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Transport Trails in Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland

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This guide provides visitors with highlights of a number of themed transport trails in Leicestershire,Northamptonshire and Rutland. We have providedsome suggestions of additional places to visit,pubs, restaurants and tearooms in the area. However, this is just a small selection of what thearea has to offer. For full details on each of thetrails, in downloadable formats, additional ideas,short breaks and special offers, please visit www.goleicestershire.com/transport-trails.

A copy of this guide is available online. Large printformat is also available, please call 0844 888 5181.

This brochure is produced by Leicester Shire Promotions Limited, the official destination management organisation for Leicester and Leicestershire. All information was believed to becorrect at the time of going to press. LeicesterShire Promotions cannot accept liability for inaccuracies, omissions or subsequent alterationsin information supplied. You are advised to checkopening times, prices etc before your visit to avoiddisappointment.

Don’t forget to allow time for a pub lunch or afternoontea at one of the many tearooms in thearea and look out for other historic sites along theway – there are lots of suggestions in this guideand even more on the website – www.goleicestershire.com/transport-trails

This is not an exhaustive list. There is so much tosee and do, why not spend a few days exploringthe area? Details of overnight accommodation canbe found on the websitewww.goleicestershire.com/transport-trails

WINGSTrail 1

SywellDiscover the history of theaerodrome and aviation inNorthamptonshire at Sywell Aviation Museum.

For more information see www.goleicestershire.com/transport-trails

BruntingthorpeVisit Bruntingthorpeon one of the opendays – an ideal opportunity to getclose to the aircraft.

HarringtonSee war medals and uniforms, weapons and unique film footage from World War Two at the Carpetbagger Aviation Museum.

LutterworthSee a champagne bottle

signed by Sir Frank Whittle at Lutterworth Museum.

WHEELSFollow this trail to learn about the history of therailways in our area. You’ll meet lots of enthusiasticvolunteers who are very knowledgeable aboutthe museums and their histories.

NorthamptonVisit the Northampton & Lamport Railway andmeet the Pitsford Home Guard Living History Unit.Learn how many railway workers volunteered forthe Home Guard during World War Two and lookout for the special living history events. Meet someof the volunteers and hear about their plans forrestoring the station, engines and line.

RushdenAt Rushden Historical Transport Museum you canrelive the days of old as you wander around the railwaystationmaster’s office, the ticket office and waitingroom whilst looking at memorabilia. There arealso road vehicles to look at, including an old fireengine. See their events list and visit for a TeddyBear’s Picnic or World War Two living history event.

ShackerstoneTake a look in the Shackerstone Railway Museumat the Battlefield Line and smell the authenticaroma of old oil lamps. With over 3000, items inthe museum allow lots of time to explore as wellas taking a ride on one of the trains.

Trail 2

Brampton Halt, Chapel Brampton; The Rising Sun, Shackerstone; The Swan, Lamport

Rocks by Rail, Cottesmore; Market Harborough Station;

Northamptonshire Ironstone Railway Trust, Northampton

DISCOVER THE IMPORTANCE OF TRANSPORT IN LEICESTERSHIRE, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE & RUTLAND

Aviation has played an important role in thisarea’s history. Follow this trail and hear aboutsecret missions, engineering pioneers and thehardships of war.

BruntingthorpeLook out for the open days at the Cold War JetsMuseum. You will see the incrediblespectacle ofaircraft that are in working condition carry out fullpower taxi runs along the main runway.This is anideal opportunity to get close to the aircraft.

LutterworthVisit Lutterworth and drive past a full-size replicaof the Gloster E.28/39, the first British jet propelledaircraft. It has been erected as a monumentto SirFrank Whittle, inventor of the jet engine. It can befound in the centre of a roundabout on theA4303/A426 close to M1 junction 20.

Travel on to the market town of Lutterworth andvisit the local museum to see memorabilia aboutSir Frank Whittle and the first jet engine.

