You can spend a day walking around all of the sheds and talking to the volunteers, there is plenty to see and do. For those into model railways, I counted three places to go. From N gauge to G gauge (indoor) layouts, there is so much to see. It’s great to wander around the engine sheds and see restoration work being carried out with a smile and a wave from the staff. Jump on the train to Butterley and back, grab a tea and a cake in the cafe. This place is really underrated and for the price a bargain day out for all the family.

A pleasant preserved railway, near to Ripley in Derbyshire. They have a very large collection of vintage steam and diesels. A large collection of vintage rolling stock . A large museum showing the railways Midlands roots. There are cafes and play area's for children. Aswell as the standard guage railway they also have a narrow gauge railway

Decent sized museum, free to enter but the train trip will cost, you do get a voucher to use in the cafe to offset some of the cost. Plenty of trains on site to keep enthusiasts happy, also a signal box you can go into and have a look around and an old church that has been relocated there, we arrived late in the day so didn’t get a chance to see it all, will have to return another time, recommend a visit though

Great for a day out. Really large museum on site with lots of interesting things inside and you can get up close and personal with the stuff inside. Love the miniature ride on railway right at the top of the site, a little hidden gem and the Princess Royal Locomotive Trust is well worth a visit, and also free entry also. Lots more to see and do inside as well.

Absolutely fantastic day , my little lad really enjoyed seeing all the different dinosaurs and listening to the rangers facts all about each one

I went on a day that that no services were running, but will be going back when there are as it has an extensive collection of locos and a good length of track. The locos, in the main, were all in good condition and the few staff I talked to were friendly

Huge complex. Many and varied exhibits. Vast range yet to be restored. Fabulous and interesting day. Cafe on site is reasonably priced. Magic.

Nicely layed out museum with plenty of preserved locomotives & other rolling stock. They run trains on both standard and narrow gauge tracks. A great day out in a traditional setting for all the family. A small café is available also.

Had a great day with grandson William (10) rode the train, found all tge letters and he got a goody bag. Fantastic place you should visit.

The sign on the gate indicates that entry to site is free (although the gates are locked at 5pm) but it's only accessible by public footpath. Alternatively park in Riddings and catch the narrow gauge train for £3 to Swanwick site. We visited on a sunny Bank Holiday Saturday and it was very quiet. The station buffet (snacks only), church, narrow gauge railway, swanwick model railway, bus museum, stationary power museum, main museum annex and Princess Royal Museum were all open. There's also a fair bit of rolling stock outside to see. The country park is outside the main gate so accessible out of hours. It's excellent as a free afternoon out but I'm sure MRC (and the individual groups) would appreciate a donation.

Amazing place to visit lots of really interesting stuff on display all staff are out of this world Helpful friendly super 10/10 def recommend a visit 👍👍

A wonderful tea rooms! We had bacon cobs and tea for two. The mismatched China and the bunting are very cute and give it a nostalgic feel. The open fire was the cherry on the cake! The walk around the museum is well worth the visit too

Great for any railway anorak, loads of exhibits and history

The last time i visited, I was 11 many years later I went today and took me back to when i was a child. Loved it great museums at Swanwick,, free parking at Butterly jump on a train and spend a day walking and talking to the very helpful and knowledgeable volunteers. Hopefully it wont be decades before i come again. And I now know what Tugs are never heard to this kiids tv show but one exhibition later..... Well worth a visit, it was surprisingly quiet I hope more go to keep this gem open.

We came for the fireworks night. It was good, but there did seem to be much to do or eat if you have a young toddler. We still enjoyed it though and are thinking of returning on a normal day