Explore Ruddington

The Village Museum

Did you know that Ruddington has no fewer than three museums? You’ll find the Village Museum in St Peter’s Rooms, opposite the Co-op on Church Street.

Inside, you’re transported back to Edwardian times with a range of authentic exhibits including the oldest Fish & Chip Shop in the world and items that may bring back memories for some visitors!

The Village Museum is open between April and October, on Thursdays between 10am and 12 noon and Bank Holiday Mondays between 2pm and 4pm. Find out more at the museum’s website.

Great Central Railway - Nottingham (GCRN)

GCRN is Ruddington’s third museum, as the site features a collection of historic railway and road transport. You can also enjoy almost 10 miles of heritage railway running through the beautiful scenery of South Nottinghamshire and North-West Leicestershire. Heritage steam and diesel services recreate the experience of train travel from when it was more than just a way to travel from one place to another.

You’ll also find a model railway, miniature railways, railway workshop with full engineering facilities, a cafe and gift shop at their site next to Rushcliffe Country Park. GCRN hosts various special events throughout the year - visit their website for details.

Rushcliffe Country Park

Ruddington is home to several fantastic parks and play areas, but the jewel in our crown is definitely Rushcliffe Country Park.

Located on Mere Way, off Loughborough Road, the award-winning Park has a network of over 8km of footpaths, a lake, grasslands, a conservation area and landscaped areas.

Gibbies Wood is open to the public and features amazing sculptures of insects and animals, as well as a Tyre Maze and willow weavings which all add to the appeal of the area.

Bring your family and a picnic and encourage your children to let off steam either by visiting the extensive play area, riding the BMX 4X track, skateboarding on the half-pipe or simply using the open spaces to fly a kite.

The Environmental Education and Visitors’ Centre is designed to be carbon neutral, with solar panels, wind turbines and a bio-mass boiler. Dog lovers will enjoy the Copper’s Dog Activity Trail with its dog agility equipment and obstacles.

You can find out more about Rushcliffe Country Park, including details of events and activities, at Rushcliffe Borough Council’s website.

My sister and I loved this museum. Especially the guided tours explaining how the machines work and the working and living conditions of the frame knitters at the time. Even got the chance to take a look at Queen Victoria’s stockings in the former methodist church across the cottages. Excellent museum! Very entertaining and interesting! Lovely to see such a local and ordinary history preserved

Excellent Museum!

Second visit to this fascinating museum, a veritable storehouse of social history, staffed by knowledgeable, enthusiastic folk. Some steps may prove difficult for the elderly or infirm but there’s plenty to appreciate at ground level.

Living History

Terrific Museum

The Village Museum

Great Central Railway - Nottingham (GCRN)

Rushcliffe Country Park

More About Ruddington

Opening Times

Framework Knitters Museum