HarringtonVisit the Carpetbagger Aviation Museum and findout how secret agents and supplies were deliveredto resistance groups in Occupied Europe duringWorld War Two.

The Northamptonshire Aviation Museum is locatedon the same site and in the old Paymaster’s Officeare displays about the Home Front, wartime instrumentation and other memorabilia.

SywellAt Sywell Aerodrome imagine yourself as a civilianat the time of World War Two and see how youwould have lived and prepared your family for anair raid. See a wartime kitchen and the limitedsupplies that you would have had to prepare afamily meal.

ShackerstoneThere are over 100 lamps ranging from signal to hand lamps and some of them are still regularly lit.

For more information see www.goleicestershire.com/transport-trails

NorthamptonEnjoy a chat with one of the volunteers who will behappy to tell you about the history of the museum.

RushdenEnjoy exploring the

stationmaster’s office while waiting for a trainto pull into the station.

WATERWAYSStop rushing around and enjoy spending timewatching colourful narrowboats travelling alongthe numerous canals in the area. Instead of seeingcoal or stone being transported around the country,you’ll see visitors and families enjoying a holidayon these canals.

FoxtonSpend an afternoon watching the narrowboats travelthrough the series of ten locks at Foxton. In themuseum discover the history of the inclined planeand the people who lived and worked on the canalsin days gone by. Make time for refreshments asthere is a good choice of places to eat and drink on site.

Market HarboroughVisit Union Wharf just outside the town of MarketHarborough and enjoy a drink or meal whilewatching the comings and goings of the boats.

Stoke BruerneThe Canal Museum is housed in an old corn mill atthe side of the canal. Follow the story of Britain’scanals from the great engineers and navvies whocreated them, to the boat families, leggers andlock keepers who lived and worked on them. Theaudio tour takes you through the museum andalong the tow path to the mouth of the BlisworthTunnel.

Trail 3

Stoke BruerneListen for a narrowboat making its way through theBlisworth Tunnel and follow its path to the Canal Museum where you can listen to stories of old via the audio trail.

For more information see www.goleicestershire.com/transport-trails

FoxtonTake time to watch a narrowboat negotiate theseries of ten locks and walk along the towpath exploring the countryside.

Market HarboroughEnjoy a drink while

watching the narrowboatscome and go at the wharf

and then walk into thetown and visit

Harborough Museum.

TOURIST INFORMATIONCENTRES

For more information on Leicestershire,Northamptonshire and Rutland contact one of thelocal tourist information centres who will be ableto give you lots of information about other placesto visit, special events and where to eat and drink.Why not extend your visit? The tourist informationcentres can book a short break for you in a qualityassessed hotel, bed and breakfast or self-cateringcottage. If you wish to bring a group or coach toour area contact groups@goleicestershire.comfor help with your visit.

Anglian Water Tourist Information CentreSykes LaneEmpinghamOakham, Rutland LE15 8QLTelephone: 01780 686 800Email: tic@anglianwater.co.ukwww.anglianwater.co.uk

Leicester Tourist Information Centre7-9 Every StreetTown Hall SquareLeicester LE1 6AG Telephone: 0844 888 5181 Email: info@goleicestershire.comwww.goleicestershire.com

Northampton Tourist InformationSession HouseGeorge RowNorthampton NN1 1EDTelephone: 01604 367 997/8Email: TIC@northampton.gov.ukwww.northamptonshire.gov.uk

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For more information see www.goleicestershire.com/transport-trails

TAKE A SHORT BREAKTake a look at the website for a selection ofplaces to stay, short breaks and special offers– you’ll find lots of hotels, guest houses, selfcatering cottages and caravan and campsites to choose from. www.goleicestershire.com/transport-trails

