The West Shed is located on the Swanwick Junction museum complex of the Midland Railway-Butterley, Ripley, Derbyshire. The Princess Royal Class Locomotive Trust's West Shed is a separate organization from the Midland Railway but access to the site is shared. Normal access to the Swanwick museum complex, where the West Shed is located, is via heritage train from the Midland Railway’s Butterley Station (fare payable), alighting at Swanwick station to walk up to West Shed. Please note that this walk is approximately 430 metres (5-10 minutes) and includes some uneven surfaces.

For directions to the Midland Railway-Butterley please see their website at: http://www.midlandrailway-butterley.co.uk/find-us/

 

Site Plan of the Swanwick Junction museum complex at the Midland Railway-Butterley

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Access to the Swanwick Junction museum complex is also possible via a walking route from Butterley Station. Please note: this is half a mile over uneven ground and unfortunately not suitable for visitors with limited mobility, wheelchairs or pushchairs. When trains are not running, please enquire about alternative access options.

 

ADMISSION PRICES

 

Admission to the West Shed is FREE but to travel by train from Butterley Station separate train fares apply, as charged by the Midland Railway (see access information above on how to get to the West Shed). Trains generally run from Butterley Station at weekends and also on weekdays during Derbyshire school holidays. Please check the Midland Railway website for train operating dates, times and prices: http://www.midlandrailway-butterley.co.uk/  If you would like to visit the West Shed when trains are not running, please enquire regarding access to the Swanwick junction site.

 

OPENING TIMES (2020)

The West Shed is open to visitors between 15th February and 15th November in 2020. We are open 11am – 4pm on days when the Midland Railway-Butterley is operating trains (please see the calendar on their website  https://www.midlandrailway-butterley.co.uk/  for dates). The West Shed is usually also open when trains are not running (excluding mid-November to mid-February) but we cannot always guarantee this so please check before visiting.

 

FAMILY ACTIVITIES

We offer children's craft activities on selected days during Derbyshire school holidays. Come and have a go at making a junk model train and more! For further information and activity dates please contact us or see our Facebook 'Events' page: Facebook.com/PRCLTWestShed

 

FACILITIES IN THE WEST SHED:

 

• Toilets (male, female and an Accessible toilet).

• Souvenir Shop
• Reference Library & research facilities: for more information on our non-displayed collections and how to access them, please click HERE
• REFRESHMENTS: The West Shed does not have a traditional cafe but we have a serving area for light refreshments (hot and cold drinks, biscuits, crisps, etc) available most weekends and during special events and activities such as children's craft activities during school holidays. Elsewhere on the Swanwick Junction museum site 'Deeley's Tearoom' is operated by the Midland Railway-Butterley and is open when trains are running.
• BABY CHANGING FACILITIES: The West Shed has a small 'Parent & Baby Room' which contains a changing table. There are additional baby changing facilities elsewhere on the Swanwick Junction museum site approximately 5 minutes walk from the West Shed.

 

DISABLED ACCESS

 

• Disabled parking is available close to the the West Shed if required. Please contact us in advance for advice and directions.
• Wheelchair access to upper floors in the West Shed available via a lift.
• Hearing induction loops in the cinema.
• There is an accessible toilet in the West Shed. To find the nearest 'Changing Places' toilet please visit www.changing-places.org and use the postcode DE5 3QZ to search.
• There is seating available at various points inside the West Shed.
• Access information relating to the wider Midland Railway-Butterley site can be found here:

         http://www.midlandrailway-butterley.co.uk/disabled-visitors/

 

SCHOOL & OTHER GROUP VISITS:

All types of group visits are welcome by prior arrangement and guided tours can be arranged (charges may apply). For more information see 'Group Visits' and 'School Visits' on our 'Visit us' page: http://www.prclt.co.uk/group-visits.html  and  http://www.prclt.co.uk/school-visits.html

 

ENQUIRIES

For any enquiries please contact our office at the West Shed - telephone 01773 743986

 

email: contact form

Post:

The Princess Royal Class Locomotive Trust - West Shed

c/o Midland Railway-Butterley

Ripley, Derbyshire

DE5 3QZ

 

Please note: The West Shed office is generally staffed Monday to Friday 09.30 to 16.30. Enquiries received outside these hours (or when there is no-one in the office due to carrying out varied duties in the museum) will be dealt with as soon as possible. We have a telephone answer machine for taking messages or you can Contact us in other ways.