Best Things to Do in Derby: 11 Amazing Experiences
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Derby, you’ve come to the right place. Before visiting, I’ll admit Derby wasn’t a city I knew much about. I expected plenty of history, but I had no idea just how much there was to see and experience.
Plan Your Derby Trip
As we explored, we discovered that Derby is home to the world’s first modern factory, the largest collection of paintings by Joseph Wright of Derby, and has connections to figures including Florence Nightingale and Bonnie Prince Charlie. We also learnt about the city’s haunted past, found out how the iconic image of Dracula’s black cloak was born here during the first authorised stage production in 1924, and discovered that Lara Croft was created by Derby games studio Core Design.
During our two days in Derby, we cruised along the River Derwent, explored Derby’s industrial heritage, wandered through a beautifully restored Victorian Market Hall, admired world renowned artwork, tucked into some fantastic independent restaurants and even spent an afternoon meeting Highland cows. It felt like the perfect introduction to the city, although we still left with plenty on our list for next time.
This Derby travel guide shares the best things to do in Derby, along with practical tips to help you plan your visit and make the most of your time in the city.
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What to know before visiting Derby
The Best Things to Do in Derby, UK
One of the things I enjoyed most about Derby was just how much variety there was. During our stay we learnt about the city’s industrial heritage, admired world famous art, wandered through historic streets, ate at some fantastic independent restaurants and found peaceful green spaces that made it hard to believe we were in a city.
Whether you’re visiting for a day or planning a longer stay, these are the experiences I’d recommend adding to your Derby itinerary.
2. Cruise the River Derwent
One of the first things we did after arriving in Derby was hop aboard a Derby Riverboat Trip, and it turned out to be one of my favourite experiences of the weekend. Seeing the city from the water gave us a completely different perspective and was a lovely way to start our trip.
The 45-minute cruise follows the River Derwent on a fully electric boat, with commentary explaining the river’s role in Derby’s industrial past. As we glided past historic mill buildings and green spaces, I was surprised by just how peaceful it felt despite being so close to the city centre.
The cruise also gave us our first glimpse of Darley Abbey, a picturesque riverside village we’d return to later that evening. If you’re looking for unique things to do in Derby, I’d definitely add this to your itinerary.
Amy’s Tip: Book in advance if you’re visiting in spring or summer, and try to grab a seat outside for the best views.
2. Visit the Museum of Making
If you’re searching for interesting things to do in Derby, the Museum of Making should be high on your list. We ended up spending much longer here than we’d planned, and it completely changed my perception of Derby’s history.
Located inside the historic Derby Silk Mill, on the site widely regarded as the world’s first modern factory, the museum tells the story of more than 300 years of innovation and manufacturing. I loved seeing the huge Rolls-Royce jet engine suspended from the ceiling, while the miniature railway and interactive displays made it just as interesting as the engineering exhibits.
Amy’s Tip: Entry is free, so it’s an easy addition to your Derby itinerary and a great option if the weather is rainy. Afterwards, stop for a coffee at The River Kitchen overlooking the River Derwent.
3. Visit Derby Cathedral
Just a few minutes’ walk from the Museum of Making, Derby Cathedral is well worth stepping inside. While the striking tower catches your eye from outside, it was the stories inside that I found most fascinating.
The Cathedral stands on the site of a church dating back to 943 AD and is home to the tomb of Bess of Hardwick, one of the most influential women of Elizabethan England. I particularly enjoyed learning about her remarkable life, and it’s one of those places where taking a few minutes to read the information boards really brings the history to life.
Amy’s Tip: Entry is free, making this an easy stop while exploring Derby’s city centre.
4. Explore Darley Abbey
One of my favourite areas we visited was Darley Abbey and if you’re looking for places to visit near Derby, this is a great addition to your trip.
After our riverboat trip, we returned in the evening and I can completely see why it’s such a popular spot with locals. Sitting beside the River Derwent, the historic mill buildings and riverside setting make it feel a world away from the city centre.
Darley Abbey forms part of the Derwent Valley Mills UNESCO World Heritage Site and was once home to a thriving 18th-century cotton mill community. Today, the beautifully restored mill buildings are home to independent businesses, cafés and restaurants, while riverside walks make it a lovely place to spend an evening.
We ended the day with dinner at Lorentes, enjoying authentic Spanish tapas overlooking the river, which was the perfect way to round off our first day in Derby.
Amy’s Tip: If the weather’s nice, visit in the evening. The riverside is particularly beautiful as the sun starts to set.
