Reviews Buffet Stop Cafe

4
Harry Hamlin
+4
We went here after finding out they were hosting a classic/ vintage cars event over the weekend. We really enjoyed the vintage cars, and to add to that, we decided to take a ride on the steam train which was a great out-and-back journey through the countryside. Unlike Network Rail, the train provided a very comfortable experience and ran to schedule! The site was free entry and cost £9PP for a ride on the train. The site is run by volunteers who were very friendly and helpful! Highly recommended!
5
Paul Rudge
+5
The volunteers have done great work in reopening this railway line over the years that they have been around and making great strides. wish them luck in extending to their goal. Very nice and helpful volunteers and wait to visit again
5
Andy Gale
+5
This is well worth a visit. Everyone who works here is a volunteer and have made a fantastic job of getting it to where it is today. Go and support a very good cause, you won't be disappointed.
4
John Lavender
+4
I visited the site on a Special occasion, an operating Day. It's a nice experience although a little awkward to get to, as the original route to Alnwick is severed by Development in the Town, and the A1 Great North Road. I travelled by Train to Alnmouth and then onwards by bus, Service x18 then x15, from Alnwick itself. The Railway is embryonic, it has a goal of reaching Alnmouth but is currently operating to Greenrigg Halt, approximately half way to Alnmouth. It's run entirely by volunteers. Fares are reasonable ££ and there's a good Souvenir Shop at the Alnwick Lionheart Station. Friendly atmosphere and good Coffee and a light lunch in the Station refreshment room at Alnwick.
4
Leo Martin
+4
A small but pleasant heritage railway with friendly staff, nice food (reasonably priced) and a cool selection of locomotives and units.
5
Stuart Fairbank
+5
Excellent heritage railway run entirely by volunteers. Free access to site (including on site parkjng) and reasonable fare for journey along line. Dogs allowed.
5
Max A
+5
Great views from train, fun day out in alnwick. Also a playground and miniature railway for kids
4
Tim Burnett
+4
The train journey is interesting but short and a linear experience. Nice to see the train coupling process. They have a nice play park for kids, model railway exhibit and workshops to explore. I think if I went with the kids again I would not take the train journey and just buy the all day miniature railway ticket.
5
John James
+5
We were quite surprised by Aln Valley when we arrived, there's more trains/engines here than what we'd imagined. We took a trip on the train along to Greenrig Halt from Lionheart Station and took in some lovely views. Once we got back we went to the gift shop and cafe for a bite to eat before playing in the park. The park itself is a little small but our 4 year old enjoyed it. Then we enjoyed a few trips on the miniature railway before walking round the museum and train sheds.
4
Elizabeth Oliver
+4
Loved steam engine No 60 used to haul coal. It now takes you on a short ride through the lovely countryside
5
The Courier
+5
If your into railways, wether its diesel or steam... There's plenty see at 'The Aln Valley Railway' near Alnwick. They even have a regular train service hauled by steam and diesel locomotives. They've got FREE parking, a great little cafe, model railways, gift shop and they are building a new museum. Most of their locomotives etc are visible from the pub areas. The staff and volunteers are friendly and helpful. If your looking for something to do 'The Aln Valley Railway' is a great day out and reasonably priced too 😀
5
Bill Harries
+5
Began as a voluntee with the AVR in 1998. Coming along nicely to Greenrigg Halt. Rollon to Alnmouth!.
5
Mike
+5
This is a small but delightful railway. The volunteer staff could not have been more helpful, friendly and pleasant. The site, particularly the beautiful garden areas, is a credit to everyone involved but mainly down to a kind, thoughtful and knowledgeable man called Ken.
5
alan reid
+5
To my everlasting shame I've never been here even though its only 30 miles away, well worth the visit, didn't travel on the train, will come back soon to do so. The volunteers have done a Stirling job building a railway fro. scratch. Full marks
4
Esta-Jane Middling
+4
A quaint little steam experience! We visited here after booking our seats/compartment online, so that we knew all 6 of our family would not be split up. Unfortunately, when we arrived they were ALL filled with groups of 2 or 3 and we were advised that we had to split up and fill the gaps - 2 were young children so this just wasn't practical, and since we were visiting family in the area, we wanted to do something together, not be split up - hardly a family day out then is it? We decided to just slum it in what was presumably the mail or luggage carriage, which meant standing rather than sitting, but it turned out to be way more fun as we could all grab a window each. The above was irritating but since we weren't asked to move out of the carriage it didn't detract from the day out, and is more just to warn you that what you are booking isn't necessarily what you will get and smaller groups wont be asked to join up, you will just be split up, so if you have family make sure you arrive early just in case!! The overall experience is quite short, so for those with a shorter attention span (fidgety young 'uns) it's a great step into steam trains without panicking about the next loo stop, food or needing to move! There were wonderful views and a lovely footpath beside the entire track, so you could always do one way and walk or cycle the other way. The museums were really great, and some interesting artefacts have been collected and are on display. My youngest loved the 3 toy railway tracks that were set up in one of the rooms and could've sat and watched it all day! There was a café and clean loos, and plenty of parking too. The cafe was a little chaotic (queued for 20 mins behind only 2 people) so we didn't have time to get a proper meal before our train was due so we just grabbed a snack and bottled drinks. There was also some confusion as when we entered a lovely bubbly chap gave us a lovely warm welcome and said the children could ride all day on the mini train by the cafe with our tickets, but then later in the day another chap told us we couldn't and had to buy separate tickets.
5
Amit Dev
+5
It was our first ever time on a steam train so we have nothing to compare it to. But the little one (and the big ones) enjoyed the ‘choo chop’ train. Plus, it passes over a beautiful viaduct. Head towards Lionheart industrial estate and it’s signposted from there.
5
olly ward
+5
Fantastic, got dropped off at Greenrigg halt, had a walk by the river then caught the next train back and had a go on the miniature railway. Great for anyone with an interest in trains. Will be wonderful when it gets to Alnmouth.