1 / 3The Princess Royal Class Locomotive Trust
📍 Derbyshire, East Midlands
West Shed Museum houses restored steam locomotives including the Duchess of Sutherland, with active restoration workshops and volunteer-led tours of historic carriages used by Winston Churchill. Free entry.
🏆 Funzaroo Verdict
Best for families with train-obsessed children who want more than a ride — the restoration work in progress and the Churchill carriage tours create an educational layer that makes the visit memorable. Plan for a full day as there is more to see than most visitors expect. Pair with a Midland Railway steam ride for the complete experience.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →205 Google reviews
G Reviews from Google
Ray Samme
7 months ago
“Visiting the West Shed was the highlight of our day on the Butterley to Swanwick junction steam train. The volunteers were very friendly and we were given a fantastic tour of the carriages used by Winston Churchill, which have been wonderfully restored by the team.”
Stephen Townsend
a year ago
“Very interesting museum, especially if you are interested in railways and you can see all work in progress, more than a days visit required to view everything, there's plenty and much to see... A canteen is available and open to the public... I will certainly visit again and return for a longer visit in the near future... Very impressive...”
paul marsden
2 years ago
“Great to see the work on these mighty engines being carried out. And a beautiful royal carriage which was used by Winston Churchill too. Great volunteers who love to chat and have a brew with you.”
💬 What parents mention
Overview
The Princess Royal Class Locomotive Trust's West Shed Museum gives families access to working restoration workshops and close-up views of mainline steam locomotives. Knowledgeable volunteers lead tours through Churchill's historic royal carriages, which have been painstakingly restored on-site. Light refreshments are available, and the museum connects directly to the Midland Railway's steam rides at Swanwick Junction for a full steam day.
