Statfold Country Park

About the museum

Statfold Barn Railway was founded in 2005 by Graham Lee as a private project to preserve and run historic narrow gauge locomotives from around the world. It grew into a visitor attraction on the Ashby Road near Tamworth with a 2 ft gauge line, and from 2022 a 12¼ inch gauge line, the Mease Valley Light Railway, with further stations was added. The Statfold Narrow Gauge Museum Trust, a registered charity, was set up in August 2017 to secure the future of the collection of railway stock beyond the lives of its owners.

The Roundhouse Museum shows more than 20 steam and diesel engines on two levels, with a turntable, branching tracks and interactive videos and information boards. Highlights include Minas de Aller No. 2, the oldest narrow gauge locomotive at Statfold and the only working French-built example, Saccharine, which survived a fall down an embankment in Durban in 1915, the Tasmanian compound locomotive K1, the Mallet locomotive Jatibarang No. 9, and Statfold and Jack Lane, both built at Statfold Works in 2005.

In March 2024 the trust agreed a partnership with the Fairground Heritage Trust after its Dingles Fairground Museum closed. Most of that collection moved to Statfold, where it is now shown as the National Fairground Museum, while the Fairground Heritage Trust remains the owner of the collection. The park also has a children's role-play village, a soft-play barn, outdoor play areas and mini golf, and runs events through the year.

Highlights

• Roundhouse Museum with more than 20 steam and diesel narrow gauge locomotives
• 2 ft gauge heritage railway and a 12¼ inch gauge miniature line
• National Fairground Museum with vintage rides and arcade
• Little Statfold role-play village and Toby's Barn soft play
• Locomotives such as Minas de Aller No. 2 and Jatibarang No. 9

Permanent exhibitions

• Roundhouse Museum – More than 20 steam and diesel narrow gauge locomotives from around the world, shown on two levels around a turntable with interactive videos.
• National Fairground Museum Statfold – Vintage fairground rides, including a ghost train and a Moonrocket, and arcade machines, with ride tokens sold separately.
• Statfold Barn Railway – A 2 ft gauge heritage railway and a 12¼ inch gauge line with several stations, hauled by steam and diesel engines on Peak Days.

Founded

2005

Operated by

Statfold Narrow Gauge Museum Trust Ltd

Admission & discounts

The booking page shows each Peak Day price (adult £15.95, child £18.95, senior £12.95, family £65) next to a lower price of £10 (family £40); the lower price is entered here. Prices on special event weekends differ. Ride tokens for the fairground museum are sold separately. Booking in advance is advised, and payment at the gate is decided event by event.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• 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 site is relatively flat with level access to all public areas, and lifts serve all upper floors, including the museum mezzanine and gallery. All the trains can carry visitors with reduced mobility, except Burton and Ashby Tram No. 14, which cannot be adapted. Accessible toilets are in public and staff areas. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome on site but not in the cafés, catering areas or Toby's Barn.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities
• Playground / play area
• Kids’ birthday parties

Family features include Toby's Barn, a three-tier soft-play barn, the Little Statfold role-play village, outdoor play parks and mini golf. Baby changing areas are in the museum and the transport museum or arena, and there is a private nursing compartment in a carriage in the courtyard. Under-2s are free and PLAYday Fridays are priced at £5 for adults and children.

Getting there & parking

The park is on Ashby Road and is reached from M42 junction 11 or through Tamworth on the B5493. The museum advises entering Statfold Country Park into the satnav rather than the postcode; the what3words location is marked.theme.unique.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Café Diane's, reached via the Museum Hall, is open on General Opening Days and special events; Café Carousel in the fairground museum is a new concept from September 2026; licensed bars and Christopher's Kitchen open only for some events. Gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan and dairy-free options are available, and picnics are allowed in designated spots. There is a Statfold Shop and no cash machine on site.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Birthday parties and venue hire are offered, and corporate and private event enquiries go to events@statfold.com.

Plan your visit