Northamptonshire Ironstone Railway Trust
Volunteer-run industrial railway in Hunsbury Hill Country Park, Northampton, with short train rides, a small museum, a workshop and model railways.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Northamptonshire Ironstone Railway Trust was established in 1974 to preserve the industrial railway heritage of the Northamptonshire ironstone industry. It is run entirely by volunteers and is based in Hunsbury Hill Country Park, south-west of Northampton, on the site of a former ironstone quarrying area.
Ironstone was quarried at Hunsbury Hill from the 1800s, and railways and tramways carried it to the main line. By the 1920s the ironworks connection had become part of a branch line, and the ironworks furnaces were shut down in January 1921 when demand for iron fell sharply.
Today the trust operates about 1.5 miles of heritage line, of which a small section is approved for public use. The line has sharp curves and steep gradients typical of industrial railways. Trains are run by industrial diesel locomotives and a converted brake van, while the society's steam engine is out of service for a ten-year boiler overhaul.
A small museum in the workshop where locomotives and wagons are serviced shows railway and ironstone quarrying objects. Visitors can also see restored and static rolling stock, indoor 00 gauge and 0 gauge model railway layouts and an outdoor garden railway.
Highlights
- Short train rides behind industrial diesel locomotives
- Brake van rides on selected days
- Small museum of railway and ironstone quarrying objects
- Locomotive workshop and rolling stock under restoration
- Indoor model railways and a garden railway
- Free parking in Hunsbury Hill Country Park
Permanent exhibitions
- Museum and workshop – Railway and ironstone quarrying objects displayed in the workshop where the locomotives and rolling stock are maintained.
- Model railway layouts – Indoor 00 gauge and 0 gauge model railways and an outdoor garden railway.
- Founded
- 1974
- Operated by
- Northamptonshire Ironstone Railway Trust Ltd
Admission & discounts
| Adults | £6 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | £5Concessions |
| Children & teens | £4Child aged 2 to 16. |
| Families | £18Two adults and up to three children. |
| Cab ride | £10Under-16s must be accompanied by an adult. |
The 2026 ticket prices apply on running days; cash and most credit cards are accepted. The small museum and workshop are described as free to visit.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The website gives no information on step-free access or accessible toilets.
Kids & families
| Family ticket | £18 · Two adults and up to three children. |
|---|
- Playground / play area
There is a small play area for children. Seasonal events such as the Halloween event on 1 November 2026 include free children's activities with prizes.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Camp Hill, Archangel Drive
Northampton railway station is the nearest main-line station; from the bus station take bus No 3 to the Camp Hill, Archangel Drive stop and walk a short way left past the church. Cycle route 539 passes close to Hunsbury Hill.
By car
Free parking
Free parking in Hunsbury Hill Park.
The railway is in Hunsbury Hill Countryside Park close to junction 15A of the M1. Satnav postcode NN4 9UW.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
A small café serves hot and cold drinks and snacks; the snack shack opens on selected days.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | Trains operate on the public section of the line only. Operation depends on volunteers and locomotive availability. |
|---|