The Navigation, Stoke Bruerne; Foxton Locks Inn,

Foxton; The Waterfront, Union Wharf, Market Harborough

Ashby Boat Company, Stoke Golding; North Kilworth Wharf, North Kilworth

Shackerstone Statio

nThe Ca

nal M

useum, Stoke Bruerne

Union Wharf, M

arket H

arborough

Blisworth Tunnel, Stoke Bruerne

Abbey Pumping Station, LeicesterBattlefield Line, Shackerstone

Replica Gloster E28/39, Lutterwroth

Shackerstone Station

The Canal Museum, Stoke Bruerne

Transport has always been important to the landlockedcounties of Leicestershire, Northamptonshire andRutland. To these counties, located in the heart ofEngland, transport has been vital for industry andthese wings, wheels and waterways trails give visitors a taste of the role they played in the historyof the region. The trails will give you lots of ideasfor days out spent exploring the transport heritageof the area. Spend a day, or plan a short break, exploring museums that celebrate the success ofaviation, railways and canals.

See a replica of Percy Pilcher’s flying machine atStanford Hall, take a guided tour around HarringtonAviation Museum and watch the boats work theirway up the series of ten locks at Foxton.

If you are organising a trip to our area for a groupor coach party, and you would like help with suggestions for an itinerary, contactgroups@goleicestershire.comor telephone 0116 299 6666 .

This guide provides a number of themed transporttrails that combine museums, attractions andcountry parks.

Follow one of these themed trails:• Wings • Wheels • Waterways

MUSEUMS AND PLACES TO VISITThis is a list of museums and places to visit thatare featured in our Transport Trails. Seewww.goleicestershire.com/transport-trails forfull details of opening times and contact details.

As some of these museums are operated by volunteers they may have limited opening hours,therefore when planning your visit please check inadvance for opening times to avoid disappointment.

1. Battlefield LineThe Battlefield Line is the lastremaining part of the formerAshby & Nuneaton Joint Railway which was opened in1873. It runs from Shackerstonevia Market Bosworth to Shenton in Leicestershire.Shackerstone Station is theheadquarters of the railwaywith museum, tea room, locoshed and main rolling stock.

Shackerstone StationShackerstoneLeicestershireCV13 6NW

Telephone: 01827 880 754Email: shackerstoneoffice@battlefield-line-railway.co.ukwww.battlefield-line-railway.co.ukGood for groups

2. The Canal MuseumThe Grand Union Canal atStoke Bruerne is a constantlymoving picture of passingnarrowboats and wildlife.Housed on two floors of a historic corn mill, the CanalMuseum provides an excellentoverview of the history ofBritain's canals. You'll findmodels of working narrowboats,traditional clothing, canalcrafts, a re-creation of a narrowboats builder’s workshop,beautiful old signs and more.

Stoke Bruernenear TowcesterNorthamptonshireNN12 7SE

Telephone: 01604 862 229Email: stokebruerne@thewaterwaystrust.org.ukwww.stokebruernecanalmuseum.org.ukGood for groups

3. Carpetbagger Harrington Aviation MuseumDisplays and exhibits withinthe museum depict the history of Harrington Airfield.The displays include the workcarried out during OperationCarpetbagger, when secretmissions to deliver agentsand supplies to resistancegroups in Occupied Europeduring World War Two tookplace. Take a tour with one ofthe guides and allow plenty oftime to see all the exhibits.

Sunny Vale Farm & Nurseryoff Lamport RoadHarringtonNorthamptonNN6 9PF

Telephone: 01604 686 608Email: Cbaggermuseum@aol.comwww.harringtonmuseum.org.ukGood for groups

4. Cold War Jets CollectionBruntingthorpe Aerodrome ishome to the Cold War Jet Collection including a Victor,Hunter, Canberra, Comet,Lightnings, Starfighter, Mystere, Sea Vixen, Buccaneersand a Jet Provost. The latestaircraft to join the museumfleet is a Nimrod MR2 whichcame straight from the RAF.

