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Barrow Hill Roundhouse
Type:Museum - Transport
Barrow Hill
Chesterfield
Derbyshire
S43 2PR
Call direct on:
Tel01246 475554
About
Barrow Hill Roundhouse was built in 1870 as a maintenance centre for steam locomotives. Engines were repaired, watered, coaled and turned around here. This required a turntable with lines of track called 'spurs' set around it.
The name roundhouse originates from the conical roof that these buildings used to have. In the 1860's the roundhouses grew larger and lost their conical roofs but kept their name. When the age of steam drew to a close, many roundhouses were shut down and demolished. However, Barrow Hill became an engine shed for the diesel locomotives used to move coal from the local mines. It was closed in 1991 by British Rail and was due to be demolished. Thanks to a local Society set up to save it, Barrow Hill remains the only operational roundhouse in Britain.
Today, enter the amazing space of the Roundhouse and find a collection of steam, diesel and electric engines. Discover what it was like to work here and the type of jobs that you might have done on your day of work. Watch turntable and signal box demonstrations every day that the Centre is open (check in the shop for times) and see reminders from the Roundhouse’s past.
An exhibition tells the story of the Roundhouse, why it’s here and what it was like to work in. have a go at the hands on science and engineering activities and feel like you are really working in the engine shed.
We hold a series of lectures, family activities and major events, including the Rail Ale Festival in May.
Facilities
Accessibility
- Disabled access
- Disabled toilets
- Facilities for hearing impaired - Visitor packs available for children with aural needs
- Facilities for visually impaired - Activity packs available for children with visual needs
Catering
- On-site catering
- On-site light refreshments
Children
- Children welcome
Groups
- Coach parking
- Facilities for educational visits
- Facilities for groups
- Guided tours for groups
Meeting, Conference & Wedding Facilities
- Facilities for corporate hospitality
Parking
- Free Parking
Property Facilities
- Dogs Accepted
- Gift shop
- Public toilets
- Smoking not allowed
- Telephone (public)
Target Markets
- Accepts groups
- Coach parties accepted
TripAdvisor
Map & Directions
Road Directions
From North/South - leave M1 at junction 30 and take A616. At roundabout select right lane and take 4th exit (A619 signposted Chesterfield). At roundabout on entering Staveley (just under 3 miles) take 2nd exit (B6053) and turn immediately left into Hall Lane. Follow road for approx 1 mile and turn left (Station Road). Follow road through Barrow Hill and take next right after The Barrow Pub (Campbell Drive) and then immediately left to Roundhouse complex.
From East - follow A617 to M1 motorway junction and take 4th exit at roundabout (M1 North). Leave M1 at junction 30, then follow route from North/South.
From West - follow A619 to Chesterfield. At traffic light controlled roundabout (Matalan) select middle lane and take 3rd exit. Keep in left lane and, at traffic lights, go straight on. At roundabout select right hand lane and take 3rd exit. At next roundabout select left lane and take 2nd exit (A617). Follow A617 for approx 4 miles to M1 motorway roundabout and take 1st exit (M1 North). Leave M1 at junction 30, then follow route from North/South.
Public Transport Directions
Chesterfield train station 4 miles away
Bus number 90/90A from Chesterfield town centre
The Roundhouse often puts buses on from the train station and Chesterfield town centre for special event days.
