Derby
Why we love Derby
Welcome to England’s cultural heart. A gateway to the Peak District, Derby is built on industrial heritage – yet nature is never far away. It’s easy to wander off the beaten track and discover its historical country houses and rolling countryside, while the city itself is home to exciting museums and cultural spaces. Relive the past at Chatsworth House and explore its exuberant gardens, or embark on scenic hikes with rugged moorland views – there’s always an adventure to be had in Derby.
Derby Museum and Art Gallery
Enjoy a huge collection of works from Derby’s very own 18th-century artist, Joseph Wright, at the free-to-enter Derby Museum and Art Gallery. As well as famous artworks, look out for events and exhibitions throughout the year, such as jewellery making days.
Bluebell Dairy Farm
Escape to Bluebell Dairy Farm on the city’s fringes for trailer rides, themed events and even a go-kart track. Plus, the ice cream flavours are out of this world, made exclusively from the cows that call the farm their home. You’ll have bags of family fun here!
Derby Riverboat Trips
The River Derwent beckons for a relaxing trip through Derby’s green landscapes aboard the eco-friendly Outram boat, with its wonderful open-air foredeck. There’s no better way to learn about this fascinating waterway and Derby’s rich history thanks to the on-board audio commentary. Sailings run from April until October.
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Step into more than a millennium of history at Derby Cathedral and uncover its treasures, like Bess of Hardwick’s ornate tomb.
Admire the masterly paintings of Joseph Wright of Derby at the Derby Museum and Art Gallery, which houses the largest collection of his work.
Marvel at Chatsworth House, home to the Cavendish family since 1549 and its 1,000-acre park designed by renowned landscape architect Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown.
Feast on street food from around the world at the Bustler Market, which hosts regular events and pop-ups.
Fun fact
Fun fact
Derby was home to the world’s first factory. The Museum of Making showcases the city’s industrial heritage, situated in the heart of the Derwent Valley Mills UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Did you know?
Did you know?
- Derby has its own Hollywood-style walk of fame. Spot plaques for local legends such as Florence Nightingale and actor Sir John Hurt on the Made in Derby trail.
- The city’s industrial past can be traced on the Derby Heritage Walk, a short circular stroll which also takes in its Roman and Saxon roots.
- Crich Tramway Village is home to more than 80 trams from the late-19th to the late-20th centuries, which visitors can take a spin on through the peaceful Derbyshire countryside.
- Community garden Electric Daisy buzzes with a year-round events programme in the heart of the city, including free music festivals and sports viewing parties.
- Derby’s Bluebell Dairy Farm churns out gelato made from the farm’s own milk, with more than 25 flavours to choose from at their artisan ice cream parlour.
Things to do in Derby
Featured things to do
Embark on a heritage walk
From the city centre to the River Derwent and out to a Roman well, follow the Derby Heritage Walk for a journey through time. Explore 18th-century buildings, Derby Cathedral’s 16th-century tower and more.
Step back in time on the Derby Heritage Walk
Spice up summer at a street food market
You’ll find more than just great street food at the Bustler Market – there’s karaoke, indie shopping and arcade games to keep you busy too. This award-winning venue has an ever-changing menu of traders so whenever you visit, there’ll be something new to enjoy.
Chow down at Bustler Market
Explore the Cathedral Quarter
Derby’s Cathedral Quarter is packed to the rafters with hip indie shops, chic cafes, bars and top sightseeing opportunities. Wander through the maze of arcades for a bustling city centre experience.
Visit the Cathedral Quarter
Embrace the arts at the QUAD
A showcase of the cultural arts awaits, from blockbusters and arthouse films, artist exhibitions and residences, talks and festivals. Check out its events calendar to plan your trip.
Catch a film at the QUADPlaces to stay in Derby
City centre
Enjoy the hustle and bustle of Derby, filled with museums, restaurants, shopping and bars. Opt for a value-for-money hotel or choose a self-catering apartment.
Derbyshire
Scattered with idyllic villages and rolling countryside, a stay in Derbyshire offers country estates, farm stays, luxury lodges and campsites.
Peak District
Escape into one of Britain’s National Parks for woodland lodges, serene halls and glamping. There are heaps of outdoor activities to get into too.
Explore nearby
Getting to Derby
Sitting centrally in England, Derby is easy to travel to from places such as Manchester, Birmingham, Sheffield and London. Trains run directly from London St Pancras to Derby, with journey times averaging two hours and 15 minutes.
Birmingham Airport is around one hour and 15 minutes by train from Derby, while Manchester Airport is around two hours and 15 minutes away. The city is also served by East Midlands Airport and you can take the Skylink bus that runs between Derby and the airport.
Getting around
Derby’s compact size means it’s easy to navigate on foot or with the help of a range of bus services.
By bus
ARRIVA Midland, Trentbarton and Notts and Derby all provide local bus services in the area. You can find a bus ticket that works for your visit.
By foot
Thanks to its smaller size, Derby is great to explore on foot. Don't miss the Derby Heritage Walk for an informative tour of the city.
By bike
Rent a Lime e-bike for an eco-friendly way to explore the city. For a flat route, follow the Derby Canal Path and the Cloud Trail from the city centre out into south Derbyshire.
Want to know more?
Want to know more?
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