Rocks by Rail
Living ironstone quarry museum in Rutland with steam and diesel quarry locomotives, train rides and a small exhibition centre.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The museum stands on part of a former Midland Railway mineral branch line north-east of Oakham, where exchange sidings known as the Cottesmore Iron Ore Mines Sidings once served three private quarry railway systems. Ironstone dug from the surrounding quarries was loaded here for the steelworks.
The museum aims to preserve and run industrial locomotives and mineral wagons from the local quarry railways and to show a quarry system as it would have looked in the 1950s or early 1960s, when steam and diesel power were used side by side. It covers about 19 acres of reclaimed quarry land, with roughly three quarters of a mile of track for passenger rides.
The collection includes steam locomotives such as the Andrew Barclay tank engine Belvoir (built 1954) and Singapore (built 1936), a number of diesels from the late 1950s and 1960s, ironstone tippler wagons and hoppers, brake vans and earth-moving machines. Volunteers run the site, which also has an exhibition centre, a conservation workshop, a nature trail and a café.
Highlights
- Steam and diesel quarry locomotives
- Passenger rides and brake van trips
- “Driver for a Fiver” diesel driving experience
- Ironstone wagons and quarry machinery
- Exhibition centre and conservation workshop
- Nature trail on reclaimed quarry land
- Founded
- 1979
Admission & discounts
| Adults | £6 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | £4Thursday viewing day child price. |
| Families | £152 adults and up to 3 children (Thursday viewing day). |
| Steam or diesel operating day – adult | £10Child £6, family £25 (2 adults and up to 3 children) |
| Quarry Railway day – adult | £12Child £8, family £30 (2 adults and up to 3 children) |
| “Diesel Driver for a Fiver” day – adult | £6Child £4, family £15; the driving experience costs £5 extra per adult (over 16 only) |
Prices depend on the type of day. Tuesday viewing days (railway not operating) were free with a donation suggested; Thursday viewing days cost £6 for adults. All listed days run 10:00 to 16:00.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The free car park has a firm, level ash surface and two spaces for visitors with limited mobility. The platform and exhibition centre are reached by a wooden crossing and a short steep ramp, and the quarry viewing area by a short steep slope; volunteers can help wheelchair users and parents with buggies. One wheelchair is available on site, there is one accessible toilet near the café, and large print information is provided. The nearest Changing Places toilet is in Oakham, about 4 miles away. Dogs are welcome on a lead.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Family ticket | £15 · 2 adults and up to 3 children (Thursday viewing day). |
|---|
Steam and diesel train rides and seasonal events such as an Easter Bunny Hunt appeal to families, and family tickets cover 2 adults and up to 3 children.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Sun Inn, Main Street, Cottesmore
The nearest railway station is Oakham, about 4 miles away. Rutland Flyer R2 and route 185 buses stop in Cottesmore on Main Street outside the Sun Inn, about a mile’s walk from the museum.
By car
Free parking
Free car park a short walk from the entrance with a firm, level surface.
- Accessible parking
Sat nav: “Rutland Railway Museum” or LE15 7FF. The museum lies on the National Byway (Oakham Loop) cycle route.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
The Sundew Café serves light refreshments on most open days (closed on Tuesday viewing days).
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Conducted tours are available by prior arrangement, and group visits (including a driving experience) can be arranged with the curator. |
