Midland Railway - Butterley

01/09/2026

Our DMU Gala is coming up, with all four of the Midland Railway – Butterley’s operational units in action across the weekend.

A major highlight will be the return to service of our 66-year-old Class 108, following major work to its brakes and reversing system.

The popular Pacer units will also run in multiple in different formations on each day.
Two days of diesel multiple unit action – and a great opportunity to ride behind and compare the different types.

Book now https://midlandrailway-butterley.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/74412?branches.branchID=1982

29/08/2026

Saturday 29th August 2026

Due to an issue with the signalling equipment at Swanwick Junction, todays planned two train service will now be a single train service.

BR Class 45108 will take charge of five round trips departing from Butterley station at:

10:30, 11:45, 13:00, 14:45 & 16:00

Sunday 30th & Monday 31st August are still planned to go ahead as two train services. A further update will be provided in advance of any changes to these operating days.

28/08/2026

TUGS™ DAY – TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE!
Yes, we know. We’ve been teasing you with this one…
But the wait is over – tickets for TUGS™ Day are now on sale!

Join us on Saturday 17th October for a trip down memory lane with the much-loved 1988/1989 children’s television series TUGS™.
There will be a display of original character models, production props and merchandise created by the original production team of Thomas The Tank Engine & Friends™, plus a whole day of railway fun.
Your event ticket includes:
• Large TUGS™ display
• Spot the TUGS™ trail
• TUGS™ activity colouring sheets
• Heritage train rides
• Model and garden railways
• Road transport display
• Stationary Powerhouse
• West Shed Experience
• Victorian Railway Church
• Play area
And there’s even more to discover at Swanwick Junction!
Tickets are now on sale – https://midlandrailway-butterley.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/81372?branches.branchID=1982
Saturday 17th October 2026
Midland Railway – Butterley
Don’t leave it until the last minute… we told you this one was coming!

View Tugs Day from Midland Railway Butterley.

26/08/2026

THIS BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND

VICTORIAN TRAIN WEEKEND – IMPORTANT UPDATE
The Victorian Train Weekend planned for 29th, 30th & 31st August has been cancelled due to the ongoing dry conditions and the increased risk of lineside fires.
However, the Midland Railway – Butterley is still OPEN throughout the Bank Holiday weekend!
We will be running a different timetable with heritage diesel and DMU services, so you can still enjoy a trip through the Derbyshire countryside and explore everything there is to see at Swanwick Junction.
Please check the revised timetable below before planning your visit.
We look forward to welcoming you this Bank Holiday weekend.

Join us over the Bank Holiday Weekend for Heritage Diesel hauled trains.

25/08/2026

The Victorian Weekend has been cancelled due to weather conditions, but the railway is still OPEN.

We will be running a different timetable on the day, with diesel and DMU services operating.

If you were planning to visit us, you can still come along and enjoy a trip on the railway.
Please check the timetable below for the revised service times.

19/08/2026

This Saturday…

17/08/2026

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DcEG1L3sazr/?igsh=bHQ3djdveXNvNTAy

16/08/2026

Pirates & Princesses Weekend is back today!

Come along for a day of swashbuckling adventures, princess magic and railway fun.

Enjoy our diesel-hauled train rides, visit our beach, meet pirates and princesses, and join in with singing, ribbon dancing and other themed activities throughout the day.

There’s still time to join us for a fantastic family day out!

Tickets are available online or from the railway today.

We’ll see you there!

14/08/2026

Just one day to go until Pirates & Princesses Weekend!
The costumes are ready, the pirates are preparing to set sail, and the princesses are looking forward to welcoming visitors for a fantastic family weekend at Midland Railway – Butterley.
Your ticket includes:
• A heritage train ride
• Meet & greets with our pirates and princesses
• Singalong performances
• Dance teaching, ribbon dancing and mini games
• Time to explore our heritage railway, museum buildings, Victorian railway village, play area, shops and cafés
Whether you're searching for treasure, meeting your favourite princess or simply enjoying a ride behind one of our heritage trains, there's something for every member of the family.
Fancy dress is encouraged, so dig out those pirate hats, eye patches, tiaras and fairy-tale outfits!
Join us on Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th August for a swashbuckling family adventure.
Book your tickets here:
https://www.midlandrailway-butterley.co.uk/calendar/pirate-and-princess-event-15th-16th-aug-2026/

13/08/2026

FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR 2026 – LIGHTING UP THE NIGHT SKY!

Tickets Now On Sale!

Get ready for a sparkling night out at the Midland Railway – Butterley! Back by popular demand, our Fireworks Evenings return this year on Friday 6th and Saturday 7th November.

Fireworks are at 7.30pm on both Friday and Saturday evening.

Book your Online Tickets NOW!

https://midlandrailway-butterley.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/74416?catID=69637

Everything You Can Experience:

Shuttle train from Butterley to Swanwick Junction, frequent services starting at 5pm on both evenings. The last train will leave Butterley for Swanwick at 7pm.
Enjoy the spectacular fireworks display with music at Swanwick Junction
Explore Stationary Power Display and Road Transport Display
Visit the Victorian Railwayman’s Church
Take a trip on the Narrow Gauge Train through the Spooky Park if you dare (additional charge)
Indulge in seasonal food and warming hot drinks
The building stay open after the fireworks display so there is no need to rush home. The last train back is at 9.30pm on both evenings.
The fun doesn’t stop when the fireworks end — the last train back is at 9.30pm, so take your time and enjoy every moment.

A magical evening for all ages, full of lights, sights, and spine-tingling excitement!

Please note that access to this event is via Butterley Station only, where there is free car parking.

THE CAN CRUSH

Head over to the Road Transport Museum for a spectacle you won’t want to miss — our Aveling NCB Road Roller will be crushing cans… and we mean a lot of cans! Watch the action at 7pm each night and see just how heavy-duty this machine can be. It’s loud, it’s impressive, and it’s guaranteed to get a cheer from all ages!

SPOOKY TRAIN ADVENTURE!

All aboard the Golden Valley Light Railway for a spine-tingling Spooky Train Journey through the Country Park! A separate fare applies for this thrilling ride, so bring your bravery and sense of adventure… if you dare!

Refunds/Cancellation Policy

Cancelled bookings will only be refunded with 14 day’s notice and will incur a £5 admin charge.

With LESS than 14 day’s notice, no refund will be given.

All the heritage operations are subject to availability and we reserve the right to make last minute changes. Midland Railway – Butterley reserve the right to amend or cancel the event at any time.