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Trains & Railways

The Princess Royal Class Locomotive Trust

📍 Derbyshire, North West

★4.7(204 Google reviews)💰FreeđŸ‘ļAll ages

West Shed Museum houses restored steam locomotives including the Duchess of Sutherland, with active restoration workshops and volunteer-led tours of historic carriages used by Winston Churchill. Free entry.

✓ Knowledgeable volunteers✓ Churchill carriage tours✓ Active restoration✓ Free entry✓ Full day needed✓ Steam locomotive access
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★★★★★Featured review by Stephen Townsend

Very interesting museum, especially if you are interested in railways and you can see all work in progress, more than a days visit required to view everything, there's plenty and much to see... A canteen is available and open to the public... I will certainly visit again and return for a longer visit in the near future... Very impressive...

🏆 Family Action Verdict

Best for families with train-obsessed children who want more than a ride — the restoration work in progress and the Churchill carriage tours create an educational layer that makes the visit memorable. Plan for a full day as there is more to see than most visitors expect. Pair with a Midland Railway steam ride for the complete experience.

â„šī¸ What to Know Before You Go

💡Combine the museum with a Midland Railway steam ride at Swanwick Junction next door
⏰Ask volunteers directly for a tour of the Churchill carriages — they're not to be missed
đŸŽŸī¸On-site canteen is open to the public for refreshments
🚗Allow a full day — most visitors find they need more time than expected

đŸ’Ŧ What Families Are Saying

View all reviews →
4.7
★★★★★

204 Google reviews

Exceptional volunteer guides40%
Fascinating restoration in progress30%
Historic Churchill carriages20%
Needs a full day10%
S

Stephen Townsend

a year ago

★★★★★

“Very interesting museum, especially if you are interested in railways and you can see all work in progress, more than a days visit required to view everything, there's plenty and much to see... A canteen is available and open to the public... I will certainly visit again and return for a longer visit in the near future... Very impressive...”

P

paul marsden

2 years ago

★★★★★

“Great to see the work on these mighty engines being carried out. And a beautiful royal carriage which was used by Winston Churchill too. Great volunteers who love to chat and have a brew with you.”

A

Aiden Cooper

a year ago

★★★★★

“Great place. Always welcoming volunteers and it's nice to see some tlc be given to 6233 Duchess of Sutherland. Also have a boiler pipe too. Will be coming back.”

G

Graddy 61

2 years ago

★★★★★

“Nice to be able to get up close to a huge steam engine like this and have a look inside some special carriages. Good info about its history but I prefer to enjoy the full in steam experience so only 4 stars. Well worth a visit whilst at the Midland Railway which is a great day out with lots of additional attractions like this.”

Reviews from Google

Overview

The Princess Royal Class Locomotive Trust's West Shed Museum gives families access to working restoration workshops and close-up views of mainline steam locomotives. Knowledgeable volunteers lead tours through Churchill's historic royal carriages, which have been painstakingly restored on-site. Light refreshments are available, and the museum connects directly to the Midland Railway's steam rides at Swanwick Junction for a full steam day.

🕐 Opening Hours

Monday11:00 – 16:00
Sunday11:00 – 16:00

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