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Frequently Asked Questions

At the Midland Railway – Butterley we are asked many questions by our visitors. This page brings together some of the more frequent questions that we are asked. If you do have a question and you cannot find the answer here or on the wider website, then please do contact us and we will try and help you in any way that we can.

How much is it to visit Butterley?

At the Midland Railway – Butterley you just pay for your train fare and, except for certain special events, your ticket is valid for as many trips as you wish to make that day. Train fare prices vary according to the event and the traction being operated and there is the opportunity to Gift Aid. There are small charges to travel on the narrow gauge and miniature railways, but admission to all of the attractions is free. Please contact us if you wish to know the fares for a particular day.

What type of train will be running when I visit?

To find out what specific train types are running simply visit our Facebook page or view our Calendar. The Midland Railway – Butterley unfortunately cannot guarantee that a particular engine will run on a specific date as heritage items do suffer failures from time to time.

Is the Midland Railway – Butterley wheelchair accessible and is there disabled parking?

There is reserved disabled parking at Butterley Station and we have ramp access to a number of coaches. Unfortunately, due to the original designs, we cannot gain access to seating sections of most trains, the exception being the Diesel Multiple Unit which is fully accessible. Certain areas of the Swanwick Junction Museum Complex have unmade surfaces which can be negotiated by wheelchairs with care.  For additional information please see the special Disabled Visitors page.

Are dogs allowed on the train ride?

We allow dogs on a lead and charge a nominal £1 train fare per dog . As a courtesy to other visitors, we ask that they do not sit on the seats or tables.

Can I advance book a train ticket for a specific train?

We currently have on-line advance booking system for key events, which is usually for a full day ticket and allows unlimited travel throughout the day.
Our Santa Special trains tickets are for timed trains only

I’m wondering if Thomas The Tank will be around this year. If so when and how much is it?

There are no plans for Thomas to visit Butterley in the near future. A number of different children’s events are offered throughout the year. Please click here for further information.

Would you be able to donate a raffle prize for our fund raising event?

We support a limited number of charities and local organisations. Please contact us to see if we are able to help with your fund raising efforts.

Do you have a facility to give a gift voucher/ticket etc. which could be used any time?

We are unable to give gift vouchers for individual tickets but we do offer gift vouchers for our VIP Tours and our Footplate Experience Days.

We wondered if you issue line side permits for the day?

We do not operate a line side permit system and there is no procedure within our Safety Management System to allow this. There are a good number of safe positions adjacent to the line that are readily accessible. These include:

– Butterley Reservoir
– Butterley Station Yard
– The footpath near Butterley Signal Box
– The footpath adjacent to the Historic Carriage and Wagon Shed at Swanwick Junction
– Footpaths and the over-bridge in the Country Park.

I am enquiring about your event and was wondering if we could have a stand for next year?

Please direct all enquiries about attending events to the office at Butterley Station who will pass your enquiry to the specific event organiser, who are able to provide the appropriate booking form and terms & conditions.

I would like to organise a visit to view a train to take some detailed photographs and maybe talk to some the people involved with its restoration?

Many vehicles are privately owned and specific information is often held by the group/owner. We can attempt to put people in contact with each other. Access to the vehicle(s) may be restricted due to their stabling position. We suggest you enquire by phone before committing to a visit.

I have an ‘Activity Superstore’ voucher but have realised that my voucher expires soon before I can visit?

If you are running out of time please contact Butterley Station office who can advise about options.

I am planning to bring my class to look round the site. What do I have to do?

Educational visits should be fully planned in advance and you should contact Butterley office who will put you in touch with the Education coordinator. Please see our School Visits page for more information.

I have a large collection of railway magazines and wonder if they would be of any use to you either for research or for re-sale?

We get regular donations of magazines and sometimes have to refuse due to limited storage and display space. However, more often than not we do take material for sale second hand. Please get in touch with us.

Can we obtain a refund for ticket purchased in advance?

We do not offer refunds for tickets bought in advance, however, we may be able to transfer your tickets to another date, (please note a fee may be charged for changes to bookings). Please see details displayed within each event.