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Accessibility

Information for Visitors with Access Needs and their Companions

Download our Accessibility Guide (PDF) Here

We want as many people as possible to enjoy their visit to Midland Railway – Butterley. As a historic heritage railway and largely outdoor site, accessibility varies across different areas, buildings and historic carriages.

This page and the download above, provides information for visitors with mobility needs, wheelchair users, sensory and hidden disabilities, fatigue-related conditions, and anyone who may benefit from additional support when planning their visit.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss your visit in advance, please contact us — our volunteer team will do their best to help.

Arriving at Butterley

Butterley is the main arrival point, where visitors park and board the train to Swanwick Junction.

Car parking is located next to the station. Surfaces are uneven in places – something we are working to improve. There are designated Blue Badge spaces.

The main entrance can be accessed via steps from the car park. Step-free access is available via the car park entrance for wheelchair users and those who need.

On running days, volunteers are usually available to offer directions and assistance where possible.

Front of Butterley Station with two accessible parking bays to the right of the building, a ramp and steps leading to the entrance, and double doors into the ticket office, shop and platform.

Front of Butterley Station with two accessible parking bays to the right of the building, a ramp and steps leading to the entrance, and double doors into the ticket office, shop and platform. The car park is in front of the station with further disabled bays. Access from the car park is by steps or tarmac ramp.

Mobility and Wheelchair Access

Midland Railway – Butterley is a historic site with uneven surfaces, gravel paths and heritage buildings.

Some areas are step-free, while others include steps, narrow doorways or uneven thresholds.

Not all historic train carriages are wheelchair accessible. Assistance with boarding may be available on certain carriages and services. Please ask us prior to your visit so we can assist you the best we can.

Accessible toilets are available on site, though locations may vary depending on the day and areas open.

We strongly recommend contacting us before your visit so we can advise on the most suitable areas to access and how we can best support you on the day.

Hidden Disabilities and Sensory Considerations

Visitors who may benefit from quieter periods are welcome to contact us in advance to discuss the best times to visit.

  • Steam Trains can produce loud noises, including whistles, engine sounds and steam release
  • As a working heritage railway, visitors can expect a variety of sights, sounds and smells
  • The site can be especially busy on running days and especially during special events
  • Visitors who may benefit from quieter periods are welcome to contact us in advance to discuss the best times to visit

Seating, Rest Areas and Fatigue

Benches and seating are available at various points across the site and platforms, and we are working to provide more at the Swanwick Junction complex.

The train journey itself provides a seated experience, offering opportunities to rest during your visit.

If you need regular rest breaks, please speak to a volunteer, who will be happy to help where possible.

Benches at Butterley Station platform

Seating area at Butterley Station: plenty of benches along the platform, with more under a covered seating area to the right of the station building.

Toilets and Baby Changing

Disabled and baby change toilets are available on site. Locations may vary depending on the areas open on the day of your visit.

Assistance Dogs and Pets

Registered assistance dogs are welcome throughout the site and on our trains. Water bowls can be provided on request.

Well-behaved dogs on a lead are welcome and may travel on the train for a small additional fare.

Dogs are not permitted in some indoor spaces or our catering areas.

On certain special event days, dogs may not be permitted (except assistance dogs). Please check event details before booking.

guide dog stands with owner on platform at station

Hearing, Vision and Communication

Printed timetables and signage are available across the site.

Volunteers are happy to provide information verbally or help clarify details during your visit.

If you have specific communication needs, please contact us in advance where possible.

Trains and Boarding

Not all historic train carriages are wheelchair accessible. Assistance with boarding may be available on certain carriages and services. Please contact us before your visit so we can advise and assist where possible.

Due to the heritage nature of our carriages, visitors who use wheelchairs usually travel in the Guard’s Van. Our staff will normally ensure that seating is provided for a companion, family member, or friend to travel with the disabled visitor.

  • Platforms may have a step or gap between the platform and the train
  • Assistance with boarding may be available with advance notice
  • Seating is available on trains for visitors and companions

Boarding arrangements vary depending on the historic rolling stock in use. Please contact us prior to your visit so we can advise on the most suitable services.

narrow gauge railway carriage that is accessible for disabled people
Accessible carriage on the Narrow Gauge Railway
We have visitors will lots of different
needs Here Johnny 5 disembarks a
DMU with a ramp aid

Planning Your Visit

To help you plan your visit, we provide:

If you have any accessibility questions or would like to discuss your visit before you arrive, please contact us:

enquiries@midlandrailway-butterley.co.uk
01773 570140

Contacting us in advance helps us provide the best possible support on the day.