
Barrow Hill Roundhouse Railway Centre
A historic 1870s working roundhouse preserving iconic locomotives, with engaging demonstrations and special events.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
More activities and atmosphere

Barrow Hill Roundhouse Railway Centre
Best Time
More activities and atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic 1870s working roundhouse preserving iconic locomotives, with engaging demonstrations and special events.
"A hidden gem for railway enthusiasts, offering charm, information, and hands-on experiences."

🎯 Check Event Schedule
Plan around special event days for train rides, demos, and more!
🎟️ Book Event Tickets Online
Popular events like 'Shine a Light' sell out. Book in advance!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Working Roundhouse
Main Roundhouse
Step back in time in this 1870s working roundhouse, home to a fascinating collection of historic locomotives.

Deltic Preservation Society
Deltic Shed
See the iconic Class 55 Deltics up close, including those undergoing restoration. A must for diesel locomotive enthusiasts.

Turntable Demonstrations
Turntable Area
Witness the impressive midday demonstration of the historic railway turntable in action – a captivating spectacle.

Signal Box Tours
Signal Box
Experience a unique tour of a traditional, working lever-frame signal box, offering a glimpse into railway operations.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Event Days are Key
Book Ahead for Special Events
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Event Schedule
Plan around special event days for train rides, demos, and more!
🎟️ Book Event Tickets Online
Popular events like 'Shine a Light' sell out. Book in advance!
🚶♀️ Explore the Deltic Shed
See iconic Class 55 Deltics, some undergoing restoration.
🔄 Don't Miss Turntable Demo
The midday turntable demonstration is a highlight.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Event Schedule
Plan around special event days for train rides, demos, and more!
🎟️ Book Event Tickets Online
Popular events like 'Shine a Light' sell out. Book in advance!
🚶♀️ Explore the Deltic Shed
See iconic Class 55 Deltics, some undergoing restoration.
🔄 Don't Miss Turntable Demo
The midday turntable demonstration is a highlight.
☕ Cafe & Burger Van
Good food options available on-site during events.
:athletic_shoe: Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the extensive site.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Barrow Hill Roundhouse as a charming and informative heritage site, especially on event days. The collection of locomotives, working demonstrations like the turntable and signal box tours, and the friendly volunteers are frequently highlighted as major positives. While not a vast transport museum, its character and value for money make it a hidden gem for railway enthusiasts and families alike.
"We spent Saturday 27th September visiting the train running day, we spent all day there 10am - 4pm and enjoyed it a immensely. You could ride on the train as many times a you wanted and there was lots to see and experience during our visit, with multiple model railway layouts set up inside the roundhouse on this day. Barrow Hill Roundhouse was buzzing with plenty of activity, there is a good cafe inside and a good quality burger van parked within the site opposite on this day. The toilets were clean, well maintained and fit for purpose. Dogs are welcome and several were in attendance. All the volunteers and staff I encountered well very helpful and friendly, a special mention to Derek, who gave us a great talk about the working of the signal box, tours of the box were on the hour and lasted about 30 minutes, thank you Derek and all your colleagues at BH. I have provided plenty of pictures to help illustrate what the Roundhouse has to offer, if you want to see the trains in action visit my You Tube channel Maddymaddog
Barrow Hill Roundhouse is well worth a visit on an event day, plenty of parking was available. We had a short wait queuing to get in, about 5 or so minutes, I put that down to the popularity of the day and it didn't detract. It cost me (adult) £16 to get in, which personally I thought was good value spending all day there, worth 5 stars, have a day there if your into railways."
Adrian Case
"If you like trains, industrial heritage, or engineering, Barrow Hill is well worth a visit. It’s charming, informative, and hands-on enough to keep both children and grown-ups interested. Maybe not the best if you want a full day-long museum of transport, but as a historic site with character, and excellent value, it’s a hidden gem."
lee hallam
"Lovely little day out. £10 entry, a nice selection of preserved locos. The midday demonstration of the turntable is definitely worth attending. We also enjoyed the breakfasts available in the cafe, and there's a nice (small) gift shop."
James Smith
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Barrow Hill Roundhouse is located in Staveley, near Chesterfield. It's accessible by car with parking available on-site, especially during event days.
