The centre of Derby has, since time immorial, been a huge challenge to the visiting driver. Today is little different as new roads are built (the thirty year overdue completion of the Inner Ring Road) and thoroughfares are tinkered with as a consequence of new developments (Riverlights, the Bus Station and The Morledge, for example). Put simply, drive into Derby only as a last resort - public transport is by far the best bet these days.

The Silk Mill Museum is off Full Street in Derby's City Centre. How you find it will vary wildly depending on whether you are driving or coming by public transport.

The train is relatively straightforward: The No.44 Arriva bus (as well as several others) stop across the road from the railway station outside the former Midland Railway Institute. They drop off in the new Bus Station on The Morledge (see below ** for walking from there...)

Walking all the way from the railway station is quite practical, weather permitting, and takes about 20 minutes: Turn right out of the station forecourt along Station Approach. You will pass the Brunswick and Alexandra pubs on your left, bearing left in front of the latter so that the former MR Enginemen's lodgings (now called Duesbury House) is on your right. This is Siddals Road and is lined with car dealerships etc. At the very end, the huge Cockpit multi-story car park looms up. Cross the busy roads and pass under the car park and you'll spot the new bus station on your right as you walk onto The Morledge.

There is also the option of a slightly longer, but far more picturesque, riverside walk which is well signposted.

** Continue along The Morledge, crossing so you'll walk past the front of the Crown Court, onto Corporation Street and past the front of the Council House on your right. Carry straight on, passing the end of Derwent Street (you'll see the river bridge 50yds away along there on your right), and you will find yourself on Full Street. As a quick check the old court and police station will be on the right and the Assembly Rooms multistory car park on the left.

After 70yds, the area known as Cathedral Green is on your right. You will see the main entrance to the Museum diagonally across this open space.

The remodelled Cathedral Green in front of the Silk Mill

Arriving by car...

You should be aware that Derby City Centre is notoriously difficult to navigate by car with its peculiar one-way systems. You are earnestly advised to use public transport, or at least use the Park & Ride facilities for the last part of your journey. The Silk Mill is a short walk from the terminus of all bus routes

If arriving by car and you are using a SatNav, 'DE1 3AS' will get you somewhere very adjacent. Otherwise, using the old fashined method of navigating, the best advice is to follow the brown tourist signs which direct to "Assembly Rooms" which will bring you into the city centre. The Assembly Rooms car park, whilst convenient, isn't cheap for all day parking. Though not easy to find around the infamous Derby one-way system, there is a good car park close by on Sowter Road (£5 all day).

Unfortunately, there is no parking (disabled or otherwise) available for visitors.

For most visitors, a very good compromise is to use the two “Park & Ride” services located at the northeast (A61) and southeast (A52 Nottingham) sides of the city.