The Museum of Making

The Museum of Making sits in Derby's Silk Mill, a converted Georgian factory that feels proper industrial when you walk in. It's all about manufacturing, craft, and how things get made - from textiles to ceramics to whatever's in the current exhibition. The building itself is as much the draw as the contents; those exposed brick walls and original machinery don't need dressing up.

You'll spend a couple of hours here easily, longer if you're into design or engineering. The exhibits rotate, so it's worth checking what's on before you visit. Some sections appeal more to adults than children, though there are hands-on bits that keep younger ones engaged for a bit. If you're the sort who gets excited about the history of manufacturing or how Derbyshire became the workshop of the world, you'll find plenty to sink your teeth into.

It's free to get in, which is reason enough to stop by during a park holiday. Hill Farm Camping & Caravan Park sits just outside the city, making it straightforward to spend a morning at the museum without losing half the day to travel. The café is decent for a cuppa, and you can easily combine this with a walk along the riverside or a poke around Derby's other attractions. Not a blockbuster experience, but a solid rainy afternoon plan or a genuinely interesting diversion if manufacturing heritage speaks to you.