Statement from Barrow Hill Roundhouse
It is with the utmost sadness that we have made the decision to temporarily close Barrow Hill Roundhouse to our weekend visitors.
This has not been a decision taken lightly in the year that the Roundhouse celebrates its 150th birthday but the welfare and safety of our visitors, staff and volunteers is of the utmost importance. As the country comes together to deal with the threat of coronavirus we must all do what we can to overcome it.
We do not know when we will be able to reopen and will follow the Government’s advice before we make that decision.
In the meantime you can still keep in touch with us through our website and social media channels on Facebook and Twitter.
Stay safe and take care.
The Roundhouse Team
Welcome to Barrow Hill, Britain's last surviving working Roundhouse...
Whatever your memories of Britain’s railways you’ll be amazed at what you can see at Barrow Hill and its preserved Roundhouse.
Barrow Hill Roundhouse is the last surviving railway roundhouse in the United Kingdom with an operational turntable. Built in 1870, it was threatened with demolition in 1991 when the site was closed by British Rail. It was saved by a group of dedicated volunteers who have transformed it into a unique railway museum and events venue.
As well as the turntable and shear legs (lifting gear), it has a changing display of steam and diesel locomotives and other rolling stock, an operational signal box, the Roundhouse Halt platform and Springwell Branch running line. Interpretative displays using items from the Museum’s own collection bring the fascinating story of the Roundhouse and the surrounding area vividly to life.
The Roundhouse has an exciting calendar of events throughout the year including regular favourites such as the Rail Ale Beer & Music Festival and a series of weekend themed activities for all the family. Details of forthcoming events can be found on our What’s On page.
Barrow Hill is also home to the Deltic Preservation Society's maintenance depot and museum, adjacent to the Roundhouse. The Deltic Preservation Society's depot is open on Saturdays 10am-4pm, and during some of Barrow Hill's special events.
Entry by donation.
Charges apply on special event days.
Cafe available for food and refreshments.
Please visit our shop selling railway memorabilia and souvenirs.
Our opening hours are Saturdays and Sundays 10.00am-4.00pm. Closed Monday to Friday, including Bank Holidays.
There is a diversion in place due to a road closure at Junction 29a of the M1; this will add approximately 10 minutes to your journey time if you use this route to reach the Roundhouse. This diversion will be in place until 31st March 2015.
Barrow Hill Social Evenings
We now have confirmed details of our Social Evenings for 2020...
Click here to view a full list of the talks and presentations taking place in 2020.
Become a Roundhouse Top Link business sponsor . . .
Roundhouse Top Link is an exclusive group of 24 business sponsors – the number of ‘roads’ leading from the turntable.
We are delighted to announce our two latest Top Link Business sponsors; Pindari Ltd and T&C Williams (Builders) Ltd. Through recruiting more sponsors we hope to raise just over £40,000 of match funding for the Moving Forward project at Barrow Hill.
Please click here for more information.
