Explore Elsecar Heritage Centre and Railway
Come and explore Elsecar’s historical industrial heritage. The restored ironworks and colliery workshops are home to Elsecar Visitor Centre which houses a small exhibition about Elsecar’s past. With a nearby park, canal-side walks and access to the Trans Pennine Trail, Elsecar has a lot to offer.
You will also find a variety of individual craft workshops, artist studios, antique centres and exhibitions alongside a children’s indoor play centre and café.
Throughout the year the centre regularly hosts a range of events from farmers markets, craft fairs to guided tours to even Mamma Mia Mania. For further information on all events visit the Elsecar Heritage website.
Admission to the site is free, although some events may charge an entry fee.
Elsecar Heritage Railway
At the rear of the Heritage Centre you will find South Yorkshire’s only Heritage Railway. Currently operating on a one mile section of track, passengers are pulled by a selection of steam and diesel engines, with a variety of coaching stock.
The railway dates back to 1850 and was built to carry iron and coal for Earl Fitzwilliam’s industrial empire.
The trains operate every Sunday with a variety of events throughout the year including Teddy Bear and Santa Specials. The railway specialises in running, 4 days a week from Easter to Halloween, Footplate Experience Courses where you can find out what it is like to crew a steam or diesel engine.
Prices are £5.00 adults, £4.00 Concessions and £2.50 Child (up to 16), Children under 2 travel for free (please note prices may vary for an event)
For full timetable details visit the Elsecar Railway website.
How to get there by public transport?
- From Barnsley: Catch the train to Elsecar (8 minutes). Alternatively catch the bus, Stagecoach service 66 from Barnsley Interchange operating approximately every 10 minutes.
- From Doncaster: You can catch the train to Meadowhall and catch a connecting train to either Leeds or Huddersfield and get off at Elsecar train station. Alternatively, you could catch the train to Rotherham and then the bus, service number 227 operated by TM Travel.
- From Rotherham: You can catch the train or X1 Steel Link bus service to Meadowhall and catch a connecting train to either Leeds or Huddersfield and get off at Elsecar train station. Alternatively and the shorter route, you could catch the bus, service number 136 operated by First.
- From Sheffield: Catch the train to Elsecar (17 minutes).
Please note from Elsecar train station it’s about a 10 minute walk to the Heritage Centre
Plan your journey there using our journey planner.
What is the best thing about the place/attraction? When is the best time to visit?
There is always something different to do at Elsecar Heritage Centre and Railway, with a regular events calendar throughout the year.
The good thing is that both attractions are open all year round with different things to do in every season.
Accessibility?
Elsecar Heritage Centre: There is wheelchair access to Elsecar Heritage Centre and most areas of the Centre are accessible by wheelchair. Due to the historical nature of the buildings, some areas may be difficult to access. The site is fully wheelchair and mobility vehicle accessible. Disabled toilets are available on site.
Elsecar Heritage Railway: Customers with disabilities or using a wheelchair are welcome. Please ask station staff for assistance to board the train. As the carriages are from the 1950s they do not have wheelchair accessible doors, however on most services they are able to offer a ride in the Guard’s Van, through the wide parcels doors. They have a ramp to make access easy with a Porter to assist you. Please phone 01226 746746 in advance to check that that they are able to accommodate you on the day you wish to travel. A wheelchair accessible toilet is available on the station.
If you go there, don’t miss…
There are some lovely cafes offering homemade food at Elsecar Heritage Centre such as Brambles teas room and The Pantry and why not support some of the independent shops based there such as WoWhoW toy shop.
You can also support the Heritage Railway which is run entirely by volunteers and is very reasonable priced.
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