Business Details
42 Years
experience
Heritage Railway & Transport Museum in Rushden
Established in 1984, R H T S is a registered charity dedicated to preserving and promoting transport heritage through its museum, heritage railway, and community initiatives. Our team of dedicated volunteers has spent decades restoring historic buildings and vehicles, operating a half-mile heritage railway line, and maintaining a transport museum housed in a Victorian station building. We offer educational group visits, private event hire, and regular public events while maintaining strong ties to local history through our award-winning Station Bar and Goods Shed community hub. Our operations rely heavily on donations and volunteer contributions to continue preserving Rushden's transport legacy for future generations. 
Services
Heritage railway rides
Transport museum access
Station bar services
Event venue hire
Buffet carriage catering
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- Volunteer-driven charity with 40 years of heritage preservation experience
- Award-winning Station Bar with CAMRA National Club of the Year recognition
- Community hub combining historical preservation with modern event facilities
- Unique transport museum in original Victorian railway station building
- Operate both heritage railway and multi-functional event spaces
What people say
Great events throughout the year
Real ale delight
Immaculate station
Fantastic service
5-star place
Services
Heritage railway rides
Our heritage railway operates regular passenger train rides using a Class 142 'Pacer' diesel unit along half a mile of track. Steam and diesel locomotives under restoration showcase transport history, with special event days featuring themed journeys. The railway forms part of Rushden's preserved transport heritage, connecting visitors with the town's industrial past through authentic rail experiences.
Transport museum access
Housed in a Victorian Midland Railway Station building from 1894, our transport museum displays local transport history through road and rail exhibits. The collection includes vehicles, ephemera, and artefacts reflecting Rushden's development through transport. Educational group visits and school trips are available, with volunteer guides providing historical context and insights into the region's transport heritage.
Station bar services
The award-winning Station Bar serves real ales, craft ciders, wines, and spirits in original period surroundings with traditional gas lighting. Recognised by CAMRA with multiple awards including National Club of the Year, it offers a unique visitor experience with quiz nights, skittles league, and special events. The bar supports local causes through its entertainments fund while maintaining historical authenticity.
Event venue hire
Our Goods Shed and buffet carriage provide versatile event spaces for weddings, private functions, and community gatherings. The Goods Shed combines heritage features with modern facilities, while the buffet carriage offers intimate dining experiences. Both venues showcase transport heritage while accommodating diverse event requirements with flexible configurations and period ambiance.
Buffet carriage catering
The 1930s Gresley Buffet Carriage provides catering services for special occasions with homemade cakes and afternoon teas. Available for private hire, it serves lunches, snacks, and drinks in a historic rail setting. The carriage maintains original design elements while offering modern catering options, creating memorable dining experiences that combine culinary quality with transport heritage.
Questions
What are the opening times for the transport museum?
The museum opens on event days from 10:45 AM to 3:30 PM and Saturdays between April and October from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Group visits can be arranged by prior agreement.
Does the society accept donations?
Yes, we welcome donations to support our heritage preservation work. Admission to the museum is free, but voluntary contributions help maintain our historic collections and facilities.
Can I volunteer with the transport society?
We actively seek volunteers for railway operations, museum work, and bar services. Contact us through our website to discuss available roles and training opportunities.
What special events are available?
We host themed train rides, quiz nights, skittles league, and seasonal events like Santa brunches. The Goods Shed venue hosts weddings and private functions throughout the year.
Is the site accessible for disabled visitors?
The station site has wheelchair access via a sloped pathway. While all rooms are accessible, some heritage vehicles may have limited access. Disabled parking is available by prior arrangement.
What historical significance does the railway hold?
Built by Midland Railway in 1894, this former branch line played vital role in Rushden's boot and shoe industry transport. Passenger services resumed in 2009 after 50 years, preserving local industrial heritage.
Reviews (7)
Harry H.
Dec 25, 2021
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Went on the mince pie special it was so lovely. All the staff were so friendly and welcoming. Good cup of tea and mince pie. Would highly recommend and we will visit again.
David Shearman
Dec 12, 2021
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I just wanted to say thank you to you all for absolutely making our son’s day.
We’ve just come back from your Santa’s brunch event, and the staff were all absolutely incredible. Early on we had to almost abandon it but they all did so much to help, all the elves firstly in the buffet car, then in the train the staff were so kind and did everything… possible to make our little boy feel so incredibly special. They listened to his passion about trains. answered all his questions and let him ride up front! Of course even Santa came to see him and chatted with him, and his gift
We’ve just come back from your Santa’s brunch event, and the staff were all absolutely incredible. Early on we had to almost abandon it but they all did so much to help, all the elves firstly in the buffet car, then in the train the staff were so kind and did everything… possible to make our little boy feel so incredibly special. They listened to his passion about trains. answered all his questions and let him ride up front! Of course even Santa came to see him and chatted with him, and his gift
Trisha Laxton
Sep 26, 2021
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Attended at the beer festival on Saturday night. Really great selections of ale and other drinks. Fab music from the live band .
Richard Frost
Sep 15, 2021
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I visited on sat when there was a train exhibition. Volunteers were very helpful. Food good value. A really good place to visit. Had a train ride which was fantastic. Facilities very clean. Would highly recommend
Brew Stew
Aug 17, 2021
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Cosy pub and train carriages to sit and drink in. Cheap beers and great company make this a great place to visit, even better if you're into trains. Membership is cheap too if you want to go there when no public events are on.
Rachel Riches
Aug 09, 2021
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We celebrated my in laws ruby wedding anniversary here yesterday. It was incredible, the level of detail that when in for each guessed and different age group was fantastic. The high tea is one of the best I… have ever had. The buffet carriage it’s ideal for family or friends it’s so private. Thank you too Vicky and Delphine for going out of there way to make this a perfect day. We loved every minute of it.
Tanya Hinds
Jul 30, 2021
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We were there for a private birthday party, and what a wonderful space! Light and airy with good facilities and the addition of some great exhibits of a yester-world, definitely would go again.
