Derby Computer Museum

What it’s like

Kids get their hands on actual 1970s to 90s computers, from a BBC Micro they can code to a Sinclair loading games off tape.

This isn't a museum where you look at old computers behind glass. Your kids get to sit down and actually use them: write a bit of BASIC on a BBC Micro, load a game from tape on a Sinclair and wait for it (the waiting is half the education), or have a go on an old Nintendo. There's a vintage music studio too, which is a nice surprise if you weren't expecting it. It suits kids from about 4 up, though the older ones who fancy themselves as coders will probably get more out of the BASIC bit than a four-year-old will.

It's only open on Saturdays, 10am to 4pm, with last entry at 3pm, so it's not a fallback for a rainy Tuesday, it needs planning into the weekend. Booking online is required, which is a bit of a faff if you're the type who decides on the day, but the upside is they say capacity is limited and every booking gets accommodated.

Money-wise it's £5 a child and £9 an adult, or £26 for two adults and two kids, which works out sensibly if you're going as a full family. One adult with three kids is £22. It's indoors throughout, so weather isn't a factor once you're in, and it's the sort of visit where an hour or two feels about right rather than a full day out.

One rule worth knowing before you book: no unaccompanied under-18s, so this is a grown-up-and-child visit, not a drop-off. Parking-wise the nearest option is the Amen Alley car park off Full Street, and the bus terminal is a few minutes' walk if you're coming in that way. The train station is more of a 20 to 25 minute walk or a bus ride, so factor that in if you're arriving by rail.

Facilities

Need to know

Best for

Ages 4 and up, older kids get more from the coding bit

Last entry

3pm

Booking

Book online to reserve entry. Limited capacity so all bookings accommodated

Parking

Nearest: Amen Alley (Full Street) car park

Getting there by bus or train

Derby bus terminal is just a few minutes walk

Parties

Birthday parties for kids or adults

• Open Saturdays only, so it needs a bit of forward planning rather than a spontaneous visit
• Booking is required online before you go, capacity is limited
• No unaccompanied under-18s, an adult needs to come along
• The bus terminal is a few minutes' walk but the train station is more like 20 to 25 minutes

Plan your visit

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