For public transport, you can take a train to Chesterfield station and then a local bus or taxi to the Roundhouse. Check local bus routes for the most up-to-date information.Yes, there is parking available at the Roundhouse. During special event days, parking is usually plentiful, though it can get busy due to popularity.
Arriving early is advisable on these days.While driving is convenient, public transport is an option. You can reach Chesterfield by train and then take a bus or taxi to Staveley. It's recommended to check local bus timetables in advance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry fees can vary, especially for special event days. General admission is around £10 for adults, with event days costing more, such as £16 for an all-day ticket.
It's best to check their official website for the most current pricing and event-specific ticket information.For general visits, booking in advance might not be strictly necessary, but it's always a good idea to check their website. For special events, such as 'Shine a Light', booking tickets online in advance is highly recommended as they can sell out.
Opening hours can vary significantly depending on whether it's a regular day or a special event. Event days typically run from around 10 am to 4 pm.
Always check the Barrow Hill Roundhouse website for the most accurate and up-to-date opening times for your planned visit.Information on specific discounts for children or seniors isn't always detailed online, but it's common for heritage sites to offer concessions. It's advisable to inquire directly with the Roundhouse or check their ticketing page for any available discounts.
🎫 🚂 Onsite Experience
You can explore a collection of historic locomotives, including steam, diesel, and electric engines, many in an original 1870s roundhouse setting.
Highlights include Deltic locomotives, turntable demonstrations, and tours of a working signal box. Event days often feature model railways and short train rides.Yes, short passenger train rides are occasionally offered, often pulled by various diesel locomotives.
These are typically available on special event days and provide a brief but enjoyable experience.Absolutely! Families often enjoy the hands-on aspects, cab displays, and the chance to see and learn about trains.
The site is engaging for both children and adults interested in railways and industrial heritage.Photography is generally welcomed at Barrow Hill Roundhouse. You'll find plenty of opportunities to capture images of the historic locomotives and the unique roundhouse setting.
'Shine a Light' is a special evening event, often held in December, where the roundhouse is illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere. It's a popular event that requires advance booking.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there's a cafe on-site that serves breakfast and other meals.
During event days, a burger van is also often present, offering additional food options.While specific policies on bringing your own food aren't always stated, it's generally acceptable at outdoor heritage sites. However, with on-site food options like a cafe and burger van, you might prefer to sample their offerings.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire roundhouse offers fantastic photographic opportunities, from the locomotives lined up
to the turntable area. Don't miss capturing the details of the engines, the unique architecture of the roundhouse, and any special events like 'Shine a Light'.Yes, you can get quite close to many of the locomotives for photography. Some areas, like the Deltic shed, offer excellent opportunities to photograph specific engines.
Generally, photography is encouraged. However, always be mindful of any restricted areas or safety notices, especially when near operational equipment or during demonstrations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚂 Railway Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Deltic Locomotives
Visitors can often get up close to these locomotives, and sometimes even explore their cabs, which is particularly exciting for families. The presence of these iconic machines solidifies Barrow Hill's reputation as a key site for diesel locomotive enthusiasts and a place to witness railway history being preserved and revived.
A Working Heritage Site
The inclusion of a working signal box, offering tours as part of the entry fee, further enhances the immersive experience. This hands-on approach, combined with the passion of the volunteers, makes Barrow Hill a truly special place for anyone interested in the operational side of railways, not just the static display of engines.
Special Events and Experiences
These events are crucial for experiencing the full breadth of what Barrow Hill offers. They provide a dynamic atmosphere that goes beyond simply viewing static exhibits, allowing visitors to engage with the heritage in a more interactive and memorable way. Planning a visit around one of these events is highly recommended for the most comprehensive and enjoyable experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit