Derby

Travel Guide

Derby Cathedral showing night scenes, a city and heritage architecture
Derby showing a square or plaza
Quad which includes a square or plaza and modern architecture
Derby Museum and Art Gallery which includes interior views and art
Elvaston Castle featuring a garden, a castle and heritage architecture

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
Derby showing night scenes, a bridge and heritage architecture

Derby City Centre

If you're spending some time in Derby City Centre, Derby Cathedral and Derby Theatre are top sights worth seeing.

Derby City Centre
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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 Elvaston Castle Country Park are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Alvaston
Derby showing night scenes, a bridge and heritage architecture

Cathedral Quarter

While visiting Cathedral Quarter, you might make a stop by sights like Derby Cathedral and Derby Museum and Art Gallery.

Cathedral Quarter
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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 Elvaston Castle Country Park.

Chellaston
Radisson Blu Hotel East Midlands Airport
Radisson Blu Hotel East Midlands Airport
4 out of 5
Herald Way, Pegasus Business Park, East Midlands Airport, Derby, England
The price is €94 per night from 18 Jul to 19 Jul
€94
18 Jul - 19 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Derby. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"Good clean spacious room"

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

Radisson Blu Hotel East Midlands Airport
Aston Court Derby City Centre by Belvilla
Aston Court Derby City Centre by Belvilla
3 out of 5
Midland Road, Derby, England
The price is €56 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
€56
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Derby. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions intu Derby and Derby ...
7.8/10 Good! (610 reviews)
Slow service & too got
"Had to knock on the front door and press the buzzer for quite some time before being let in at about midnight. When I got to my room it was like a sauna, way too hot!"

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2025

Aston Court Derby City Centre by Belvilla
Leonardo Hotel Derby
Leonardo Hotel Derby
4 out of 5
King Street, Derby, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €73 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
€73
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Derby. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"A good overnight base before an event in the city centre. Easy to find, spacious quiet room. Breakfast good and sensitive to gluten free requirements."

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2025

Leonardo Hotel Derby
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.
Deluxe Studio Apartments
Deluxe Studio Apartments
3 out of 5
Douglas Street, Derby, England
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Derby. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions intu Derby and Derbion are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (7 reviews)
Lovely
"Lovely little place - would stay again 🙂"

Reviewed on 5 Dec 2024

Deluxe Studio Apartments
Borrowfield Lodge
Borrowfield Lodge
3 out of 5
Nottingham Road, Spondon, Derby, England
Stay at this 3-star property in Derby. Enjoy free parking, daily housekeeping, and a computer station. Popular attractions Donington Park Racing Circuit and ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (16 reviews)
"A very nicely laid out room and bathroom very quiet. communication for entry and exit very clear"

Reviewed on 30 May 2025

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 and housekeeping. Popular attractions Kedleston Hall and Derby Cathedral are located nearby.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (97 reviews)
"Easy to find and access, good gated parking, lovely and clean apartment, the milk and cereal was a welcoming and thoughtful touch, would recommend and would stay again"

Reviewed on 17 Mar 2025

The Stay Company Friar Gate
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%
4 - Good
154
4 - Good 53%
3 - Okay
73
3 - Okay 25%
2 - Disappointing
5
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
2
1 - Terrible 1%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

We did visit Annie’s burger shack which was amazing

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

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

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

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Didn’t visit derby

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

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

4/5 - Good

Hanida

Didn’t actually spend any time in Derby.