Things to see in Derby

[lagarr]

Hello all, taking my train mad 12 year old to Derby tomorrow (his choice ) is there anywhere in the area worth a visit, any trains worth seeing, or any stations nearby worth a trip to?
Many thanks.

 

[zwk500]

Derby station can often have various test trains coming through it, as the depot is based in the fork of the junction. There are also a few freight trains, although many of them are more visible from Toton or Burton.

 

[edwin_m]

RTC yard is arguably the #1 site in the UK for weird and wonderful rolling stock. There's also Etches Park on the other side of the line towards Trent. Best view is probably off the London end of platform 6, but it's a bit distant.

 

[LLivery]

If it's not too far, Attenborough Nature Reserve is great for rail pics and a nice time out in a natural environment, especially in Spring. Liked venturing there for some peace when I was at uni

 

[Trainfan2019]

Derby station is fairly good for spotting.

As others have said, it's good for etches park so usually plenty of EMR trains around. Passenger services mainly EMR and cross country. Might see a cross country HST if they're still running.

Not far from Sheffield where you have more variety of train operators as well - northern and transpennine.

 

[Western Sunset]

There's the Museum of Making at the Silk Mill, near the city centre. Much of industrial interest, including railways, Rolls Royce, etc.

 

[LCC106]

The Museum of Making as mentioned above is free and runs its model railway twice a day. You might wish to check out their website for times. It’s a 15-ish minute walk from the station depending on length of legs.

 

[StephenHunter]

The future GBR headquarters?

 

[Intercity110]

Derby has the RTC with test trains, and there’s the eccledbourne valley railway a few miles northm if he’s into classic trains.

 

[lagarr]

Thanks very much everyone

 

[paddy1]

Day trip by rail to Matlock or Matlock Bath from Derby is also worth considering. Lovely scenery en route and when you arrive at destination, along with seaside resort type attractions, riverside locations/boat hire options and cable car trip across the stunning Derwent gorge at Matlock Bath that takes you up to Gullivers Land theme park, some or all of which may appeal to a 12 year old. There is also the Peak Rail heritage railway at Matlock that runs north in the direction of Rowsley.

 

[156421]

Try Pride Park Stadium for this year's instalment of bottling it and missing out on the playoffs.