Thursford Collection

The Thursford Collection is a museum that brings together hundreds of steam engines, vintage fairground rides, and mechanical music instruments in working condition. The displays fill large indoor and outdoor spaces with machinery from the late 1800s and early 1900s, showing how people were entertained and how industries were powered before electricity became common.

The museum was founded in 1970 when a private enthusiast decided to open his personal collection of steam engines and fairground machinery to the public. Since then, it has grown through careful restoration and acquisition of additional machines, becoming one of the largest repositories of working vintage equipment worldwide.

The collection preserves mechanical music traditions that once filled fairgrounds and entertainment venues across Europe. Visitors can hear these hand-crafted instruments play and understand how they provided music before modern sound systems arrived.

The museum spreads across large indoor and outdoor areas, so wear comfortable walking shoes and plan several hours for your visit. Cafes and rest areas are positioned throughout the grounds, making it easy to take breaks while exploring the different sections.

The museum features one of Britain's few working Wurlitzer organs, a rare surviving pipe organ from the golden age of cinema that plays throughout the day. Hearing it in person connects you to how people experienced music and spectacle before modern entertainment arrived.

Location: Thursford

Inception: 1970

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Website: http://thursford.com

GPS coordinates: 52.87120,0.94030

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:48