Derby and Royal Crown Derby Factory

An industrial heritage day trip to Derby featuring a guided factory tour of Royal Crown Derby, manufacturer of fine porcelain since 1751. The tour demonstrates traditional hand-painting techniques, kiln operations, and the production process from raw clay to finished tableware. Visitors see artisans at work in the studio and can purchase seconds and first-quality pieces at outlet prices. The tour includes Derby Museum with local history and industrial heritage exhibits. Best for those interested in craftsmanship and industrial heritage. This is a easy activity lasting 6 hours. Group size: 2-30. You meet at Nottingham Broadmarsh. Key highlights: Royal Crown Derby factory in operation since 1751 with hand-painting artisans, Factory outlet shop with 30-50% discounts on porcelain seconds and stock clearance, Demonstration of traditional kiln-firing and glazing techniques.

Price: £38

Duration: 6 hours

Difficulty: easy

Group size: 2-30

Minimum age: 10+

Best for: those interested in craftsmanship and industrial heritage

Best time: Monday-Friday for active factory operations (tours closed weekends); June-August avoid (smaller factory workforce); February-March quieter with less crowding in outlet shop

Meeting point: Nottingham Broadmarsh

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

9:00am Meet at Nottingham Broadmarsh coach station - Coach boarding with guide briefing on Derby's industrial history and Royal Crown Derby heritage.

9:15am-10:00am Coach journey to Derby - Approximately 20 miles south; 35-40 minutes through East Midlands industrial landscape.

10:15am-11:45am Guided factory tour of Royal Crown Derby manufacturing - Professional guide explains hand-painting studio, decorators at work, kiln operations, and production methods; photographs allowed in designated areas only.

12:00pm-1:00pm Lunch break in Derby city centre - Independent time near the factory; pubs and cafés within 10 minutes walking distance.

1:15pm-2:45pm Derby Museum visit and outlet shop browsing - Guide-led tour of local history exhibits; independent time to browse Royal Crown Derby outlet shop with reduced prices on seconds and discontinued lines.

3:00pm-4:15pm Return coach journey to Nottingham - Arrival at Broadmarsh by mid-afternoon.

The whole experience takes 6 hours. Difficulty: easy. You meet at Nottingham Broadmarsh.

• Royal Crown Derby factory in operation since 1751 with hand-painting artisans
• Factory outlet shop with 30-50% discounts on porcelain seconds and stock clearance
• Demonstration of traditional kiln-firing and glazing techniques
• Derby Museum with industrial heritage and Rolls-Royce aero-engine exhibits
• Accessibility: Coach accessible for mobility-impaired. Factory tour involves walking on production floor with standing periods; some steps between floor levels. Derby Museum is accessible. Outlet shop has flat access but may be crowded.

What is included: Return coach transport from Nottingham Broadmarsh, Guided factory tour with professional guide, Derby Museum entry, Time in Royal Crown Derby outlet shop.

Not included: Meals and refreshments, Porcelain purchases (outlet prices discounted but separate cost). You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes (factory tour involves standing and walking on production floors), Camera (allowed in designated factory areas; ask guide before photographing), Money for lunch and porcelain purchases (outlet prices £15-100+ per item), Notebook for noting pattern names and measurements if considering purchases. Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: Monday-Friday for active factory operations (tours closed weekends); June-August avoid (smaller factory workforce); February-March quieter with less crowding in outlet shop.

Tip: Factory tours Monday-Friday only

Tip: Outlet shop discounts available

Accessibility: Coach accessible for mobility-impaired. Factory tour involves walking on production floor with standing periods; some steps between floor levels. Derby Museum is accessible. Outlet shop has flat access but may be crowded..

Operator: Midlands Heritage Tours

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Nottingham Castle (35 min drive north walk)
• Wollaton Hall (30 min drive north walk)

This activity is run by Midlands Heritage Tours.

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation 10 days before; 50% refund 5-10 days; non-refundable within 5 days.

Accessibility: Coach accessible for mobility-impaired. Factory tour involves walking on production floor with standing periods; some steps between floor levels. Derby Museum is accessible. Outlet shop has flat access but may be crowded..

Best time to go: Monday-Friday for active factory operations (tours closed weekends); June-August avoid (smaller factory workforce); February-March quieter with less crowding in outlet shop.

Are the factory tours only available Monday through Friday?

Yes, Royal Crown Derby operates production Monday-Friday only; weekend factory tours are not available. Some tours run on Friday afternoons. Book for weekdays to see active artisans hand-painting porcelain. Outlet shop hours are extended but production floor is inactive.

Can I photograph the artisans and production process?

Photography is restricted in the factory. Designated areas allow photos of displays and some floor sections. Ask your guide before photographing artisans at work; commercial photography requires permission. The outlet shop allows unrestricted photography.

Are the outlet shop discounts genuine?

Yes, Royal Crown Derby outlet offers 30-50% off retail prices on seconds (minor painting imperfections), discontinued patterns, and overstock. Seconds are fully functional with cosmetic flaws. First-quality remaining stock also discounted. Compare prices to retail before purchasing.