NTHC - Nottingham Transport Heritage Centre
Step back in time at Ruddington’s transport museum and heritage railway, where steam trains, vintage buses, and miniature rides bring transport history to life.
Nestled in the village of Ruddington, the Nottingham Transport Heritage Centre is a lively heritage railway and transport museum where history comes alive. Home to the Great Central Railway (Nottingham), it features a working steam and diesel railway, a large ride-on miniature railway, vintage buses, model railways, and a heritage café. Open on weekends and special event days, it’s a hands-on destination for families, rail enthusiasts, and anyone who loves the golden age of transport.
A brief summary to NTHC - Nottingham Transport Heritage Centre
- Heritage Railway, Ruddington Fields Station, Mere Way, Nottingham, Ruddington, NG11 6JS, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
- Sunday 10 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Check the official website before visiting, as opening days and train services are seasonal and event-based, with most operations on weekends and bank holidays from spring to autumn.
- Arrive early on event days to avoid queues for the miniature railway and heritage train rides, especially during popular themed events like the Jingle Bell Express.
- Bring a camera: the vintage buses, steam locomotives, and period carriages make for excellent photo opportunities, particularly on sunny days when the trains are steaming up.
- Combine your visit with a walk in Rushcliffe Country Park, which borders the site and offers pleasant woodland and open-space trails for a longer day out.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Car
From Nottingham city centre, head south on the A60 towards Loughborough. The centre is clearly signposted as the Nottingham Transport Heritage Centre, just south of Ruddington village. There is a dedicated car park on site, but it can fill up quickly on busy event days, so arriving early is advisable.
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Bus
Nottingham City Transport operates the 10X bus route from Nottingham city centre to Ruddington. The stop is a short walk from the heritage centre entrance. Service frequency is moderate, so checking the timetable in advance is recommended, especially on weekends and event days.
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Walking
From Ruddington village centre, the heritage centre is about a 15–20 minute walk along Mere Way. The route is mostly flat and well-surfaced, suitable for families and pushchairs, with clear signage leading to the site entrance.
NTHC - Nottingham Transport Heritage Centre location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Clear Skies
Discover more about NTHC - Nottingham Transport Heritage Centre
Where Steam and History Meet
Tucked away on the southern edge of Ruddington, the Nottingham Transport Heritage Centre occupies a former Ministry of Defence site transformed into a vibrant transport museum and heritage railway. This is the home base of the Great Central Railway (Nottingham), a preserved section of the historic Great Central Main Line that once linked London to the Midlands and the North. Today, the site buzzes with the sounds of steam whistles, diesel engines, and the chatter of visitors exploring locomotives, carriages, and a fascinating collection of vintage buses that once served Nottingham and the surrounding region.A Living Transport Museum
The centre is much more than just a railway. Inside the main buildings, visitors can wander among beautifully restored heritage buses, each with its own story of decades of service. A large model railway display offers intricate scenes of bygone rail life, while a ride-on miniature railway gives younger guests their own thrilling journey. The site also hosts a model railway club and a vintage emporium, adding layers of charm for collectors and nostalgia lovers. A heritage café and shop provide refreshments and souvenirs, making it easy to spend a full day immersed in transport history.Riding the Great Central Line
The heart of the experience is the full-size heritage railway that runs from Ruddington Fields Station along part of the former Great Central Main Line. On selected weekends and special event days, steam and diesel locomotives haul carriages along this scenic stretch, recreating the atmosphere of mid-20th-century rail travel. The line currently operates between Ruddington Fields and Rushcliffe Halt, with plans in the longer term to extend services further. The nearby Rushcliffe Country Park surrounds the site, offering pleasant walks and green space that complement the railway experience.Family Fun and Special Events
Designed with families in mind, the centre is a relaxed, hands-on destination where children can ride the miniature railway, explore buses, and watch trains being prepared in the sheds. The site regularly hosts themed events such as the Jingle Bell Express at Christmas, vintage vehicle rallies, and special guest locomotive appearances. These events draw rail enthusiasts and casual visitors alike, creating a friendly, community atmosphere. The combination of rides, displays, and live steam action makes it a standout day out for all ages.Practical Visitor Experience
The centre is open on most weekends and bank holidays, typically from April to October, with additional festive services in December. Ruddington Fields Station serves as the main access point, with parking, toilets, a café, and visitor information on site. The layout is generally flat and accessible, making it suitable for families with pushchairs and visitors with limited mobility, though some areas may be uneven. Whether you’re a dedicated railfan or simply looking for a nostalgic day out, the Nottingham Transport Heritage Centre offers a warm, engaging glimpse into Britain’s transport past.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Old Trent Bridge
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Statue of Captain Albert Ball
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St Nic's Church
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King Charles I Standard Hill Monument
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Weekday Cross Monument
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Citylife UK
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St Peter's Church, Nottingham
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The Tokenhouse
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Right Lion
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The Hockley Arts Club
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The Left Lion
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Speakers' Corner
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Watson Fothergill's Office
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Unmissable attractions to see
Rushcliffe Country Park
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A sprawling 210-acre country park near Nottingham offering nature trails, wildlife habitats, family playgrounds, and tranquil lakeside escapes.
Framework Knitters Museum
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Authentic Victorian knitting workshops where 400 years of textile heritage comes alive through original machines and immersive social history.
Beeston Lock
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Nottingham War Memorial Gardens
5.6 km
A serene riverside sanctuary in Nottingham honoring military sacrifice with historic memorials and tranquil gardens.
Attenborough Nature Reserve
6.2 km
Discover serene lakes, rich birdlife, and peaceful trails at Attenborough Nature Reserve, a celebrated wildlife sanctuary near Nottingham.
