Sunday Steam Magic at the Nottingham Transport Heritage Centre, Ruddington

by Solman Nouman Nottingham 22nd January 2026

On most Sundays, my four-year-old son and I find ourselves in our favourite little corner of Nottinghamshire, the charming grounds of the Nottingham Transport Heritage Centre at Ruddington. It has become something of a routine for us: a dose of steam-puffing fun, traditional transport history, and a chance to indulge our shared love of trains. When Marysia Zipser invited me to write for ACT, I knew exactly what I wanted to share, this delightful family outing that blends cultural heritage with Sunday fun.

Tiny Trains, Big Smiles

From 11 a.m. on most Sundays, the ride-on miniature steam trains begin their steady, excited rhythm. For just £1 per person per ride, you can hop aboard one of the beautifully kept engines and enjoy an experience that blends fun, nostalgia and heritage all at once. The Nottingham Transport Heritage Centre is run entirely by volunteers, whose time, care and enthusiasm help create this welcoming and affordable day out for families.

One of our favourites is The South Yorkshireman: immaculate in glossy black, proudly detailed and full of character. My son lights up every time he sees it.

The centre runs two operational tracks, which means more variety and fewer queues. You often hear the engines before you see them: the chuffing, the hiss of steam and the whistle that captures every child's attention instantly.

A Young Enthusiast's View

My son often stands at the fence, cap pulled low, waiting for the next train to emerge around the bend. Watching him in that moment, with small shoulders leaning eagerly forward, has become one of my favourite parts of our frequent visits.

The charm of the miniature railway is how real it feels to children. The platforms, the signals and the smell of steam all feel like the full-size railway world, just scaled down to their height.

Engines in Miniature, Live Steam in Action

Beyond the trains you can ride, the site regularly features live steam demonstrations. Mini traction engines puff and rattle their way around, each one proudly maintained by dedicated enthusiasts. These always pull in a curious crowd and one very excited four-year-old.

On cooler days, the plume of steam rises dramatically into the air and reminds you that these are real working engines, fired by coal and driven with skill.

Full-Size Heritage Too

The miniature tracks sit alongside the Great Central Railway (Nottingham) heritage main line platform. On special event days, especially around Christmas, the full-size trains roll in decorated with lights and festive spirit.

Seeing these classic trains up close adds a whole extra layer to the visit. It connects the miniature world to its full-scale origins and shows how the engines at child level relate to the history of rail travel.

Exploring the Whole Site

One thing I love about this place is that it is more than just trains. Around the grounds you will find:

• Model railway layouts full of tiny details

• Classic heritage buses, including local favourites connected with Trent Barton

• A friendly café for a warm drink or snack

• Enthusiasts and volunteers who are always willing to chat about engineering, restoration and history

Then there are the days when the miniature traction engines come out.

These engines are remarkable: built with precision, running on real steam and driven just like their full-sized ancestors.

My son even had the chance to sit behind one and enjoy a little trundle along the gravel. It is one of those memories I know we will both treasure for years.

Why We Keep Coming Back

As parents, we are always hunting for outings that feel meaningful. Not hurried, not overly commercial and not overwhelming. This place offers exactly that:

• Affordable family fun (those £1 rides are hard to beat)

• Hands-on heritage that you can see, hear and smell

• Safe, open outdoor space where children can explore

• Warm, welcoming volunteers who share their knowledge and passion

• Something a little different each Sunday

Some days it is the engines. Some days it is the buses. Some days it is simply my son waving to the drivers as they steam past. Every visit has its own character.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

• Arrive just after 11 a.m. if you want the quietest rides

• Bring a camera, as the engines and platforms make great photos

• Check for special events on the Great Central Railway website 

• Visit the café before you head home

• Take time to walk around the whole site, not just the ride-on tracks

A Small Slice of Heritage With a Big Heart

In a world of big attractions and busy schedules, the Nottingham Transport Heritage Centre offers something refreshingly gentle. It is a place where engineering heritage meets childhood wonder, and where families can spend an hour or an afternoon simply enjoying themselves. Run by dedicated volunteers, it feels like a community as much as a visitor attraction.

Thank you again to Marysia Zipser for the invitation to share our story. I hope this inspires other families, railway enthusiasts or curious explorers to make their way to Ruddington on a Sunday and experience the magic for themselves.

We will be there, steam in the air and smiles all round.

Solman Nouman

Solman Nouman is a highly skilled and experienced Director of Finance and Operations, with more than a decade of leadership across the education, museums, and heritage sectors. He currently serves as Director of Finance and Operations at the Skills and Education Group, a leading Awarding Organisation (AO) with a proud legacy of social impact in education that dates back to 1912. In this role, Solman combines strategic financial leadership with operational oversight, supporting the organisation’s mission to widen access to education and skills development.

Alongside his work in education, Solman is Co-Director of NBA, a Nottingham-based archive hosted at Backlit Studios, where he helps preserve and promote cultural and historical material for future generations. His career began in the manufacturing industry, where he trained as a management accountant, building a strong foundation in commercial finance and operational efficiency.

Solman holds a first-class honours degree in BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance from Nottingham Trent University, reflecting both academic excellence and practical expertise.

Outside of work, Solman values family time above all else. He enjoys visiting railway heritage museums with his son, where they share a love of miniature steam trains, as well as the simple pleasures of ice cream and chips - a tradition that perfectly reflects his appreciation for heritage, community, and connection.

Useful Links:

https://www.gcrn.co.uk/ Great Central Railways (Nottingham) Ltd - official website for Nottingham Transport Museum Heritage Centre, Ruddington.

Nottingham Society of Model and Experimental Engineers (NSMEE): Features miniature traction engines and railway operations.

7¼” Gauge Society: An international organization for 7¼" gauge enthusiasts.

Sutton Coldfield Model Engineering Society (SCMES): Home to the Little Hay Miniature Railway.

Britain's Great Little Railways (BGLR): Represents leading narrow, miniature, and minimum gauge railways in the UK.  https://www.visit-nottinghamshire.co.uk/

This article is published by Marysia Zipser, Founder & Ambassador of Art Culture Tourism & Keynote Speaker, Beeston, Nottingham.  https://www.artculturetourism.co.uk/  https://www.artculturetourism.co.uk/blog   E: artculturetourism@gmail.com 

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