Barrow Hill Roundhouse Railway Centre

My most local railway preservation site and always worth a visit. Walked the 7 miles from my house last weekend for a sunny Sunday afternoon visit. Always nice to visit even when there is not a big event on as you get a feel for the place a bit better. Its a unique mix of a preserved railways with a mix of steam and diesel exhibits whilst also still very much a working railway depot with a number of mainline companies having bases there so you never quiet know what will be on shed.
Will be looking forward to this years Model Rail Live event in September went to the first one and was very enjoyable. And hopefully I will get to the Rela Ale festival this time been sayign it for the last few years!
The site is gradually developign with new additions to the site some liek the signalbox are only open at event weekends and also the running days when you can travel on the half mile or so of runnign track behind both steam and diesel traction.
Its certainly worth a visit and even better it is free, but I always make a donation to help maintain and expand the site

When I visited Barrow Hill Roundhouse they were holding one of their ‘specials’ — Rail Power 2008. These specials are fantastic events, held a couple of times each year and many locomotives are brought in specially. While Barrow Hill Roundhouse carries an impressive stock of locomotives awaiting preservation or repair and plays host to the Deltic Preservation Society these special weekends are a treat to both the enthusiast and the layperson alike. With train rides included in the price of the ticket and a special marquee for dealers of railwayana and models it is well worth a visit. A free preserved bus service from Chesterfield station guarantees you get there OK and gives you an opportunity to share in another area of vintage transportation.
If you are expecting something like The National Railway Museum at York you will be in for a shock. Unlike the NRM Barrow Hill is noisy, dirty and smells of oil and coal. I think this is a plus, but don’t wear your best clothes here. I think barrow hill Roundhouse comes into its own as a working museum actively preserving Britains railway heritage. The recent acquisition of a Midland Railway Signal Box shows an interest in more than locomotion, Barrow Hill is about keeping the spirit of steam alive.
Barrow Hill Roundhouse can be quiet when not hosting specials with more of a focus on the actual work of preserving railway heritage. The roundhouse has its own café, vintage bookshop, gift shop and toilets. There is an outdoor picnic area if you prefer to bring your own food.
Best of all when there are no special events admission is completely free.
Barrow Hill Roundhouse is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 4 pm