addition to our General conditions)
Important Seating Information for Our Passengers
For bookings of less than 4 people, passengers may be seated at a table with other diners. An optional Individual Compartment Supplement is payable which guarantees they will be seated in a compartment on their own.
Those who have booked a table for four will be seated in an individual compartment.
For passengers who have booked two seats and not paid the supplement, they will be seated next to each other, meaning both parties on the table will benefit from a window seat.
If you have mobility issues, please let us know in advance by email, so that we can discuss options and make the necessary arrangements. Our standard coaches can be accessed via a wheelchair ramp, however passengers would be required to walk to their seats.
Toilet Facilities
There are no toilet facilities for use on board any of our trains. Guests should use the toilets at Lionheart Station before departing. There will be two return trips to Greenrigg Halt during the afternoon tea service. Once back at Lionheart Station after the first trip, all guests will have the opportunity to use the toilets before setting off for the second trip.
Dogs
Dogs are not permitted on any of our dining trains (apart from Guide Dogs, who must remain on the floor at all times).
Special Dietary Requirements
Our gluten free afternoon Tea option is made with ingredients which do not intentionally contain gluten. However, we handle gluten containing ingredients in our cafe and on board our trains so we cannot guarantee our dishes are 100% gluten-free. We will do our best to reduce cross contamination.
Regretfully we are unable to cater for diabetic, lactose free, nut free, dairy free, vegan or pescatarian options on our afternoon tea services.
Our rights to change traction or cancel without notice
Every effort will be made to ensure our Afternoon Tea Service is steam hauled. However, should a steam locomotive be unavailable, the Aln Valley Railway reserves the right to substitute it with a heritage diesel locomotive without prior notice. We reserve the right to suspend, reschedule or cancel services if operational circumstances or safety make this necessary.
We do not accept liability or responsibility for any losses incurred due to a cancelled event and the passenger should refer to their travel insurance company. In the event of us cancelling an event, a full refund will be given for any payment made to us.
Steam Locomotive Footplate Experience Conditions
The cab of a steam locomotive is hot, noisy and physically demanding. Therefore participants should:
- Be reasonably fit and capable of climbing unassisted into and out of a locomotive. This comprises of a vertical climb of around 6 feet.
- Be over 18 years of age, with normal intellect, reasonable hearing and sight (hearing aids and glasses are permitted).
- Be capable of walking some distance over uneven surfaces should the need arise.
- Not be under the influence of alcohol, of drugs that could cause drowsiness or affect behaviour. Those with medical conditions affecting the heart and/or respiratory system should seek advice from their doctor before booking.
- Wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Participants will get dirty, so old clothing is recommended. Cotton overalls or boiler suit are preferable, but in all cases, it is recommended that clothing made predominantly from cotton is worn. Tracksuits, shorts, nylon t-shirts and sandals are NOT acceptable. Man-made fibres could melt if inadvertent contact is made with the boiler or pipework. Stout footwear, work boots or walking shoes are needed – NOT trainers.
- Cotton gloves will be provided, although you can bring your own.
- Due to the limited space on the footplate, only the one person is permitted. The Aln Valley Railway reserve the right to refuse anyone should they fail to follow the conditions above.
Diesel Locomotive / Pacer Cab Ride Conditions
Participants should:
- Be reasonably fit and capable of climbing unassisted into and out of a locomotive. This comprises of a vertical climb of around 6 feet.
- Be over 18 years of age (12 and over for Pacer), with normal intellect, reasonable hearing and sight (hearing aids and glasses are permitted).
- Be capable of walking some distance over uneven surfaces should the need arise.
- Not be under the influence of alcohol, of drugs that could cause drowsiness or affect behaviour. Those with medical conditions affecting the heart and/or respiratory system should seek advice from their doctor before booking.
- Due to the limited space in the cab, only the one person is permitted. The Aln Valley Railway reserve the right to refuse anyone should they fail to follow the conditions above.