Bruntingthorpe ProvingGroundLutterworthLeicestershireLE17 5QS

www.bruntingthorpeaircraftmuseum.comGood for groups

5. Foxton Locks Foxton Canal Museum is situated in the reconstructedboiler house of the VictorianBoat Lift. There are models,interactive displays, and awide range of waterway artefacts that tell the story of the lift, the locks, the waterways and the peoplewho lived on the canals. Atthis unique 10 lock staircasethere are pubs, restaurantsand in summer months, boatrides.

Foxton Inclined Plane TrustFoxton Canal MuseumMiddle LockGumley RoadFoxtonMarket HarboroughLeicestershireLE16 7RA

Telephone: 0116 279 2657 Email: info@fipt.org.ukwww.fipt.org.uk Good for groups

6. Lutterworth MuseumLutterworth Museum is hometo a collection of originalarchive film and other materialrelating to the development ofthe jet engine. This includesoriginal documents, booksand photographs, includingthe original patent for thefirst jet engine. The museum’sWhittle collection was featuredin the BBC’s ‘The man whoshrank the world’ which wontwo awards at the 2010 RoyalTelevision Awards.

One Stop ShopWycliffe HouseGilmorton RoadLutterworthLE17 4DY

Telephone: 01455 555 585http://lutterworthmuseum.comGood for groups

7. Northampton & LamportRailwayThe Northampton & LamportRailway is a steam and heritagediesel operated railway. Onweekdays you will see volunteers at work restoringthe buildings and railstock. Ifyou are lucky at weekendsyou might see a train runningalong the track. Look out forthe special event days whenyou can experience a re-creation of life on theHome Front in the 1940s during World War Two or eventake part in a Teddy Bear’sPicnic.

Pitsford & Brampton StationPitsford RoadChapel BramptonNorthamptonshire NN6 8BA

Telephone: 01604 458 521Email: railwayatwar@btinternet.comwww.nlr.org.uk

8. Rushden Transport MuseumAt Rushden Transport Museum you can relive thedays of old as you wanderaround the railway stationmaster’soffice, the ticket office andwaiting room whilst looking atmemorabilia. There are alsoroad vehicles to look at, including an old fire engine.Plan a visit by seeing theirevents list for railway operatingdays which include a TeddyBear’s Picnic and World WarTwo living history event.

Rushden StationStation ApproachRushden NorthamptonshireNN10 OAW

Telephone: 01933 353 111Email: peterhorn.museum-curator@rhts.co.ukGood for groups

9. Sywell Aviation Museum The expanded Sywell AviationMuseum consists of five Nissen huts dismantled at thenow-closed RAF Bentwatersand a former PoW camp inCheshire and erected on siteat Sywell. Displays includeaircraft cockpits, wartimekitchen and Anderson shelter,aviation archaeology uniforms,a complete World War Twobomb tractor and trailer display, aircraft ordnance,models and photographs covering the history of theaerodrome and aviation inNorthamptonshire.

Sywell Aviation MuseumSywell AerodromeNorthamptonshireNN6 0BN

Telephone: 0796 806 1708Email: sywellaviationmuseum@gmail.comwww.sywellaerodrome.co.uk/museum.phpGood for groups

10. Union WharfNewly restored as an activeboating centre, the UnionWharf (formerly the CanalBasin) is now a hub of artisticand cultural activity. Thered-brick buildings have beentransformed into arts andcrafts workshops with emptywarehouses being reinventedas trendy canal-side apartments.

Grand Union CanalLeicester Line off Leicester RoadMarket HarboroughLeicestershireLE16 7AY

Telephone: 01858 432 123www.waterscape.comGood for groups

MORE PLACES TO VISIT

You may also like to explore the following museumsand places whilst you’re visiting Leicestershire,Northamptonshire and Rutland. They all have alink to transport in their exhibits.

