Name: The Trolleybus Museum
Rating: 5.0

The Trolleybus Museum

The Trolleybus Museum, Belton Road, Sandtoft, Doncaster DN8 5SX, UK

1-99 Years

Paid

1120
0
0

Website

Contact

Message

Description

Welcome to The Trolleybus Museum home to the World's largest collection of preserved trolleybuses. It is located by the village of Sandtoft, near Belton on the Isle of Axholme in the English county of Lincolnshire.

There’s lots to do, making the Trolleybus Museum at Sandtoft a great family day out for all ages! It’s not just old buses – we have a Toy Museum, a Cycle Shop Museum, a replica pre-fab home, play areas for the youngsters.

Price starts from £13.50 for Adults(Ages 16–60 years), £6.00 for Children(5-15 years & under 5s free) and £33.50 for Family(1 Adults and up to 2 children). If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

World-Class Collection: Explore the most comprehensive collection of trolleybuses globally, featuring vehicles that served various UK and international cities.
Heritage Rides: Experience the unique sensation of riding a vintage trolleybus, provided the vehicles are operational on your chosen visit day.
Educational Day Out: Learn about the engineering and social history behind trolleybuses, which were once a staple of urban life.
Open-Air Atmosphere: Enjoy a relaxed, outdoor environment where children can move freely between display areas and exhibition halls.

What to See

Limoges No. 5 ('Vera'): A fascinating 1943 Vetra trolleybus from France. Note the unique pedal configuration where the power increases as you release the pedal!
Lyon 1704: A representative of the Vetra VBH85 model, this vehicle was once used on the winding routes of Lyon.
Marseille 202: A bi-mode trolleybus that demonstrates the transition from overhead wire power to auxiliary diesel engines.
Preserved British Fleet: View a wide selection of UK-built trolleybuses that highlight the ingenuity of British public transport engineering.
Workshop Displays: Gain an insight into the meticulous restoration work required to keep these historic vehicles running.

Facilities

Toilets: Available on-site for visitors.
Food Options: Catering is often available during major event days; however, picnic areas are provided for families bringing their own food.
Buggy Parking: The site is largely open-air; standard pushchairs are suitable, though visitors should be prepared for typical outdoor terrain.

Pro-Tips for Families

Check Before You Travel: As the museum relies on a volunteer workforce and specific vehicle availability, check the official website’s calendar to ensure ride operations are scheduled for your visit day.
Weather Awareness: Much of the museum is outdoors; check the forecast and dress appropriately for the weather.
Membership Benefits: If you plan to visit more than once, consider the annual membership, which includes a subscription to the Sandtoft Scene magazine and free admission to all open days.

Targeted FAQ

Is the museum suitable for toddlers? The museum is a great, open space for children to explore, though parents should keep a close eye on toddlers around the heritage vehicles and restoration workshops.
How long should we spend at the museum? Most families find that 2 to 3 hours is sufficient to explore the various collections and enjoy a ride on the trolleybuses.
Is there parking at the venue? Yes, the museum provides convenient on-site parking facilities for visitors.

The Visitor Verdict: What Parents Really Think
What Visitors Love:

The rarity of the exhibits and the thrill of riding a heritage trolleybus.
Friendly and passionate volunteers who are keen to share the history of the vehicles.
A quiet, unhurried atmosphere that allows children to explore at their own pace.

What Visitors Don't Like:

The museum’s opening times are seasonal and event-dependent, requiring careful planning.
Limited indoor facilities compared to large-scale commercial theme parks.

What to see

Detailed Inventory of Museum Collections

Limoges (France) 5 (964 H 87): 1943 Vetra CB60 trolleybus.
Lyon (France) 1704 (7830 LG 69): 1960s Vetra VBH85 model.
Marseille 202 (8319 JD 13): Renault/Berliet ER100 bi-mode trolleybus.
London Regional Transport PR100: A motorbus exhibit showcasing the evolution of transit technology.
Toy Museum: A collection of vintage playthings reflecting the history of British childhood.
Cycle Shop Museum: A preserved look at historic bicycle maintenance and retail.
1940s Prefab Home: A replica post-WWII living space showing mid-century domestic life.

