15 Reasons to Discover Derby

Discover The Museum of Making

Derby forms the southern gateway to the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. Designed and made by the people and industries of Derby, the Museum of Making was built on the site of the world's first factory and is truly unique and will be a must-visit destination for those in the East Midlands and beyond.

To enter the Museum, visitors will walk through the iconic 18th century Bakewell Gates (part of the original structure of the Silk Mill) to be greeted by an impressive Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engine which will hang above visitors from the ceiling in the Civic Hall. This engine has already been dramatically winched into place as due to its size, and the impressive Civic Hall, a triple height glass atrium that forms the entrance to the new Museum is being constructed around it – a testament to the engineering strengths of the region. 

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Museum of Making at Derby Silk Mill (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Silk Mill Lane, Derby

Take a brewery tour and sample fantastic craft beer

Travel gurus at the Lonely Planet describe Derby as the "best place to drink real ale in the World" and the folks at CAMRA reckon there is more real ale choice in Derby than anywhere else. Hey, who are we to disagree? You can take a tour of Derby's original craft brewer by booking a Derby Brewing Company brewing tour. For further inspiration, why not read our list of The Best Ale Houses in England in Derby.

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Derby Brewing Co Brewery Tours

Masons Place Business Park, Nottingham Road, Derby

Go to Withers Gin School

Visit Withers Gin School in Derby and hand-craft your own unique bottle of gin! Your experience will conclude with an additional taste of your very own gin with a choice of garnishes and tonics to compliment your recipe.

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Withers Gin School Gin Experience

Unit 7 Mansfield Road, Derby

Set sail on a Derby Riverboat Trip down the River Derwent

Enjoy a 45-minute eco-friendly Derby Riverboat Trip from April to October. Sail through Darley Park to Darley Abbey aboard the zero-emission, solar-powered Outram boat. Experience Derby's rich history with onboard commentary by Sir David Suchet, and spot wildlife like kingfishers along the way. Refreshments and sustainable gifts are available, and kids can enjoy activity packs and interactive demos. Ideal for families, this scenic cruise offers a unique way to explore Derby’s natural beauty.

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Derby Riverboat Trips

Opposite Silk Mill, Derby

Discover who were 'Made in Derby' 

Made in Derby is a trail of mosaic and cast iron plaques celebrating the the lives of people who have had a huge impact on the city and who have helped Derby to make it's mark on the world. 

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Made in Derby

Watch for Peregrine Falcons on the ancient stone tower of Derby Cathedral 

Adult peregrines can be seen on most days around the tower at Derby's Cathedral Green, or perched high up on the lettering of nearby Leonardo Hotel Derby. Even outside the March to June breeding season they are often visible on one of the Cathedral's webcams. Peregrine watch-points are usually run on Derby's Cathedral Green from mid-May to mid-June. 

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Derby Cathedral Tours

18-19 Iron Gate, Derby

Visit the tomb of formidable Elizabethan noble Bess of Hardwick

Bess of Hardwick was an icon of the Elizabethan period and one of the most powerful women in Europe. She is perhaps best known for the eponymous Hardwick Hall in the north of Derbyshire which Bess helped to build along with the famous house at Chatsworth. When she died in 1608, aged 81, Bess was described as being "one of the most richest and powerful women in the Kingdom" and was buried at All Saints Church in Derby (now Derby Cathedral) in a tomb designed by Bess herself.

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Derby Cathedral

18-19 Iron Gate, Derby

Take a Ghost Tour if you dare

Derby is often referred to as the UK's most haunted city. Prepare to be captivated by the chilling tales and mysterious history of haunted Derby. From haunted walking tours to spine-chilling overnight vigils, Derby offers a unique opportunity to delve into the supernatural realm.

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Haunted Derby

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Ghost Walks & Overnight Vigils

Various locations, Derby

Visit stunning National Trust properties

From the heart of the country originates fascinating stories of extravagant spenders, ruthless entrepreneurs and the dramatic decline of country house retreats. The National Trust has invested time and money in restoring these works of art for generations to come, all spread across the 37,000 acres of land they protect in Derbyshire and the Peak District. For those wanting to indulge in life in the 16th, 18th and 19th century, come and discover the stories that Derby has to tell.

