What to do in Derby

Activities, attractions and tours

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

Places to Visit in Derby

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Derby, England while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Derby attractions from NZ$6, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Derby tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 15 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Derby. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

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Recommended things to do in Derby

Number of things to do
15
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
eSIM: Airalo Europe Package - United Kingdom: NZ$6
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Derby

Discover the most popular places to visit in Derby

Kedleston Hall

Kedleston Hall

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 which includes heritage architecture and a castle

Elvaston Castle

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

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 featuring a garden

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 which includes a square or plaza and modern architecture

Quad

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 featuring 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 top-notch restaurants in this relaxing area.

Foremark Reservoir

Donington Park Racing Circuit

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

Explore areas of Derby

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Pride Park

5/5(1 area review)

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
Derby which includes a bridge, heritage architecture and night scenes

Derby City Centre

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

Derby City Centre
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Darley Abbey

Darley Abbey might not have many top sights, but Kedleston Hall and Derbyshire County Cricket Club are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Darley Abbey
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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 which includes a bridge, heritage architecture and night scenes

Cathedral Quarter

While visiting Cathedral Quarter, you might make a stop by sights like Derby Museum and Art Gallery and Derby Computer Museum.

Cathedral Quarter
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Chellaston

While there might not be top attractions in Chellaston, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Elvaston Castle and Derby Arena.

Chellaston

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Derby

Photo by Vin Lane-Kieltyka

Castle Donington

Nottingham showing markets, an administrative building and a city

Nottingham

Ashbourne

Ashbourne

Photo "Kegworth" by Chris J Dixon (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Chris J Dixon (CC BY-SA)

Kegworth

Burton on Trent

Burton on Trent

Photo "Shardlow" by Roger Kidd (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Roger Kidd (CC BY-SA)

Shardlow

Photo by Tammi C.

Long Eaton

Photo by tracey bott

Ilkeston

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.