Beyond the Main Attraction

The museum is located in the Isle of Axholme, an area rich in history and natural beauty. Visitors can round off their day with these nearby activities:
Hatfield Moors: Explore one of the UK's largest lowland raised peat bogs, offering diverse walking trails that wind through heathland and tranquil woodlands.
Lindholme Lakes Country Park: Enjoy a scenic spot perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring well-maintained lakes and peaceful walking paths just a short drive away.
The Old Rectory, Epworth: Discover the fascinating history of this nearby town, famously known as the birthplace of John and Charles Wesley, featuring quaint shops and historic architecture.
Axholme North Leisure Centre: A great option for families looking to add some active fun to their day, offering swimming and sports facilities in the nearby town of Crowle.

New for 2026

Expanded Event Calendar: The 2026 season features an updated schedule including the iconic "Sandtoft Gathering" and specialized "British Trolleybus Society" weekends, offering deeper dives into transport history.
Online Booking Convenience: Starting 1st June 2026, visitors can enjoy the convenience of online pre-booking for premium special events, helping to bypass entry queues.
Vintage Bus Tours: New for the 2026 season, certain event days feature additional guided tours of the local Isle of Axholme area aboard authentic vintage motorbuses.
Interactive Mini-Railway: The museum has further developed the Sandtoft District Railway, a 7.25” gauge miniature railway that provides an exciting, hands-on experience for children of all ages throughout the 2026 season.

Events: For more upcoming events please visit here.

Website

Contact

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Adult (16–60): £13.50 Standard Open Day & £16.00 Premium Open Day.
Child (5–15): £6.00 Standard Open Day & £7.00 Premium Open Day. (Under 5s free)
Family (2 Adults + 2 Children): £33.50 Standard Open Day & £39.00 Premium Open Day.
Senior Family (2 Seniors + 2 Children): £30.00 Standard Open Day & £36.00 Premium Open Day.
Senior (61+): £12.00 Standard Open Day & £14.00 Premium Open Day.
Other Concessions: £8.50 Standard Open Day & £9.50 Premium Open Day. (Disabled, Carers, NUS)
The Trolleybus Driving Experience: For only £250.

Pricing URL: https://sandtoft.org/wp/visiting/admission-prices/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

The museum does not currently offer dedicated commercial birthday party packages. However, for private event or group booking enquiries, including large family celebrations, you can contact the team via their official contact channels.

Next 6 Open Days:

18 April 2026, 10:30 am: 6-Wheeler Weekend Open Days.
19 April 2026, 10:30 am: 6-Wheeler Weekend Open Days.
2 May 2026, 10:30 am: Yorkshire Made and Operated.
3 May 2026, 10:30 am: Yorkshire Made and Operated.
4 May 2026, 10:30 am: Yorkshire Made and Operated.
23 May 2026, 10:30 am: BTS Weekend.

Time may vary please check here: https://sandtoft.org/wp/visiting/open-days-2/

Address: The Trolleybus Museum, Belton Road, Sandtoft, Doncaster DN8 5SX, UK

Post Code: DN8 5SX

Council: North Lincolnshire

County: Lincolnshire

By Road: For Sat-Nav users, please use our postcode DN8 5SX. We have plenty of free parking. From the east: From M180 Junction 2, turn left on to the A161 south to Belton. Turn right at the mini roundabout and follow the road for approximately 2.5 miles; the Museum is on the right just as you enter Sandtoft village.
By Public Transport: Unfortunately there is very limited public transport to Sandtoft village. The nearest mainline station is at Doncaster (approximately 10 miles away). There are other stations at Thorne (approximately 6 miles), Crowle (about 5 miles) and Scunthorpe (about 14 miles). The only public bus service to Sandtoft village is justgo North Lincs which runs out of Scunthorpe on weekdays and Saturdays; there is no Sunday service.
Parking: Ample FREE car parking, with reserved spaces near the Museum entrance for disabled persons’ parking.