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Calke Abbey

Ticknall, Derbyshire

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Kedleston Hall

near Quarndon, Derbyshire

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The Children's Country House at Sudbury

Sudbury, Ashbourne,

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Hardwick Hall

Doe Lea, Chesterfield

Marvel at the world's largest collection of Joseph Wright paintings

Joseph Wright is one of the most famous artists of the Enlightenment era. Born in the city in 1734, Wright dedicated much of his work to illustrating man's relationship with science as the Industrial Revolution took shape and changed the world forever. His paintings are displayed in museums across the world, including London, New York and St Petersburg, but here in Derby there are more examples of his fine work than anywhere else. As well as artwork, you'll find a dedicated archaeology, nature, military and world collections gallery in addition to their regular temporary exhibition.

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The Museum and Art Gallery

The Strand, Derby

Stay at the historical Makeney Hall Hotel

Makeney Hall Hotel is a magnificent Victorian Country Mansion situated in the heart of Derbyshire, set in six acres of beautifully landscaped gardens with breathtaking views across the Amber Valley. Only eight miles from Derby and two miles from the flourishing market town of Belper, the hotel enjoys the most tranquil surroundings. Makeney Hall Hotel, has a long a history entrenched with the local towns of Belper and Milford, and the notable local family, the Strutt’s. A name with is still synonymous with the area today, with many local landmarks carrying the name, including the hotel's own ‘Strutt House Restaurant’.

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Makeney Hall Hotel

Makeney Road, Belper,

Try Gin, Whisky and Rum at the Peak District's first craft distillery

Established in 2016, White Peak Distillery is the first full-scale, craft distillery in the Peak District region. Founded by local couple, Max & Claire Vaughan. The Distillery is located in the former Johnson & Nephew Wire Works in Ambergate and celebrates the rich riverside and industrial landscape of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. The Distillery backs onto the ancient woodland of Shining Cliff, which is a site of special scientific interest. As well as being at a gateway to the Peak District the location offers access to some wonderful, local woodland walks, and to footpaths that follow the Cromford Canal to Cromford Mills.

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White Peak Distillery

Derwent Wire Works, Matlock Road, Ambergate, Derbyshire

Stay the night in Florence Nightingale's ancestral home

Located north of Derby is Florence Nightingale's ancestral home at Lea Hurst in Derbyshire. The nursing icon was born in the Italian city which she is named after though few people know that she grew up in the picturesque countryside of Derbyshire. Stay in one of Florence's old rooms, discover the amazing history of the estate and take in the scenic views of the Derwent Valley. 

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Florence Nightingale Suites at Lea Hurst

Lea Shaw, Highpeak Junction,

Experience over 100 years of automobile and aviation history

Based in Derby since 1908, Rolls-Royce are one of the most prestigious and historic brands in world engineering. In Derby, Rolls-Royce Heritage Trust provide an authoritative yet entertaining view of the company's rich history through exciting exhibitions, as well as their fascinating archive of documentation, reports and photographs and other artefacts. The Trust also hold a programme of lectures over the year and publish a series of historic and technical books. Tours in Derby include a visit to the Rolls-Royce Heritage Centre, formerly 12 Shop of the Light Alloy Foundry on Osmaston Road, and the Learning and Development Centre in Sinfin. Each site offers an immersive exhibition for visitors to enjoy.

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Rolls-Royce Heritage Tours

Rolls-Royce Heritage Centre, Gate 5A, LDC, Wilmore Road , Derby

Traverse the scenic River Derwent on the all-new Derby River Boat

Soon, Derby river boat trips will commence on the River Derwent. The 45 minute cruise will depart the boarding platform next to Exeter Bridge and make its way north to Darley Abbey and back again. Learning about the river, the wildlife, Derby’s place in history and our exciting plans for its future via our on board audio commentary. There will also be activities and challenges for children of all ages. You will also be able to view the world’s first river plastic collection robot designed by Rolls-Royce trainees. Or simply sit back on the open air foredeck and enjoy the sun and sights of the Museum of Making, Darley Park and the Derwent Valley. There will be hot and cold drinks and light refreshments available on the onboard café.

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Derby Riverboat Trips

Opposite Silk Mill, Derby