Rail & Real Ale

Explore Derby’s railway roots with a pint in hand

Morning:

Museum of Making (MOM) - Start your journey at the Museum of Making, a stunning riverside space built on the site of the world’s first factory. It celebrates Derby’s pioneering spirit with hands-on exhibits, working machinery, and rich collections that tell the story of the city’s industrial and railway heritage.

Place

Museum of Making at Derby Silk Mill (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Silk Mill Lane, Derby

Midland Railway Study Centre – Located within the Museum of Making, this archive holds the UK’s largest publicly accessible collection of Midland Railway materials. A must-see for railway enthusiasts.

Place

Midland Railway Study Centre

Museum of Making, Silk Mill Lane, Derby

Derby Market Hall – Step inside this striking 19th-century iron-and-glass hall, designed by Rowland Mason Ordish, the visionary behind London’s St Pancras roof. Built with Derby-sourced materials and beautifully restored, it’s the perfect spot for a quick browse, artisan coffee, or sweet treat under its soaring Victorian canopy.

Bonus stop for rail fans! - Don't miss The Greatest Gathering Free Family Fringe Event for model railway displays, train-themed board games, historic railway videos, a fascinating railway history exhibit, and friendly chats with local enthusiasts. All aboard for a journey through Derby’s rail legacy!

Place

Derby Market Hall

Market Place, Derby

Railway Village Trail - Take a stroll through this historic neighbourhood, once home to Midland Railway workers. Marvel at the original architecture, including the striking Midland Railway Institute - a grand two-storey building designed by Midland Railway architect Charles Trubshaw in the 1890s. Once a thriving centre for learning and leisure, it now serves pints instead of papers as the Waterfall Bar, blending heritage with hospitality.

Lunch:

The Brunswick Inn - One of Derby’s oldest railway pubs, right beside the station. Enjoy award-winning ales brewed on-site.

Place

Brunswick Inn

Railway Terrace, Derby

The Alexandra Hotel - Another rail-heritage pub with a friendly atmosphere and a quirky railway-themed interior.

Place

Alexandra Hotel

203 Siddals Road, Derby

Famous Trains Model Railway - Just a short ride away, this volunteer-run attraction features impressively detailed model layouts.

Place

Famous Trains Model Railway

Famous Trains Model Railway, Markeaton Park, Derby

Evening:

Wrap up with a return visit to The Brunswick or venture to The Royal Standard which is housed in a distinctive Victorian-era building that overlooks the River Derwent, offering a charming atmosphere for patrons.

Place

The Royal Standard

1 Derwent Street, Derby

Optional Add-on:

Heritage Pub Extension in the Cathedral Quarter:

The Old Bell Hotel - Step into one of Derby’s oldest and grandest coaching inns, with real ales, historic ambiance, and regular live entertainment.

Place

The Old Bell Hotel

51 Sadler Gate, Derby

Ye Olde Dolphin Inne - Conclude your day in Derby’s oldest pub (c. 1530), featuring traditional Tudor architecture and a wide range of ales. It’s a warm, atmospheric ending to your heritage trail.

Place

Ye Olde Dolphin Inne

5a Queen Street, Cathedral Quarter, Derby