Derby
Things to do in Derby, Derbyshire
Photo © Evie, Google Maps
Derby grew up on manufacturing and engineering, and that working history still shapes the city, from its museums to the way it sits at the gateway to the Peak District. It's a practical, unpretentious place to base yourself, with the countryside never far off and plenty going on within the city itself.
Derby Museum and Art Gallery is a natural starting point for exploring the city's story, and its café makes a good stop between galleries. Just outside the city, Kedleston Hall gives a taste of grand Derbyshire estate life. Families and thrill-seekers have plenty of options too: Alter Rock and The Climbing Unit cater to indoor climbers, The Escape Room Guys offer puzzle-solving challenges, and Paint a Pot is a relaxed choice for younger visitors. For something more seasonal and outdoorsy, Clary Meadows Alpacas and pumpkin picking at Mr Pumpkin bring a bit of farm life close to the city.
Derby works well as a short break destination or a base for exploring further into Derbyshire, with enough within the city itself, from museums to climbing walls, to fill a few days before you even head for the hills.
Where to stay in Derby(45)
All hotels in Derby →About staying in Derby
Most visitors stay centrally, in guesthouses and hotels such as Amber Guesthouse, Braemer Guest House and Aston Court Hotel, or at pub-hotels like Blue Jay and Crewe & Harpur, both run by Marstons Inns. Days Inn Donington A50 suits those passing through or heading to nearby attractions, while Breedon Hall offers something grander for a special stay. For those wanting to get further out into the Derbyshire countryside, campsites including Crosslow Farm Holidays, Four Oaks Camp Site and Langley Wilding Campsite give a quieter, more rural alternative, with Alstonefield Camping Barn offering simple indoor shelter for walkers.
Amber Guesthouse
128 - 132 Burton Road, Derby
Aston Court Hotel
Midland Road, Derby
Blue Jay by Marstons Inns
Commercial Road, Derby
Braemer Guest House
1061 London Road, Derby
Breedon Hall
Main St, Derby
Crewe & Harpur by Marstons Inns
Woodshop Lane, Derby
Days Inn Donington A50
A50 Westbound Shardlow, Derby
Delta Hotels Breadsall Priory Country Club by Marriott
Moor Road, Derby
Things to Do in Derby(27)
All attractions in Derby →
Where to Eat in Derby(346)
All restaurants in Derby →About eating out in Derby
With 393 restaurants listed, eating out in Derby covers a lot of ground, from museum cafés to neighbourhood spots. The Coffee House at Derby Museum and Art Gallery is handy for combining culture with lunch, while The Garden Cafe and The Garden Restaurant offer more relaxed dining. The Exeter Arms and The Crossbar @ Chellaston Park are solid choices for a pub meal, and The Coffee Shop and The Greenery cater to those after something lighter. Hunters of Derby Ltd and the Dining Room round out a scene that ranges from casual to more considered dining.
Attractions Near Derby
All attractions in Derby →Worth the trip — within 50 miles of Derby.
1 mi
Derby Computer Museum
Derbyhaven · ⭐ 5.0
2 mi
Moorways Sports Village and Water Park
Allenton · ⭐ 4.1
4 mi
Elvaston Castle
Elvaston · ⭐ 4.6
5 mi
Mercia Marina Willington
Willington · ⭐ 4.5
7 mi
Staunton Harold Reservoir
Melbourne · ⭐ 4.2
8 mi
Dinky Hooves
Ashbourne · ⭐ 5.0
8 mi
MFA Bowl Ilkeston
Ilkeston · ⭐ 3.6
8 mi
Wacky Warehouse - Plank & Leggit
Nottingham · ⭐ 4.4
Camping in Derby(4)
All campsites in Derby →
Self-Catering Cottages in Derby
All cottages in Derby →Windmill Cottage
3 bed · sleeps 5 · from £397
Stenson Hill Farm - Stenson Hill Farm
9 bed · sleeps 20 · from £1,566
The Hill Coachouse
8 bed · sleeps 18 · from £2,072
The Beachside House
5 bed · sleeps 10 · from £2,132
Berberis Lodge
2 bed · sleeps 4 · from £771
Nether Burrows Farm - Sunshine Cottage
4 bed · sleeps 8 · from £1,889
Willow Barn
7 bed · sleeps 14 · from £2,707
Meadow View
7 bed · sleeps 14 · from £2,582
Common questions about Derby
How many campsites are there in Derby?
We list 4 campsites in and around Derby, of which 3 take tents and 2 offer glamping.
Which campsites in Derby have electric hook-up?
1 of the 4 campsites we list in Derby offer an electric hook-up.
Where can I stay in Derby?
We list 45 hotels, B&Bs and guest houses in and around Derby.
What is there to do in Derby?
We list 27 attractions and things to do in and around Derby.
Where can I eat in Derby?
We list 346 restaurants, pubs and cafes in and around Derby.
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