Vintage Bus and Steam Train Experiences - By Vallances Coaches

12/06/2026

HERITAGE BUS TRIP

Luxury Afternoon Tea - Vintage Bus Trip

A vintage bus trip to Cromford Mill, combined with an afternoon tea served onboard the Ecclesbourne Railway's Derbyshire Countryman steam train!

Your day starts as you are picked up by one of our vintage buses. You could be being collected by Ernie, the 1936 Leyland TS7, Walter, the 1946 AEC Regal or Ethel the 1956 Bedford SB.

You will be taken into the heart of the Derbyshire countryside to Cromford Mill, the world’s first water-powered cotton mill. The brainchild of a certain Richard Arkwright, this impressive mill started spinning cotton in 1771 and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. There’s plenty to see here, enjoy a look around the bespoke shops and museum
or enjoy a coffee by the Cromford Canal!

After a look around, it’s back on the vintage bus to Wirksworth Station, for your train departure. You’ll be going on a round trip of the Ecclesbourne Valley heritage railway line up to Duffield and back to Wirksworth.

Whilst onboard the steam-hauled train, you will be served a delicious, traditional afternoon tea at your table. So whilst you're popping jam and cream on those freshly-baked scones, you’ll be able to sit back, relax and watch the Peak District views go by.

Price includes transport courtesy of our vintage buses ‘Ernie’, ‘Walter’ or ‘Ethel’ from the Kirkby or Sutton in Ashfield area to explore Cromford Mill, vintage bus travel to/from Wirksworth station for the steam train journey and your afternoon tea too.

Departing on the following dates in 2026:

Friday 1st May
Friday 24th July
Friday 18th September

£68 per person

Call 01623 752423 to book

21/05/2026

🚍 Heritage Bus Trip – Wine Tasting & Steam Train Experience 🚂🍷
Step aboard our vintage heritage bus for a picturesque journey to Wirksworth, home of the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway. On arrival, you’ll transfer to a traditional steam train and enjoy a relaxed ride through the beautiful Derbyshire countryside.
During the journey, Amber Valley Wines will lead an informative wine‑tasting session, showcasing a selection of their locally produced wines. A classic Ploughman’s Lunch will also be served to your table as you travel.

£75 pp

A £10.00 per person deposit is required at the time of booking.

Date: 17th July 2026

25/04/2026

Fathers Day - Trains and Trams Experience

A full day out in Derbyshire on a wonderful Trains & Trams experience! Travel on a vintage bus, a steam train at Ecclesbourne and vintage trams at Crich - and there’s even an English breakfast included too. It’s a great excursion for all ages.

You will be picked up by vintage bus from our departure points in Sutton or Kirkby, which we think is a mighty fine and fun way to start this fantastic day out. Make sure you wave to passers-by as you head to Wirksworth, the home of the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway
Board the train for the steam-hauled departure for a full round trip along Derbyshire’s longest heritage railway line to Duffield and back. During your trip a very tasty English breakfast will be served at your table.

Back onboard your lovely vintage bus and you’ll be headed for the Crich Tramway Village in the heart of Derbyshire Peak District, where you’ll spend the afternoon exploring this brilliant ‘living museum’.

Lovingly-restored vintage single and double-decker electric trams run from the Crich Town End up to the Glory Mine terminus, with stops in between to explore.

Make sure you spend time in the tramway exhibition halls and no visit to Crich Tramway Village would be complete without popping into the Red Lion (a proper Victorian pub!) and Barnett’s, the traditional sweet shop, for a bag of sweets!

Having done trains and trams all day in Derbyshire, your vintage coach will be waiting to take you back to your original departure point, rounding off your fabulous nostalgia-filled excursion in classic style!

🗓️ Sunday 21st June 2026

£70 per person

Contact 01623 752423 to book

08/03/2026

28/01/2026

🔷 1940s Musical Afternoon Tea Experience

Vintage Bus Departure from Sutton or Kirkby-in-Ashfield 🔷

Step back into the elegance of the 1940s as you board one of our beautifully restored vintage buses departing from Sutton-in-Ashfield or Kirkby-in-Ashfield. Your journey takes you through Nottinghamshire to the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway, where a steam train awaits for a truly nostalgic afternoon.

Settle into your carriage for a luxury musical afternoon tea during a leisurely 90‑minute steam train ride through picturesque countryside. Throughout the journey, enjoy live vintage entertainment from Lady Kingsnorth, bringing the spirit of the wartime era to life with her classic repertoire.

Guests are warmly invited to embrace the theme by wearing period dress, adding an extra touch of authenticity to this charming day out.

Price: £75 per person

Deposit: £10 per person at booking

Date: Saturday 4th April 2026

A delightful celebration of heritage travel, 1940s style, and timeless entertainment.

08/01/2026

🎩 Step Back in Time with a Vintage Coach & Steam Train Experience!

Climb aboard one of our beautifully restored vintage coaches for a charming day out to the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway.

Your journey continues in true nostalgic style as you travel by steam train, soaking up the sights and sounds of a bygone era.

🍰 Luxury Afternoon Tea on Board Relax as a delicious afternoon tea is served during your steam train ride — the perfect indulgence for a leisurely day out.

🎤 Live Entertainment from Johnny Victory Enjoy a fantastic performance from the talented Johnny Victory, singing a wonderful selection of popular 1950s hits to complete the vintage atmosphere.

🗓️Sat 7th March

💷 Price:
Adults: £75.00
A £10.00 per person deposit is required upon booking.
✨ A unique, memorable day out — reserve your seats today!

21/12/2025

There’s still time to purchase your loved ones a Christmas gift voucher for our vintage bus and steam trips in 2026!

Join us on board for a truly nostalgic day out travelling by vintage bus.

Enjoy a wonderful steam train trip with a delicious meal and visits to various other local attractions on selected dates.

Visit our website for the full programme of excursions.

To purchase a voucher contact 01623752423 or email [email protected]

28/11/2025

Vintage bus and steam train trip 🚌🚂

Travel aboard one of our vintage coaches to the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway to board the steam train.

During the journey a luxury afternoon tea will be served while you entertained by the excellent vintage singer Johnny Victory performing the sounds of the 1960s live inside the carriage!

A fabulous journey of nostalgia that will have you singing along the way!

£75 per person

14th March 2026

13/11/2025

Vallances Coaches - Vintage Bus and Steam train Trips

A perfect Christmas gift idea! 🎄🎅🎁

Our packages give you return travel on a vintage bus to Wirksworth Station to hop on a steam train and with a delicious meal served on board!

Travelling on a vintage bus is great fun. Everyone t***s and waves as you go on by. You’ll travel aboard one of our heritage vehicles, affectionately named ‘Bertie’, ‘Walter’, ‘Ethel’ or ‘Ernie’ from our pickups points in Sutton or Kirkby in Ashfield to the home of Ecclesbourne Valley Railway at Wirksworth.

At the station, you’ll transfer from the classic coach to the steam-hauled train. As you ride along the Wirksworth to Duffield line and back, your journey is filled with nostalgia harking back to the bygone age of steam trains.
A delicious meal will be served on board during your journey with Ploughman’s lunch, afternoon tea or a Roast dinner on offer!

Having steamed your way through the Derbyshire countryside, all the way to Duffield and back again, your vintage coach will be waiting to take you back to your original pickup point.

On selected dates we also combine your trip with a visit to other local attractions including Cromford Mill, Crich Tramway museum and more!

Call 01623752423 or email [email protected] to purchase vouchers or reserve tickets