5. Discover the Derby Museum & Art Gallery
If you enjoy art or history, the Derby Museum & Art Gallery is another of the best things to do in Derby city centre. We visited during the Year of Wright celebrations, and it gave me a real appreciation for why Joseph Wright is so closely linked to the city.
The museum is home to the world’s largest collection of works by Joseph Wright of Derby, one of Britain’s most celebrated 18th-century artists. During our visit, we explored the Wright of Derby: From the Shadows exhibition, which shines a spotlight on his famous candlelit paintings and offers a fascinating insight into his life and work.
Even if you’re not a huge art lover, I’d still recommend stopping by. Wright’s dramatic use of light and shadow is unlike anything I’d seen before, and learning more about the artist made me appreciate Derby’s rich cultural heritage even more.
Amy’s Tip: Pick up the free Joseph Wright Trail from the museum if it’s available. It’s a great way to discover more of the places to visit around Derby that inspired his life and paintings.
6. Explore Derby Market Hall
The first thing that struck me about Derby Market Hall was the architecture. After a major restoration, the beautiful Victorian building has been brought back to life and is now filled with independent shops, cafés and food vendors, while still celebrating its historic character.
Originally opened in 1866, the Market Hall is celebrating its 160th anniversary, and its impressive roof was designed by Rowland Mason Ordish, the engineer who also worked on London St Pancras Station. Today it’s one of the best things to do in Derby if you enjoy browsing independent businesses, picking up local produce or simply soaking up the atmosphere.
Before leaving, we also wandered into Mark’s Wilder Gardens on the upper floor. It felt like a hidden little oasis, with a vintage garden feel that was completely different to the lively market below.
Amy’s Tip: Visit around lunchtime so you can browse the independent shops before stopping for something to eat or drink.
7. Meet the Highland Cows at Bluebell Dairy
If there’s one experience or activity in Derby I’d tell everyone to book, it’s the Highland Cow Experience at Bluebell Dairy. Getting to meet these gentle animals up close was such a highlight of our trip and easily one of my favourite things to do in Derby.
We met both the younger Highland cows and some of the more mature members of the herd, all with their own personalities. One of my favourite moments was carefully feeding them the bowls of fresh vegetables that had been prepared for us before spending plenty of time stroking them and taking photos. It was such a lovely, relaxed experience and impossible not to leave smiling.
Afterwards, we finished the experience with tea, cake and Bluebell Dairy’s award-winning artisan ice cream, handmade on the farm using milk from their own herd of cows. It’s the perfect way to round off your visit.
Amy’s Tip: Wear shoes you don’t mind getting a little muddy and don’t rush off afterwards. The tea, cake and farm-made ice cream are all part of the experience and well worth taking your time over.
8. Visit Electric Daisy
If you’re looking for something a little different, make time for Electric Daisy. Hidden away just off Bold Lane, this colourful community garden offers a completely different side to Derby and was one of the most unique places we visited.
Once a disused city centre site, it’s been transformed into a welcoming green space filled with flowers, seating and artwork. When it’s open, visitors are welcome to wander through the garden, relax with a drink and enjoy the atmosphere.
Throughout the year, Electric Daisy also hosts outdoor cinema, live music, workshops and seasonal events, making it well worth checking the programme before your visit.
I loved seeing how an unused corner of the city had been brought back to life by the local community. It felt like one of Derby’s best hidden gems and somewhere that really reflects the city’s creative spirit.
Amy’s Tip: Check the latest opening times and events before you visit, as these vary throughout the year. If you’re lucky enough to catch one of the live music or outdoor cinema evenings, it’s a brilliant way to experience Derby like a local.
9. Wander Around Derby’s Cathedral Quarter
One of my favourite ways to discover a new city is simply by wandering, and Derby’s Cathedral Quarter is the perfect place to do just that.
We spent our final morning strolling along Sadler Gate, The Strand and Strand Arcade, popping into independent shops and admiring the beautiful historic buildings that give this part of the city so much character.
This is one of Derby’s oldest neighbourhoods, where centuries of history sit alongside independent boutiques, cafés and galleries. We loved browsing Foulds Guitars, watching the skilled craftsmanship at Hobson’s, and stopping outside The Old Bell Hotel, one of England’s oldest inns, which has been welcoming travellers since the 17th century and is said to be one of Derby’s most haunted buildings.
It’s the sort of area where you’ll want to slow down and explore at your own pace, as there’s something interesting around almost every corner.
