Midland Railway-Butterley

Midland Railway – Butterley offers a full day out where heritage rail travel sits at the heart of the experience, combined with museums, historic buildings and open countryside.

Your visit begins at Butterley Station, where purchasing a ticket gives access to unlimited rides on heritage trainsalong three and a half miles of historic track through the Derbyshire countryside. Trains travel to Swanwick Junction, allowing visitors to step back into the atmosphere of Britain’s railway past.

Across the site, visitors can explore a demonstration signal box, the Victorian Railwayman’s Church, and a souvenir and gift shop. On selected days, additional attractions may be open, including narrow-gauge, miniature and model railways, the Road Transport Museum, Stationary Power, the West Shed experience, the Tugs Exhibition and other changing exhibitions.

Away from the railway, there is plenty for families to enjoy, including an outdoor children’s play area, a 40-acre country park, and refreshment buffets. The West Shed Museum has varying opening hours.

A varied calendar of special events runs throughout the year, ranging from much-loved Santa Specials and fireworks events to themed family days such as Pirates and Princesses, 1980s weekends and steampunk events, alongside enthusiast and heritage-focused experiences.

Midland Railway – Butterley is a registered charity (No. 502278), 'working to create a vibrant, living museum that celebrates the Midland Railway and associated transport heritage, while educating and inspiring future generations'.

As a largely outdoor, historic site, accessibility varies across buildings, platforms and historic carriages. Visitors with access needs are encouraged to check accessibility information in advance or contact the team when planning their visit.

Open most weekends and during school holidays - for seasonal opening hours, please refer to our website.