Watch Derby's biggest model railway in action with almost 60 feet of intricate 00-scale tracks, storage loops for 16 trains, and educational displays about railway history.

Famous Trains is a Derby-based charity operating the city's largest model railway, housed in a refurbished building within Markeaton Park. The venue features an impressive 00-scale layout based on Chinley station in Derbyshire during the 1950s, extended to nearly 60 feet in length with storage loops allowing visitors to see a succession of different model trains throughout their visit. The attraction offers an engaging experience for families and railway enthusiasts of all ages, combining entertainment with education about how railways operate and their important role in Derby's history. Visitors can observe model trains at terminals, goods yards, and on main line sections, with the added bonus of a recently completed Shelf Railway display. The venue also provides a dry, indoor activity perfect for inclement weather. With some of the cheapest entrance fees in the country (adults £3.50, children £1.50, families £7.00), Famous Trains welcomes over a million annual visitors to Markeaton Park. Well-behaved dogs are welcome alongside their owners. Open 150 days per year, primarily on weekends and Mondays from 11am to 4pm, the venue consistently ranks in the top quarter of Trip Advisor ratings for Derby attractions.

Venue Details

What this place offers

Toilets

Public transport nearby

Accessible toilets

Free WiFi

Baby changing facilities

Food available

On-site parking

🐕Dog-friendly

Parking nearby

Pushchair friendly

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Gemma Bailey

4 months ago

Very small, more of a pop in while you are passing. The whole set up is amazing though and the staff/volunteers so kind, patient and passionate I would recommend a visit

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Mihir Bajekal

2 years ago

Amazing place, very beautiful layouts of different varieties like farm, amusement park, Harry Potter, construction, mining and so much more. And the best part is you can operate some of the model trains, which is a dream come true for the kid within you. Loved it!!! Keep up the good work ❤️❤️❤️

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Ian Jenkinson

3 years ago

Superb, more than a Model Railway, Derbyshire in miniature (plus Hogwarts!) and themed train sets. £3 all-day ticket a bargain

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Nick Smith

3 years ago

What a fabulous model railway! The main layout of a typical Derbyshire railway scene is great, really detailed and full of local interest. The volunteers are very approachable and knowledgeable and it’s a great place to spend 30 minutes. We particularly enjoyed the 1960s Hornby Dublo layout that visitors can control.

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Kyle

4 years ago

Great little hidden gem tucked away in well kept park. Reasonable admission charges. Visoted with my two children, volunteers are friendly and provided my children with a quiz to find various objects around the layouts. We stayed around 45 minutes while completing the hunts and really enjoyed ourselves!

Reviews last updated: 7 October 2026