Founded in 1969, as trolleybuses were disappearing from British streets, The Trolleybus Museum at Sandtoft now has the World’s largest collection of preserved trolleybuses. Most are from the UK but we also have examples from Europe, Canada and New Zealand. Many are fully restored and visitors can ride on a selection on open days, including a replica of an important 1911 prototype.
The Museum attempts to show some the social history of Britain in the trolleybus heyday of the 1940s. We also have a replica Cycle Shop with a variety of historic bicycles, a Toy Museum with models and toys dating back to the 1920s, and a replica early post-war prefab home with period furnishings.
Another major attraction due to open in 2023 is the first stage of the Sandtoft District Railway – a 7.25” gauge miniature railway, suitable for kids of all ages!
The Museum also has a shop and a Café selling a selection of low-priced hot and cold snacks, cakes and drinks.
Staffed entirely by volunteers, the Trolleybus Museum is open on selected dates, usually at weekends from 10.30 to 4.30, between Easter and November. These include most Bank Holiday weekends (but NOT the Coronation Weekend). Following a successful trial in 2022, it will also be open for one full week during school holidays in each of May, August and October.
Many weekend openings have special themes and additional attractions, such as displays of visiting classic cars. The Museum’s big event of the year is the Sandtoft Gathering, held on the last Sunday in July, which attracts large numbers of visiting motorbuses, vintage cars and other road vehicles. Other attractions at the Gathering include a real ale tent.
The Sandtoft Gathering and Isle of Axholme Running Day in October are classed ar Premium Events. The admission prices for these are Adult £14.50, Seniors (61+) £12, Concessions (child 5-15, registered disabled, registered students) £8, Family (2 adults and 2 concessions) £39, Senior+Family (2 seniors and 2 concessions) £36. Only tickets purchased on the day are valid at these two events.
Prices for other weekends are Adult £12, Seniors (61+) £10, Concessions (child 5-15, registered disabled, registered students) £7.50, Family (2 adults and 2 concessions) £34, Senior+Family (2 seniors and 2 concessions) £30.50. Tickets purchased on these days allow unlimited free readmission for 12 months except for Premium Events. Please check our website before visiting for full details of opening, pricing and availability.
For more details about The Trolleybus Museum at Sandtoft click HERE
To find more things to do with the family go to Raring2go! What’s On pages HERE