Name: Pickford's House
Rating: 5.0

Pickford's House

Pickford's House, 41 Friar Gate, Derby DE1 1DA, UK

1-99 Years

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Description

Pickford's House is a beautifully preserved Georgian townhouse in Derby, offering a unique glimpse into the lives of the city's residents during the 18th and 19th centuries. It stands out as one of the best things to do with kids in Derby who are interested in social history, architecture, and domestic life. This historic museum showcases how the wealthy Pickford family lived alongside their servants, providing a balanced look at Georgian society.

Admission to the museum is free for all visitors. While there is no charge for entry, donations are welcomed to help maintain the historic building and its collections. Please check the official Derby Museums website for any changes to opening hours or special exhibition announcements.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids, Pickford's House offers a calm and educational experience. It is ideal for families who want to step back in time and explore a perfectly restored piece of Georgian architecture.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

Georgian Architecture: Explore an authentic 1770s townhouse designed by architect Joseph Pickford for his own family, showcasing the elegance of the period.
Domestic History: Interactive displays illustrate the stark contrast between the lavish rooms used by the family and the practical spaces occupied by servants.
Educational Day Out: The museum provides insight into the history of Derby, including the impact of the Industrial Revolution on local households.
Historic Garden: Visit the restored period garden, which offers a quiet space to learn about 18th-century botany and leisure.
Rotating Exhibitions: The house frequently hosts temporary displays focusing on art, local history, and social narratives.

Detailed "What to See"

The Drawing Room: Admire the delicate plasterwork and original decor that define the wealth and status of the Pickford family.
The Kitchen: See the large open hearth and antique cooking utensils that were essential for feeding a busy Georgian household.
Joseph Pickford’s Study: View the workspace where the architect designed some of the most prominent buildings in the Midlands.
The Servants' Quarters: Explore the starkly different living conditions of the household staff, highlighting the social hierarchy of the time.
The Costume Collection: Look at fine examples of 18th and 19th-century garments, showing the changing fashions that occupied the wealthy citizens of Derby.

Facilities

Toilets: Available on-site for visitors.
Buggy Parking: The house has narrow corridors and stairs; it is recommended to bring a lightweight carrier if possible.
Food Options: While there is no café inside Pickford's House, the surrounding Friar Gate area is filled with independent cafes and bakeries.
Garden: Open to visitors for a quiet break during standard opening hours.

Pro-Tips

Check Opening Days: The museum operates on limited days (usually Friday and Saturday); always verify the current schedule online before departing.
Combine Your Visit: Plan to see the main Derby Museum and Art Gallery on the same day, as both are free and located within walking distance.
Guided Tours: Check if a volunteer-led tour is running when you arrive, as these provide much more context than a self-guided visit.
Footwear: Wear comfortable shoes, as the historic wooden floors and staircases can be uneven.

Targeted FAQ

Is it worth it for toddlers? The museum is best suited for primary-school-aged children who can appreciate historical environments. Toddlers might find the quiet, fragile nature of the displays challenging, but the garden is a nice place for a quick break.
How long does a visit take? Most families find that 1 to 1.5 hours is enough time to see the main rooms and the garden at a relaxed pace.
Where is the best place to park? The Bold Lane multi-storey car park is the most convenient option, as it is secure and located within a short walk of Friar Gate.

The Visitor Verdict: What Parents Really Think
What Visitors Love:

The house feels like a real, lived-in home rather than a cold museum, making it easier for children to imagine people living there.
The staff and volunteers are consistently described as welcoming, knowledgeable, and great with children.
It is an excellent, free alternative to larger, more expensive attractions in the region.

What Visitors Don't Like:

Limited opening hours mean it requires careful planning to ensure it fits into a weekend schedule.
The house is not fully accessible due to its age, with steep stairs making upper floors difficult for those with limited mobility or pushchairs.
There is no on-site café, which can be a minor inconvenience for families who prefer a one-stop-shop experience.

What to see

Detailed Inventory

Household Objects: Original 18th-century pewter ware, brass candlesticks, and iron cooking implements.
Furniture: A collection of period-appropriate mahogany dining chairs and a restored Georgian harpsichord.
Architectural Drawings: Sketches and plans showing the layout of the house as designed by Joseph Pickford.
Ceramics: Fine examples of Derby porcelain from the late 1700s.
Tools of the Trade: Historical garden tools, laundry washboards, and hand-woven cleaning implements.
Personal Items: A selection of 18th-century sewing kits, quill pens, and spectacle cases.

Beyond the Main Attraction

Derby Museum and Art Gallery: Located a short walk away on The Strand, this is the primary site for the city's broader historical and artistic collections.
Derby Cathedral: Explore the historic heart of the city and climb the tower for views across the county.
Darley Park: A large, scenic parkland area nearby, perfect for a picnic and allowing children to play after a museum visit.
Friar Gate District: Walk along this historic street to admire various Grade II listed buildings and independent local shops.
Markeaton Park: A short drive or bus ride away, this park offers a wide range of family activities, including a miniature railway and adventure playgrounds.

New for 2026

Georgian Childhood Trail: A refreshed family trail has been launched for 2026, allowing children to search for hidden items throughout the house while learning about chores and pastimes in the 1700s.
Restored Scullery Display: The basement service area has been updated with new historical artifacts to better represent the daily work of kitchen staff.
Digital Heritage Project: New interactive tablets are now available in the drawing rooms, providing "then and now" comparisons of the house’s interior.
Period Craft Workshops: A series of monthly sessions teaching 18th-century household crafts, such as basic needlework and calligraphy, has been added to the seasonal calendar.

Events: For more upcoming events please visit here.

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Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

There are no specific birthday party packages available at Pickford's House. Please contact the bookings team via the main Derby Museums website for information on private tours or events.

Tuesday - Saturday: 10 am–5 pm.

Address: Pickford's House, 41 Friar Gate, Derby DE1 1DA, UK

Post Code: DE1 1DA

Council: Derby

County: Derbyshire

By car: There is free parking at Pickford’s House for visitors. Turn right at the ‘Pickford’s House’ sign off Agard Street. There is also pay and display parking on Friar Gate. Sat Nav Directions: DE1 1DZ.
By train: With a direct train from London to Derby, you can be at any of our museums in less than two hours! Derby Station is 1.3 miles from Pickford’s House and about a 30 walk away.
By bus: There are frequent and regular bus services into the Derby city centre, operated by Trent Barton and Arriva. Derby bus station is a 15 minute walk away through the city centre.
By bike: Pickford’s House is on cycle routes 54 and 68, part of the Derby City Cycle Map. There are spaces for bicycle parking at Pickford’s House – please ask a member of staff when you arrive.
Find the door: Although the front of the house may look like the entrance to our museum, our visitor entrance is to the right of the building up a ramp, so that it is accessible for everyone. We open the front door to our visitors for special events.
Parking: There is free parking at Pickford’s House for visitors. Turn right at the ‘Pickford’s House’ sign off Agard Street. There is also pay and display parking on Friar Gate.