Midland Railway - (Swanwick Junction,Station)

Steam locomotives still work for a living at Swanwick Junction. The Midland Railway here isn't some static display - volunteers actually restore and run heritage trains, and you can spend an afternoon watching them potter about the tracks or, better yet, ride one yourself. The station buildings date back to the Victorian era, all red brick and period details, and there's a proper workshop where you can see engineers bent over engines with spanners and oil cans.

It's brilliant for railway enthusiasts of any age, though families with young children might find a couple of hours enough before restlessness sets in. The novelty of actual working steam does carry further than you'd expect. Alfreton sits just down the road, making this an easy stop if you're exploring the area.

You're well-placed for caravan holidays here - Golden Valley is barely half a mile away, and both Riddings Wood and The Firs offer good bases within spitting distance. If you're staying at any of them, this museum slots in nicely alongside walks in the surrounding countryside.

Check opening hours and train-running dates before you go - they're seasonal, and you'll want to time it right for a ride rather than just wandering the platform. The admission's reasonable, and if you've got kids who like anything with wheels and smoke, it's money well spent.