Highfields Park
6.3 km
A historic 21-hectare park in Nottingham offering boating, adventure golf, scenic walks, and family-friendly fun near the university campus.
King's Meadow Nature Reserve
6.4 km
A vibrant urban nature reserve in Nottingham blending meadows, streams, and woodland for a peaceful wildlife retreat.
Statue of Honeycomb
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A lifesize tribute to Beeston’s bee heritage, this serene beekeeper statue blends nature and urban life on High Road.
The University of Nottingham Museum of Archaeology
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Explore 250,000 years of regional archaeology at the University of Nottingham’s award-winning museum, set within the vibrant Lakeside Arts Centre.
Nottingham City of Literature
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Manor Farm Park & Woodlands
6.7 km
Explore rescued animals, expansive play areas, and scenic woodlands at Manor Farm Park & Woodlands—an ideal family day out near Loughborough.
Nottingham Beeston Canal (Art
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Hopkinson
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Nottingham City Council
7.1 km
Central Nottingham’s modern civic heart, housing the City Council and vital public services in a contemporary landmark opposite the railway station.
Mortimer’s hole
7.2 km
Explore Mortimer’s Hole, a secret medieval tunnel beneath Nottingham Castle steeped in history and mystery.
Essential places to dine
Perkins Bar & Bistro
4.2 km
A stylish modern British bistro in a restored Victorian railway station, serving creative, seasonal dishes in the peaceful Nottinghamshire village of Plumtree.
Harvester Wilford Farm Nottingham
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Restaurant Sat Bains with Rooms
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Cleaver & Wake
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Binks Yard
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Iberico World Tapas
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Fothergills
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World Service Restaurant
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Elegant Modern European dining in Nottingham’s historic Newdigate House, blending ambitious cuisine with warm, attentive service.
The Castle - Pub and Kitchen
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Pizzamisú
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The Cumin Restaurant
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Piccolino Nottingham
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Elegant Italian dining with classic flavors, a vibrant cocktail bar, and alfresco terrace in Nottingham’s city centre.
ViDa by Lorentes
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Hart's Hotel and Kitchen
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Stylish boutique hotel with contemporary comfort and acclaimed dining, set steps from Nottingham Castle in a peaceful city centre courtyard.
The Roundhouse Bar & Kitchen
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Historic charm meets casual dining with local craft beers and hearty pub classics in Nottingham’s city centre.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Nottingham’s trusted gift shop with fast dispatch, British-made products, and a vast selection for every occasion.
Treat Boutique
3.9 km
A charming independent gift shop in Keyworth, Nottingham, offering stylish, affordable treasures for every occasion in a warm, welcoming setting.
The Little Boutique Co UK Ltd
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A stylish ladies’ boutique in Keyworth offering fresh fashion, unique gifts, and warm, personalized service in a charming village setting.
Iguazu Fair Trade Superstore
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Discover unique, ethically sourced gifts and homewares that support global artisans at Iguazu Fair Trade Superstore in Nottingham.
Castle Marina Retail Park
6.8 km
Nottingham's go-to retail park for home essentials, pet supplies, and coffee breaks, with free parking and canal-side convenience.
Lulu Brandy Vintage
7.0 km
Discover timeless style and sustainable fashion at Lulu Brandy Vintage, Nottingham’s premier vintage clothing boutique.
Common Choice
7.5 km
Curated fashion finds on Nottingham's historic Standard Hill—unique clothing blending trends, quality, and local flair for effortless style.
ChicChoiceHub
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Discover Eastern elegance on Nottingham's historic Standard Hill at ChicChoiceHub, where oriental treasures meet Civil War legacy in a treasure trove of Asian artistry and crafts.
Garms Nottingham
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Discover unique vintage streetwear and stylish outerwear at Garms Nottingham, a vibrant boutique nestled in the historic heart of Bridlesmith Gate.
Stick & Ribbon
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Relic x Hooked Nottingham
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18montrose
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Shop Zero
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White Stuff Nottingham
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Debbie Bryan | Nottingham Lace Market
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Canalhouse
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Pitcher & Piano Nottingham
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Cock & Hoop
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Ye Olde Salutation Inn
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Brass Monkey
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The Blind Rabbit
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Coco Tang -Cocktail Bar
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All Bar One Nottingham
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Pepper Rocks
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The Bierkeller Nottingham
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Penny Lane
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Bunk
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Ocean Nightclub
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The Brickworks
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The Cell
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ICON
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Tunnel Club
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Popworld - Nottingham
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Tantra Night Clubs
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Dive into Nottingham's electric nightlife at Tantra Night Clubs, where pulsating beats, dazzling lights, and stylish vibes create unforgettable nights of dance and discovery in the city center.
The Bodega Nottingham
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Eleven
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Wax Bar
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VIBES NIGHTLIFE
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NG-One
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A large, late‑night Nottingham club with multiple dancefloors, strong sound and long weekend hours — built for night owls and student crowds.
Unit 13
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Dive into Nottingham's underground bassline haven at Unit 13, where industrial beats and stellar DJs fuel unforgettable warehouse raves.
Love zoo
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Dive into Nottingham's electrifying beats at Love Zoo, where house rhythms, dazzling lights, and cocktail-fueled nights create pure nightlife magic on Weekday Cross.
CRISIS
8.0 km
Experience Nottingham’s legendary live music and nightlife at Rock City, a vibrant venue with a rich history and dynamic club nights.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Retro Vibes
- Vintage Styles
- Industrial Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Skyline
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly