Things to do in Derby

Activities, attractions and tours

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

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What to do in Derby

Popular places to visit

Kedleston Hall

Kedleston Hall

4.5/5(5 reviews)

You can learn about the history of Derby with a stop at Kedleston Hall. Visit the spas and top-notch restaurants in this quaint area.

Kedleston Hall
Elvaston Castle showing heritage architecture and a castle

Elvaston Castle

5/5(1 review)

Take a leisurely stroll around the grounds of a stately home to admire its formal gardens, enjoy a picnic on the lush lawns and spot varied wildlife.

Elvaston Castle
Derby Cathedral which includes a city and heritage architecture

Derby Cathedral

4.5/5(3 reviews)

Famed for the panoramic views from its soaring clock tower, this ancient religious landmark is also home to a series of striking medieval graves.

Derby Cathedral
Melbourne Hall which includes a park

Melbourne Hall

Tour the well-appointed rooms of the manor house of a 900-year-old estate and go for a stroll around its ornamental garden.

Melbourne Hall
Elvaston Castle which includes a park

Elvaston Castle Country Park

Explore the great outdoors at Elvaston Castle Country Park, a lovely green space in Derby. Visit the spas and lively bars in this quaint area.

Elvaston Castle Country Park
Quad showing a square or plaza and modern architecture

Quad

4/5(2 reviews)

Watch Hollywood blockbusters, browse rotating art exhibitions and create your own works of art at workshops inside a contemporary steel-and-glass building.

Quad
Derby Museum and Art Gallery showing interior views and art

Derby Museum and Art Gallery

From the paintings of Joseph Wright to Roman coins and a dedication to Bonnie Prince Charlie, this museum presents a valuable insight into local history.

Derby Museum and Art Gallery
Foremark Reservoir

Foremark Reservoir

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Foremark Reservoir during your travels in Derby. Visit the spas and lively bars in this trendy area.

Foremark Reservoir

Donington Park Racing Circuit

4.5/5(53 reviews)

You can take time to visit Donington Park Racing Circuit during your travels to Derby. Visit the spas and cosy cafes in this relaxing area.

Donington Park Racing Circuit

Areas of 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
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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
Derby featuring heritage architecture, night scenes and a bridge

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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Photo by David Lally (CC BY-SA)

Alvaston

Alvaston might not have many top sights, but Elvaston Castle and Derby Arena are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Alvaston
Derby featuring heritage architecture, night scenes and a bridge

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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St Peters Quarter

While visiting St Peters Quarter, you might make a stop by sights like Derbion and Derbion.

St Peters Quarter

 

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Photo by Vin Lane-Kieltyka

Castle Donington

Nottingham which includes an administrative building, a city and markets

Nottingham

Photo by Charlotte Dingley

Willington

Frequently asked questions

Is Derby worth visiting?
Famous for its bars and pubs and watersports, finding awesome things to do in Derby is simple. Remember to add Derby Theatre to your itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Derby?
Derby Museum and Art Gallery and Derby Museum of Industry & History are two excellent places to start your adventures. Be sure to explore the retail and dining options in Derby while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Derby?
The top tourist attraction in Derby is Derby Theatre, so make sure to include it on your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in Derby?
Three days in Derby is more than enough to visit the city's main highlights. Many guests spend two days on average. Derby Theatre, Derby Museum and Art Gallery and Derby Museum of Industry & History are among the top-rated sights. Like to discover more? Stick around a bit longer to visit nearby hotspots like Nottingham.
Is Derby a walkable city?
With popular neighbourhoods and major sights within walking distance of the city centre, Derby is a great destination to discover on foot. Have fun wandering between Derby Theatre and Derby Museum and Art Gallery. Then take a stroll around Pride Park, located 2 kilometres from the centre, and Darley Abbey, which is about 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Derby with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with young explorers or adventure-seeking teens, an itinerary filled with fun activities makes all the difference. Browse our recommendations for what to do in Derby with kids.

What to do in Derby for adults?
The Beetroot Tree and Donington Grand Prix Collection are just two of the things to do in Derby. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Derby?
One of the easiest ways to find free things to do in Derby is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on hip neighbourhoods, parks and other attractions you can enjoy without getting your cash out. Elvaston Castle is one sight that doesn't have an admission fee.