1 / 3Barrow Hill Roundhouse Railway Centre
📍 Chesterfield, East Midlands
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The UK's only surviving operational railway roundhouse houses historic steam and diesel locomotives around a working turntable. Train rides up the Springwell branch, signal box tours, and special event weekends with Derbyshire Wildlife Trust.
🏆 Funzaroo Verdict
Best for train-obsessed families of all ages who want authentic railway heritage, not a theme park. Special event days deliver the most - unlimited train rides plus extra activities fill a full day. Gravel surfaces throughout the site require planning for those with pushchairs. Dogs are welcome on-site.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →1,223 Google reviews
G Reviews from Google
Paul Goodison
11 months ago
“Fantastic railway museum and heritage display of a roundhouse. Many historic engines from all over the UK displayed around the turntable of the roundhouse. An amazing signal box set up for displaying how signalling was developed over the years and educational displays with activities on how things work and the history of Barrow Hill. Absolutely loved it and recommend a visit for anyone interested in railways or families with children. Cafe is very good too!”
Colin Stone
8 months ago
“A nice place to visit thoroughly enjoyed it. Steam and Diesel Locomotives with some goods wagons. Some artifacts to see as well. The only operational turntable in the UK is housed there. Deltic preservation on site restoring the locos. Train rides are available. Bus to and from Chesterfield close by.”
Tony Grainger
10 months ago
“Definitely worth a visit , attended on the last day of operations this year , so had the bonus of a guards van ride. With the DPS involvement, there is an extra place to visit, and good to see many preserved diesels being overhauled there.”
📊 Commonly mentioned in Google reviews
Based on Google review tagsDiesel engines
43 reviews
Steam trains
27 reviews
Signal box
27 reviews
Rail ale festival
24 reviews
Railway roundhouse
21 reviews
Overview
Barrow Hill Roundhouse Railway Centre preserves the UK's last working railway roundhouse, with historic steam and diesel locomotives arranged around a functional turntable. Families can ride the Springwell branch line, tour the signal box (runs regularly), explore railway exhibitions, and join special event weekends featuring wildlife activities and seasonal extras. The Deltic Preservation Society restores diesels on-site.
