The Princess Royal Class Locomotive Trust

Steam locomotives don't usually stop traffic, but the Princess Royal class will. This is a working museum dedicated to preserving one of Britain's most powerful steam engines, and if you're anywhere near Alfreton, it's worth the detour to see these giants up close. The Trust maintains and occasionally runs these beauties, so your timing might mean watching restoration work in progress or, if you're lucky, seeing one actually fired up. There's something properly humbling about standing next to six tonnes of Victorian engineering.

It's brilliant for anyone with even a passing interest in railways - families with older kids (under-tens might find it a bit static if nothing's moving) will get more from a visit when there's active work happening or a running day scheduled. Enthusiasts will spend hours. The museum operates on a volunteer basis, so opening times vary and it's worth checking ahead before making the journey from Alfreton.

If you're staying at Golden Valley or Riddings Wood, both within walking distance, you could easily tack this on to a park-based weekend. Combine it with a proper walk through the local countryside - the Derbyshire landscape here is proper pleasant without being dramatically scenic. Admission is usually modest or free, depending on what's on, and allow two hours minimum if there's anything running that day.