Museums & Galleries · Matlock
Museum of Making
📍 DE1 3DQ
Photo: Chris Allen (CC BY-SA 2.0), via Wikimedia Commons
- See the world's smallest engine run using a human hair
- View a seven tonne Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engine
- Explore Derby's 300-year history of making
- Relax at the family-friendly River Kitchen café
- Located at Derby Silk Mill, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Museum of Making sits in Derby's Silk Mill, part of the Derwent Valley Mills UNESCO World Heritage Site, and tells the story of 300 years of making in Derby. Inside you'll find exhibits ranging from the world's smallest engine, run using a human hair, to a seven tonne Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engine, alongside workshops, activities and events. There's a family-friendly café, the River Kitchen, plus a shop and venue hire space, making it a good option for a relaxed day out for all ages. Entry is free aside from some temporary exhibitions. If you're staying nearby, Derby station is just 0.9 miles away, and there are 59 bookable places to stay within 5 miles.
Practical details
- Booking
- Entry is free, except some temporary exhibitions
- Best for
- Anyone interested in making, industry and creativity
From the attraction's own website on 21 Sep 2026 — check before you travel.
Facilities
- ✓ Disabled Access
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Make a proper break of it — these stays are all within 25 miles.
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🎪 What's on near Museum of Making
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🗓️ Make a break of it
Turn a visit to Museum of Making into a proper getaway — ready-made plans, and the drive worked out with fuel, EV charging and the best stops.
A weekend in Matlock: an accessible itinerary →
A weekend in Matlock with the kids →
A weekend in Matlock →
🗺️ Plan the drive to Museum of Making
🚆 Or come by train
Live trains to Derby →Straight-line distances · live departures on each station page