Amy’s Tip: Don’t just stick to the main streets. Some of the Cathedral Quarter’s most interesting independent shops and historic buildings are tucked away down the quieter side streets.
10. Brunch at Glamberry
No city break is complete without finding a great brunch spot, and Glamberry was the perfect place to end our weekend in Derby.
Hidden away in the Cathedral Quarter, this independent café is known for its pink interiors, artisan desserts and beautifully presented brunch dishes.
We stopped here before heading home and it was exactly the kind of relaxed, friendly café you hope to stumble across when exploring a new city. Alongside brunch favourites, you’ll also find homemade cakes, speciality coffees and colourful desserts that are almost too pretty to eat.
Whether you’re after breakfast, brunch or an afternoon coffee, Glamberry is well worth adding to your Derby itinerary.
Amy’s Tip: If you’re visiting at the weekend, I’d recommend arriving early as it’s a popular spot with both locals and visitors.
11. Discover Derby’s Independent Food Scene
One thing that really stood out to me during our stay was Derby’s independent food scene. Rather than relying on big chains, we enjoyed some fantastic local restaurants, each offering something completely different.
We kicked off our trip with lunch at The Engine Room, enjoyed authentic Spanish tapas overlooking the River Derwent at Lorentes in Darley Abbey, and ended our stay with dinner at Houseboat Restaurant, one of Derby’s newest restaurants.
Inspired by the traditional houseboats of Kerala, the restaurant serves authentic South Indian cuisine in a beautifully designed setting and has already been shortlisted for the prestigious English Curry Awards, often referred to as the “Curry Oscars”.
From riverside tapas to modern British dining and vibrant South Indian flavours, Derby’s restaurants were one of the biggest surprises of our trip and another reason I’d happily return.
Amy’s Tip: If you’re staying for a weekend, I’d recommend booking restaurants in advance, particularly Lorentes and Houseboat, as both are popular with locals.
Where to eat in Derby
One of the biggest surprises of our weekend in Derby was just how good the food scene was. From riverside tapas to authentic South Indian cuisine, we ate incredibly well throughout our stay, and I’d happily return to every restaurant below.
Located in our hotel, The Engine Room was our first stop after arriving in Derby. Inspired by the city’s engineering heritage, it serves modern British dishes in a relaxed setting.
Dinner at Lorentes was one of my favourite meals of the trip. Set within the historic Darley Abbey Mills overlooking the River Derwent, the restaurant specialises in authentic Spanish tapas.
For our final dinner, we visited Houseboat Restaurant. Inspired by the traditional houseboats of Kerala, it serves authentic South Indian dishes full of flavour in a beautifully designed setting.
If you’re looking for brunch or coffee, I’d definitely recommend Glamberry. This colourful independent café in the Cathedral Quarter is known for its beautifully presented brunch dishes, artisan cakes and speciality coffee.
For traditional pub food, I’d recommend the Exeter Arms. Dating back around a century in character, it’s known for its cosy, dimly lit interiors, award-winning food and ales from Derby brewery Dancing Duck.
If you’re visiting with a group or simply can’t decide what to eat, Factory Food Court brings together a range of independent food traders under one roof. From spicy curries and loaded savoury dishes to sweet treats and freshly brewed coffee, there’s something for everyone.
Where to stay in Derby
£ Holiday Inn Derby Riverlights – Where We Stayed
This is where we stayed during our weekend in Derby, and I’d happily recommend it. It’s right in the heart of the city centre, around a 10 minute walk from Derby Cathedral and the Cathedral Quarter, making it a great base for exploring on foot. We found the rooms modern and comfortable, and having The Engine Room restaurant downstairs was really convenient after arriving.
££ Leonardo Hotel Derby
If you’re looking for another central option, Leonardo Hotel Derby is located in the Cathedral Quarter, just a two minute walk from Derby Cathedral. It has spacious rooms, an on site restaurant and bar, and is within easy walking distance of many of the attractions featured in this guide.
Is Derby worth visiting?
Before this trip, Derby wasn’t a city I’d ever really considered for a weekend break, but it completely changed my expectations. From cruising along the River Derwent and discovering the world’s first factory, to meeting Highland cows and exploring the Cathedral Quarter, there was far more to see and do than I’d imagined.
If you’re looking for a UK city break that’s packed with history, independent businesses and great food, but without the crowds of some of England’s better known destinations, a weekend in Derby is well worth adding to your list.
