Derby

Travel Guide

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

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

Derby showing heritage architecture, night scenes and a bridge

Derby City Centre

While visiting Derby City Centre, you might make a stop by sights like Derby Cathedral and Derby Theatre.

Derby City Centre
Reading FC away at Derby

Pride Park

3.5/5(3 area reviews)

Pride Park is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Pride Park Stadium and Derby Arena while in the area.

Pride Park
went to school here , building no longer there

Darley Abbey

While Darley Abbey might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Derby Cathedral and Kedleston Hall.

Darley Abbey

Alvaston

While Alvaston isn't home to many top sights, Elvaston Castle and Elvaston Castle Country Park are some notable places to visit nearby.

Alvaston
Derby showing heritage architecture, night scenes and a bridge

Cathedral Quarter

If you're spending some time in Cathedral Quarter, Derby Cathedral and Derby Museum and Art Gallery are top sights worth seeing.

Cathedral Quarter
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Chellaston

3/5(1 area review)

While Chellaston isn't home to many top sights, Elvaston Castle and Derby Arena are some notable places to visit nearby.

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 ¥11,978 per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
¥11,978
¥14,373 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
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! (1,004 reviews)
"Great breakfast"

Reviewed on Jul 17, 2025

Radisson Blu Hotel East Midlands Airport
Leonardo Hotel East Midlands Airport

Leonardo Hotel East Midlands Airport

4 out of 5
Castle Donington, Derby, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥12,577 per night from Aug 15 to Aug 16
¥12,577
¥15,092 total
Aug 15 - Aug 16
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Derby. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"We booked the hotel when air traffic control issues led to our flight from a different airport being cancelled. The property was clean, comfortable and very close to East Midlands Airport. We had a very early flight so the location was key."

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

Leonardo 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 ¥7,137 per night from Jul 30 to Jul 31
¥7,137
¥8,564 total
Jul 30 - Jul 31
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! (620 reviews)
Hospitable and close to home.
"This is a very good and clean hotel, food wise was excellent and to standard. The workers are loving and hospitable."

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2025

Aston Court Derby City Centre by Belvilla
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 Dec 5, 2024

Deluxe Studio Apartments
Arbourfield Lodge

Arbourfield Lodge

2.5 out of 5
83 Uttoxeter New Rd, Derby, England
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Derby. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Pickford's House Museum ...
8/10 Very Good! (2 reviews)
"PROs: Clean room, well-equipped, pleasant. CONs: Ordered an “Apartment” got a “Studio”. Apparently, both the same, except size, and allocated by the owner. No staff present, no reception, just lock-boxes outside. E-mail sent late with arrival instructions. Had to call lodge number to find out how ..."

Reviewed on Feb 11, 2025

Arbourfield Lodge
Borrowfield Lodge

Borrowfield Lodge

3 out of 5
Nottingham Road, Spondon, Derby, England
Stay at this 3-star residence 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 May 30, 2025

Borrowfield Lodge
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

3.8
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
3
5 - Excellent 18%
4 - Good
8
4 - Good 47%
3 - Okay
6
3 - Okay 35%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Intu Derby shopping mall is really convenient; one can find all the typical English shops, marts... For me the closing time is really early, 7pm, the two nights I spent there weren't enough to hit the mall early enough to shop well.

3/5 - Okay

VD

Derby is a smaller quiet industrial looking town, however, the Breadsall Priory Marriott Hotel was a very pleasant surprise. Another surprise was the restaurant called Seven in town. Very good food and atmosphere!

4/5 - Good

Bigmk

It was a lovely area although the city center was very dead that night compared to the other country village towns we had visited which was surprising because there was a beer festival going on.

3/5 - Okay

Gee

Art museum was great, some nice places to eat, not a bad side trip.

5/5 - Excellent

K.Keating

Derby is not a tourist packed English experience like London. It’s a good way to experience the county in a local way with the convenience of a city. Transportation is everywhere and lots to eat and do in a very short walking distance.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Skylark bus drivers were rude and impatient

Cities near Derby