HISTORY

The Nottingham Transport Heritage Centre comprises an area of eleven and a half acres, along with buildings, set within Rushcliffe Country Park, Ruddington, created from the one-time Ministry of Defence ordnance and disposal depot. The depot was once rail connected to the Great Central main line and volunteers have re-laid the track, following that old route, from the Heritage Centre to the main line.

With the help of the local councils, derelict land grants were obtained to repair the roofs of all the buildings and to replace the battered ex-military corrugated iron cladding with something more presentable. Before the centre opened in August 1993, volunteers had laid the first lengths of new track, and connected electricity, water and telephone systems.

Easter 1994 saw train services commence with a train and a single  coach running from a temporary platform over half a mile to Asher Lane Level Crossing. In the summer of 1995 this service was extended another half mile to the 50 steps bridge junction, where it intersected the old main line. The temporary platform, although now extended to accommodate 3-coach trains, is still in use until money can be found to build a permanent structure. We are establishing a various interest centre,  including vintage public road transport vehicles, miniature railway and museum of local interest, together with standard gauge railway storage and restoration. Other items will be added in the future; for instance, it is hoped to create a replica of the Nottingham London Road Low Level Station complete with a square containing period buildings.

There are three refreshment outlets run by the Centre and the main Centre Cafe provides many other facilities including children’s party packages, which prove very popular. These, at present, only run during the open season from Easter to the end of October.

The Nottingham Transport Heritage Centre's position within a country park not only enhances its appeal for the visitor but also provides attractive scenery, pleasant footpath walks, wildlife lake and picnic sites for the tourist. One of the footpaths crosses the railway track via a footbridge, provided by Nottinghamshire County Council. The footbridge, crossing the rail approach to the proposed new Ruddington station, gives superb views of both Country Park and Heritage Centre. Visitors will be able to savour the experience of bygone eras together with a sojourn with nature.

 

More than just a steam railway!!