Derby

Travel Guide
Derby showing a square or plaza
Once a major player in the Industrial Revolution, this English riverside city boasts centuries-old landmarks, innovative districts and a thriving real ale scene.

Derby sits in the geographical heart of England, framed by the Derbyshire Dales and on the doorstep of the Peak District National Park. Ancient monuments, excellent museums, theaters and welcoming pubs line the streets of one of The Midlands’ most lively destinations. Derby began life as a tranquil market town and rose to prominence as a manufacturer of porcelain, silk and steam engines during the Industrial Revolution. Remnants of Roman, Saxon and Viking occupation add to a magnificent cultural heritage.

Start by hopping between historical buildings, independent retailers, malls and quirky cafés in the Cathedral Quarter. Enjoy far-reaching views from the tower of Derby Cathedral and browse art exhibitions and watch Hollywood blockbusters at Quad. Silk Mill Park is part of the 55-mile (88.5-kilometer) Derwent Valley Heritage Way, which follows the course of the River Derwent. Sample an abundance of real ales at character-filled pubs such as the almost 500-year-old Ye Olde Dolphin Inne.

At Derby Market Hall, shop for everything from craft beer, fish and meat, to crafts, flowers and vintage clothing. Don’t miss the Chapel of St. Mary’s on the Bridge, which is one of England’s last surviving bridge chapels. Admire masterpieces by Joseph Wright at Derby Museum and Art Gallery. Pickford’s House is the house museum of the Georgian and Enlightenment architect Joseph Pickford.

Enjoy daytrips to Calke Abbey, Kedleston Hall and Sudbury Hall, three National Trust-protected stately homes with stunning gardens. Even closer to the city center is the picturesque country park, nature reserve and picnic grounds of Elvaston Castle. Gear up for hiking adventures amid the pristine landscapes of Peak District National Park.

Back in the city, cheer on Derby County soccer club at Pride Park Stadium. Catch a show at Guildhall Theatre and learn about porcelain production on a factory tour at Royal Crown Derby.

Traveling in and around Derby is easy thanks to a reliable public transportation network of buses and trains. Fly to East Midlands Airport, located 15 miles (24 kilometers) to the south, or catch a train from London and arrive in under 3 hours.

Where to stay in Derby

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Pride Park

4/5(52 area reviews)

Pride Park is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Pride Park Stadium or Derby Arena.

Pride Park
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Darley Abbey

4.5/5(4 area reviews)

Darley Abbey might not have many top sights, but Derby Cathedral and Kedleston Hall are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Darley Abbey

Alvaston

Alvaston might not have many top sights, but Elvaston Castle and Pride Park Stadium are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Alvaston
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Chellaston

4/5(9 area reviews)

While there might not be top attractions in Chellaston, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Elvaston Castle and Pride Park Stadium.

Chellaston
pentahotel Derby
pentahotel Derby
4 out of 5
Locomotive Way, Pride Park, Derby, England
The price is HK$426 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
HK$426
per night
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Derby. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (804 reviews)
"Lovely atmosphere, friendly staff, comfy beds, breakfast good selection. An enjoyable stay."

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2024

pentahotel Derby
Leonardo Hotel Derby - Formerly Jurys Inn
Leonardo Hotel Derby - Formerly Jurys Inn
4 out of 5
King Street, Derby, England
The price is HK$444 per night from 19 Apr to 20 Apr
HK$444
per night
19 Apr - 20 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Derby. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
Fabulous location
"Great location. Car parking in basement but no access to hotel from car park. Have to walk out through barrier and round the road."

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2024

Leonardo Hotel Derby - Formerly Jurys Inn
Leonardo Hotel East Midlands Airport - Formerly Jurys Inn
Leonardo Hotel East Midlands Airport - Formerly Jurys Inn
4 out of 5
Castle Donington, Derby, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is HK$732 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
HK$732
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Derby. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (921 reviews)
Great location
"Perfect location to east mids airport for night before travel. Would eat out at a near by pub rather than the hotel though."

Reviewed on 21 Mar 2024

Leonardo Hotel East Midlands Airport - Formerly Jurys Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Borrowfield Lodge
Borrowfield Lodge
3 out of 5
Nottingham Road, Spondon, Derby, England
Stay at this 3-star residence in Derby. Enjoy free parking, a terrace, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Elvaston Castle Country Park and Elvaston ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (7 reviews)
"Perfect stop over, very nice room and large bathroom, novel gate opening by phone, easy parking, Sky tv. Perfect."

Reviewed on 29 Nov 2023

Borrowfield Lodge
The Stay Company Friar Gate
The Stay Company Friar Gate
4 out of 5
62 - 64 Friar Gate, Derby, England
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Derby. Enjoy free WiFi, a flat-screen TV, and a kitchen. Popular attractions Kedleston Hall and Derby Cathedral are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (64 reviews)
"Safe parking, easy access.10 min away from the city center."

Reviewed on 9 Feb 2024

The Stay Company Friar Gate
The Stay Company - Dalby House
The Stay Company - Dalby House
4 out of 5
100 Radbourne Street, Derby, England
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Derby. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a flat-screen TV. Popular attractions Kedleston Hall and Derby Cathedral are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (17 reviews)
"Had everything needed for a stay for a few nights. Really great to find there are basic welcoming supplies (milk, tea, coffee, cereal, etc.)"

Reviewed on 15 Mar 2024

The Stay Company - Dalby House
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Derby

3.9
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
55
" "5 - Excellent 19.031141868512112%
4 - Good
154
" "4 - Good 53.28719723183391%
3 - Okay
73
" "3 - Okay 25.259515570934255%
2 - Disappointing
5
" "2 - Disappointing 1.7301038062283738%
1 - Terrible
2
" "1 - Terrible 0.6920415224913494%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
3 Feb 2020

We did visit Annie’s burger shack which was amazing

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
3 Feb 2020

It was perfect for a Short break - shopping town centre was good. Loads of lovely dog friendly eateries - Exeter Arms lovely ambience, cosy and great food. The Silk Mill - cosy and good value meals. Farley Park for doggie was beautiful.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
23 Jan 2020

Small university city. Very walkable place. Lots of shops and restaurants. Good transport links.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
19 Jan 2020

Didn’t visit derby

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
29 Dec 2019

Only came to visit family as I used to live here 25+ years ago.

4/5 - Good

Hanida
23 Dec 2019

Didn’t actually spend any time in Derby.