Magpie Mine

The museum which explores the city’s industrial history from The Industrial Revolution to the early 20th century. There are five galleries, with exhibits reflecting the railway, bicycle, motorcycle, lace, telecommunication, pharmaceutical, and tobacco industries. This is a steaming day, with up to eight engines running, including the Basford beam engine, portable steam engines, diesel engines and an array of fascinating barn engines—vital tools that once powered farms with steam, petrol, and oil.

The museum is in the 17^th century stable block of Wollaton Hall in a deer park on the western edge of Nottingham, postcode NG8 2AE. Car parking is £5 via the RingGo app.

This is a regular opening of the museum with no special arrangements for DAS, so no need to book. Pay on the day, the admission charge is £6 adults, £4 over 60, children free.

The Grade II* listed railway station at South Wingfield has been restored to its original 1840 condition and is open to the public with a café and heritage displays. The volunteer group that runs the site have also researched the industrial history of the area around the station. One of their knowledgeable guides will lead us on a two-and-a-half-hour tour to the sites of three collieries, an ironworks, bell pits, drift mines and the connecting railway lines and exchange sidings with the Midland Railway.

Wingfield Station is on Holme Lane, Fourlane Ends, Alfreton DE55 7LJ. There is parking at the station and an Alfreton to Matlock bus service passes the site. The café and exhibitions at the station are open from 10.00am to 3.30pm.

Due to the terrain participants need to be capable of walking/standing for periods including ability to walk up hills, climb stiles etc.

15 places, book on Eventbrite by donation (DAS members only)

The visit will start with an introductory talk “Searching for an Amphitheatre under a housing estate” by Anton Shone leader of Wirksworth Archaeological Society. This will be followed by a walk to see test pits and what has been found. After that there will be walking tour around Wirksworth and a visit to St. Mary’s church, which is renowned for its exceptional medieval carvings, in particular the 8^th century Wirksworth Stone. The tour will end at a café for lunch (optional).

Meet at Wellspring Church Hall, Wood Street, Wirksworth DE4 4DS.

20 places, book on Eventbrite £8.00 per person

We have organised a private visit to the Museum on a day normally closed to the public. There is a wealth of information to enjoy at the site which is housed in a framework knitter’s dwelling in the village of Ruddington.  Visitors with mobility problems may have difficulty accessing the upper floors, but a video installation is available to view the exhibitions there.  There are plenty of eateries available in Ruddington, if you fancy lunch before the visit.

The address for the museum is Chapel Street, Ruddington NG11 6HE. Free on street parking (avoid Chapel Street unless disabled) and also at Co-Op in Church Street. There are frequent buses from Nottingham to Ruddington.

25 places, book on Eventbrite £10.50 per person (DAS members only)

Wentworth Woodhouse (near Rotherham) is one of the grandest stately homes in the country with a suite of State Rooms containing a large art collection, all set in an extensive garden and parkland. It is operated by its own Preservation Trust which runs facilities for visitors including a café. The site is generally accessible for those with limited mobility. The church of St Mary & St Martin, Blyth is the remaining part of a mediaeval Benedictine Priory and is particularly noted for a mural of the Last Judgement.

Adult (17+) admission to the house & garden is £16.50. Entry is free to Historic Houses members, there is a 25% reduction for National Trust members and a 50% reduction for Art Fund members. Bookings (including those with discounts) can be made online https://wentworthwoodhouse.digitickets.co.uk/tickets

Depart Derby Bus Station at 9.00am – return about 5.00pm.

34 places, book on Eventbrite £28 per person which includes coach and a donation to Blyth Church but not entry to Wentworth Woodhouse. Please note we need a minimum number of bookings by Friday 21 August to run the coach, so please book early. You will receive an automatic refund from Eventbrite if the trip does not run.