By Susan Shaw
Looking for a brilliant, value-for-money family day out close to home? Look no further than Rutland's own Rocks By Rail museum in Cottesmore. This Spring Bank Holiday weekend Sunday, 24th May and Monday, 25th May 2026 the living history museum is throwing open its gates for two action-packed days of industrial heritage, train rides, and heavy machinery demonstrations.
Whether you are a lifelong rail enthusiast or a family searching for an engaging weekend activity, this unique attraction offers an immersive journey back into the region’s rich ironstone mining history.
The museum will be fully operational from 10:00 to 16:00 on both days, but each day offers a slightly different flavor of activities:
Sunday, 24th May: The weekend kicks off with unlimited brake van rides along the museum's demonstration line. The best part? You can ride the rails as many times as you like, as all rides are completely included in your standard admission price.
Monday, 25th May: The excitement ramps up on Bank Holiday Monday. Alongside the continuing brake van rides, visitors will treat themselves to a live quarry demonstration. Watch massive vintage excavators roar to life and see authentic ironstone wagons being actively shunted around the tracks, recreating a typical day in the historic East Midlands ironstone industry.
Rocks By Rail is much more than just a train platform; it is an expansive, open-air museum spread across a historic quarry landscape.
Inside the Simon Layfield Exhibition Centre, you will find detailed dioramas, historical displays, and even a fascinating local fossil collection that unlocks the geological history of the ironstone fields.
Stepping outside, you can explore an impressive collection of:
Historic industrial steam and diesel locomotives
Authentic ironstone quarry rolling stock and wagons
Vintage steam shovels and massive quarry excavators
Exploring an open-air museum is hungry work! Luckily, the museum's Sundew Cafe will be open on both days. The cafe will be serving a variety of hot and cold drinks, sweet treats, and light snacks. If you want the authentic volunteer experience, make sure to grab one of their ever-popular, freshly made bacon cobs to power through your afternoon of exploring.
Opening Times: 10:00 – 16:00 daily
Venue Address: Rocks By Rail, Ashwell Road, Cottesmore, Rutland, LE15 7FF
Parking: Large on-site car park (Free)
Highlight Attraction: Unlimited brake van rides (Both days) & Live quarry shunting (Monday only)
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