11. Abbey Park MiniatureRailwayThe Leicester Society ofModel Engineers installed aminiature railway for modelengines in Abbey Park in1949. There are two trackson this site; one is 660 feetlong, suitable for 2.5”, 3.5”and 5” gauge locomotives, thesecond is 2,600 feet long andsuitable for locomotives of 5”and 7.25” gauge.

c/o Abbey ParkAbbey Park RoadLeicester LE4 5AQ

Telephone: 0116 222 1000www.lsme.org.uk

12. Abbey Pumping Station Abbey Pumping Station isLeicester's Museum of Science and Technology, displaying Leicester's industrial, technological andtransport heritage. The museum houses four beamengines that were built inLeicester by Gimsons. All ofthe beam engines have beenrestored back to working condition.

Abbey Pumping StationCorporation RoadLeicesterLE4 5PX

Telephone: 0116 299 5111 Email: museums@leicester.gov.ukwww.leicester.gov.uk/museumsGood for groups

13. Ashby Boat CompanyTake in the views of Leicestershire from onboarda narrowboat. Navigate yourway along the picturesque,lock-free Ashby Canal in atraditional narrowboat.

89 Station RoadStoke GoldingWarwickshireCV13 6EY

Telephone: 01455 212671Email: sales@ashbyboats.co.ukwww.ashbyboats.com

14. East Midlands AeroparkThe Aeropark is both an aviation museum and a viewingarea where you can study thepreserved planes of yesteryearor watch the modern airlinersof today taking-off and landingat a growing internationalpassenger and cargo airport.The Aeropark has a collectionof 17 complete airframes onexternal display within thepark with another 4 aircraftunder complete restorationand 3 cockpit sections. Nimrod R1 XW664 call sign'Nimrod1' is also at East Midlands Aeropark on displayto the public.

East Midlands AirportCastle DoningtonLeicestershireDE74 2SA

Telephone: 07917 021 990Email: aeropark@eastmidlandsaeropark.org www.eastmidlandsaeropark.orgGood for groups

15. The Gliding CentreThe Gliding Centre is a professionally run glidingclub based at HusbandsBosworth near Market Harborough. It operates fulltime all year round withwinch and aerotow launching.Visitors are welcome at theairfield, so call in and watchthe flying whilst having adrink or snack from the onsite restaurant.

Husbands Bosworth AirfieldLutterworthLeicestershire LE17 6JJ

Telephone: 01858 880 521Email:office@theglidingcentre.co.ukwww.theglidingcentre.co.uk

16. Great Central RailwayGreat Central Railway is theUK's only double track, mainline heritage railway. It’s theonly place in the world wherefull size steam engines canbe seen passing each other –just as it was when steamruled the rails. Trains runevery weekend of the year,Bank Holidays and daily in thesummer.

Great Central StationGreat Central RoadLoughboroughLeicestershireLE11 1RW

Telephone: 01509 632 323Email: marketing@gcrailway.co.ukwww.gcrailway.co.ukGood for groups

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TRANSPORT TRAILSFor more detailed descriptions of the trails inthis guide, information about places to eat anddrink, places to stay, short breaks and offers seewww.goleicestershire.com/transport-trails

17. Harborough Museum Railways in Market Harboroughare featured in the permanentdisplays at Harborough Museumtogether with other local industries of the area. See examples of parts manufactured at a local tungsten factory that wereused in the aircraft industryduring World War Two.

Council OfficesAdam & Eve StreetMarket HarboroughLeicestershireLE16 7AG

Telephone: 01858 821 085Email: harboroughmuseum@leics.gov.ukwww.leics.gov.uk/harboroughmuseumGood for groups

18. Irchester Narrow Gauge Railway MuseumThe Irchester Narrow GaugeRailway Museum is devoted tothe history of narrow gaugeindustrial railways inNorthamptonshire. Four localironstone quarry locomotivesform the core of the collection.

Irchester Country ParkGipsy LaneIrchester near WellingboroughNN29 7DZTelephone: 01604 675 368Email: irchester@btinternet.comGood for groups

19. Market Harborough StationThere has been a train servicein Market Harborough since1850, and a main line to London since 1857. The mainbuilding is Victorian, and haschanged little over the years.Built in 1885, it is in QueenAnne style and now has aGrade II listing. The moststriking features are the fivetall chimneys, some of whichhave disappeared and reappeared in recent times.

