Derby has a great mix of things to see and do, even for British visitors who think they’ve seen it all before. The town and its surrounding area is steeped in heritage and history but also has a vibrant, modern face, with fun amusement parks, casinos, nightlife and more.
The top 10 things to do in Derby range from outdoor excursions in the lovely countryside to explorations of the city’s friendly pub scene. Spend the day on a vast country estate or riding roller coasters at Alton Towers. Derby hosts a decent schedule of festivals and special events throughout the year, so there is usually something exciting happening in town.
Chatsworth House: imagine yourself living on this noble estate centuries ago. Wander through the stately house, with its world-class art collection and period furnishings, then explore the 105-acre English garden and surrounding grounds. An adventure playground and an animal petting farm add to the fun.
Derby Cathedral: the city’s main architectural landmark is more than just a beautiful building. It serves as an anchor for the historic core, the Cathedral Quarter, where hundreds of interesting shops, pubs, cafés and heritage sites provide a place for locals and visitors alike to enjoy themselves.
Derby Brewery Tour: this city deserves its title of the Real Ale Capital of the Midlands, with more than 120 real ale pubs, craft breweries and two CAMRA beer festivals held here every year. The city’s brewery tour is the ideal way to get the full picture and discover some of the coolest pubs in England.
Alton Towers: dozens of thrilling rides, fun activities and cool attractions keep kids and adults alike entertained at this top amusement park. There’s even a complete indoor water park for watery fun, a modern spa and on-site hotels.
Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage site: several of the world’s very first factories were established in and around Derby at the advent of the Industrial Age. From Silk Mill in Derby city centre, a historic trail takes visitors on a tour of several important sites.
Genting Club: Derby’s newest entertainment venue features casino-style gambling, live entertainment and two upscale bars and restaurants. This slick, contemporary club boasts great views over the river from its open and inspiring modern interior.
Ghost Walk: Derby is allegedly one of the UK’s most haunted cities, with more than 300 ghost sightings on record. This fun city tour will show you all the legendary ghost spots and even let you sleep overnight in the old Gaol if you are brave enough.
Derby Museum and Art Gallery: with the famous local philosopher and artist Joseph Wright at its heart, Derby’s impressive art museum incorporates high tech education with a solid collection of English artwork.
Pickford House: to step back in time to the Georgian era, stop by Pickford House, one of the city’s best-preserved Georgian townhouses. Through furnishings, decorations and clothing, this charming little museum showcases the elegance of this era of English history.
Enjoying natural Derby: this city has some wonderful outdoor activities that open up the natural side of Derby. Start at the newly refurbished Cathedral Green, located between the Silk Mill and the cathedral, right in the heart of the city. Grassy lawns, trees and great views make this park ideal for a stroll or a picnic. Afterwards, take a boat cruise along the historic Trent and Mersey Canal to Burton-upon-Trent or Stenson. This relaxing pleasure cruise passes through Derby and into the luscious countryside and its interesting rural scenery.
John is a guest blogger from National Car Hire who provide car hire Derby and UK wide.