St Marys RoadMarket HarboroughLeicestershireLE16 7DT

20. Northamptonshire Ironstone Railway TrustThe Northamponshire IronstoneRailway Trust Museum andRailway have displays on thehistory of ironstone mining inNorthamptonshire. The museum is based around aformer ironstone railwaywhich is now a country park.

Hunsbury Hill RoadCamp HillNorthamptonNN4 9UW

Telephone: 01604 702 031www.nirt.co.uk

21. Northampton Society ofModel Engineers LtdThe Northampton Society ofModel Engineers meets at theLower Delapre Park inNorthampton and is centredaround railways of 7¼", 5"and 3½" gauge, but the societyembraces all branches ofmodel engineering. Thisincludes model traction engines, boats, stationary engines and clocks.

Lower Delapre ParkFar CottonNorthamptonNN4 8AJ

Telephone: 07752 317 244Email: secretary@nsme.co.ukwww.nsme.co.uk/index.html

22. Rocks by Rail Rocks by Rail is an opportunity to experience an interesting industrial landscape. Take a train trip,take the kids on the naturetrail or enjoy a cuppa in the1960s style café. Whether youare a family seeking informative fun, a rail anddigger enthusiast or ateacher looking for ways tobring lessons to life – you’llfind the living ironstone museum so involving you’llwonder where the hourswent.

Cottesmore Iron Ore MinesSidingAshwell RoadCottesmoreOakhamRutlandLE15 7BX

Telephone: 01572 813 203www.rocks-by-rail.org

23. Rushden Museum Rushden Museum portrays allaspects of the social history ofthe town with displays of pictures,maps, photographs and objectsfrom the shoe industry whichhelped the village grow into atown.

The Old StablesHall ParkHall AvenueRushdenNorthamptonNN10 9EP

Telephone: 01933 317 261Email: rushdenmuseum@aol.comwww.east-northantsonline.co.uk/rushdenmuseum

24. Snibston As one of the region’s largestinteractive museums, Snibstonshowcases Leicestershire’sscience, technology and designcollections, including majorinnovations in transport, miningand engineering. Displays include Auster light aircraft,a Power Jet engine, the onlystandard-gauge Brush locomotive in existence, afunctioning heritage railwaywith a Hunslet diesel shuntinglocomotive and a 1960s passenger coach. Located onthe site of the former SnibstonColliery created by famousrailway pioneer GeorgeStephenson, the survivingcolliery buildings are rare and nationally important.

Ashby RoadCoalvilleLeicestershireLE67 3LN

Telephone: 01530 278 444Email: snibston@leics.gov.ukwww.leics.gov.uk/snibstonGood for groups

25. Stanford HallStanford Hall, built in the1690s for Sir Roger Cave, isstill home to his descendantsand is one of the most exquisiteexamples of the architectureof the period. There is a fullsize replica of 'The Hawk'which was one of four flyingmachines designed and successfully flown by Lt PercyPilcher RN. He was killed flying 'The Hawk' at Stanfordin 1899. The hall is open onspecial classic car event daysthroughout the summer whenthe museum is also open.

LutterworthLeicestershireLE17 6DH

Telephone: 01788 860 250Email: enquiries@stanfordhall.co.ukwww.stanfordhall.co.uk

26. Sutton WharfEnjoy a meal and a drink atSutton Wharf and sit andenjoy the countryside as theboats go by on the AshbyCanal.

Sutton Cheney WharfWharf LaneSutton CheneyMarket BosworthCV13 0AL

Telephone: 01455 213 838Email: sue@ashbytrip.com www.suttonwharf.comGood for groups

Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Scheme

Renaissance East Midlands

INFORMATION FOR GROUPSMany of the museums and attractions listed in this guide offer special rates tocoach operators and for group bookings. Either contact the venue direct, call 0116 299 6666 or see www.goleicestershire.com/transport-trails for

more information.