Discover Derby’s story at the Museum of Making

Step out of the rain and into 300 years of Derby’s history at the Museum of Making at Derby Silk Mill.

Located on the site of the historic Derby Silk Mill, the museum celebrates Derby’s long history of creativity, innovation and making. Look up and you’ll spot an exploded Toyota Corolla Hybrid, made at nearby Burnaston, suspended overhead alongside an impressive Rolls-Royce engine. There are fascinating collections to discover, along with activities and experiences for families, making it a great rainy-day starting point.

Perfect for: Families, history lovers and curious minds.

Place

Museum of Making at Derby Silk Mill

Silk Mill Lane, Derby

Spend a few hours at Derby Museum & Art Gallery

Continue your cultural adventure at Derby Museum & Art Gallery on The Strand. It’s a great choice when the weather sends you indoors. Better still, it’s a budget-friendly way to spend part of a rainy day while discovering art, culture and local history, including works by Derby’s celebrated artist Joseph Wright, famed for his dramatic paintings of light and shadow.

Perfect for: Art, culture, local history, Joseph Wright and a budget-friendly day out.

Place

Derby Museum & Art Gallery

The Strand, Derby

Step back in time at Pickford’s House

Ever wondered what life was like in Georgian Derby?

Head to Pickford’s House on Friar Gate. The historic house is a great addition to a day exploring Derby’s story, particularly when the rain clouds roll in.

Perfect for: Heritage lovers and discovering another side of Derby.

Place

Pickford's House

41 Friar Gate, Derby

Get nostalgic at Derby Computer Museum

For something a little different, make your way to Derby Computer Museum on Iron Gate.

It adds a technology-themed twist to the city’s museum offering and is an ideal indoor attraction to add to your rainy-day itinerary.

Perfect for: Gamers, tech fans and families.

Place

Derby Computer Museum

Top Floor, 3 - 4 Iron Gate, Derby

Catch a film at Derby QUAD

A rainy afternoon and a trip to the cinema are a perfect match.

Located in the Cathedral Quarter, Derby QUAD combines cinema with arts and culture, giving you more than one reason to escape the rain.

Perfect for: Film fans, couples and culture seekers.

Place

Derby QUAD & Cinema

Market Place, Cathedral Quarter, Derby

Shop, eat and play at Derbion

If retail therapy is more your thing, make a beeline for Derbion.

Right in the heart of Derby, it brings together shopping, dining and entertainment under one roof, so you can easily spend several hours away from the rain.

And it isn’t just about shopping. Turn your visit into a full indoor day out with entertainment including Hollywood Bowl Derby and FLO Skatepark.

Perfect for: Shopping, families, food and entertainment.

Place

Derbion

London Road, Derby

Make a splash at Moorways

Already wet outside? You might as well make a splash!

Moorways Sports Village & Water Park combines a water park and leisure centre, making it a fun indoor option when the weather isn’t playing ball.

Perfect for: Families and energetic rainy days.

Place

Moorways Sports Village & Water Park

Moor Lane, Allenton, Derby

Put your skills to the test

Sometimes a rainy day calls for a little friendly competition.

Try to beat the clock at Make Your Escape, go climbing at Alter Rock Climbing Centre, or head into battle at Megazone Derby.

There are plenty of ways to turn a grey day into an adventure.

Perfect for: Families, groups of friends and competitive types.

Place

Make Your Escape

First Floor, Osmaston Road, Derby

Place

Alter Rock Climbing Centre

St. James Church, Malcolm Street, Derby

Place

Megazone Derby

Willows Sports Centre, 1 Willow Row, Derby

Get creative

Why not use a rainy day to try something new?

Derby’s indoor creative experiences include Craftcore, the city’s public ceramic studio, Artcore, where you can get involved in creative workshops and community arts projects, and The Smallprint Company, which offers hands-on letterpress workshops.

You could go home with a new skill, and perhaps something you've made yourself too.

Perfect for: Creative days out and something a little different.

 

Place

Craftcore - The City’s First Public Ceramic Studio

5 Osnabruck Square, Derby

Place

Artcore

8 Albert Street, Osnabruck Square, Derby

Place

The Smallprint Company

Friary Villas, 2-3 Friary Street, Derby

Browse Derby’s independents

Rain doesn’t mean you have to give up on shopping.

Head to the historic Cathedral Quarter and explore the independents around Sadler Gate. For more shopping under cover, Derby Market Hall brings together independent traders, food and more.

Combine your shopping trip with a coffee, lunch or something sweet and you’ve got the makings of a wonderfully relaxed rainy afternoon.

Place

Sadler Gate

Derby

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Independent Shops

Place

Derby Market Hall

Market Place, Derby

Take shelter in Derby Cathedral

Need peaceful escape from the rain? Step inside Derby Cathedral in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter.

Home to one of the tallest church towers in England, the cathedral offers stunning architecture, fascinating history and a calm atmosphere away from the bustle of the city. Visitors can discover the memorial to Bess of Hardwick, one of Elizabethan England’s most influential women, whose remarkable story remains closely linked to Derbyshire.

Whether you're admiring the impressive interiors, exploring its heritage or simply enjoying a moment of quiet reflection, Derby Cathedral is a fascinating place to spend time when the weather takes a turn.

Perfect for: History lovers, architecture enthusiasts and anyone looking for a peaceful rainy-day retreat.

Place

Derby Cathedral

18-19 Iron Gate, Derby

Have a go at FLO Skatepark

Don't let the rain stop play. Located inside Derbion, FLO Skatepark is one of the UK's leading indoor skateparks, offering a weather-proof space for skateboarding, BMX, scootering and inline skating.

Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced rider, there are sessions, coaching opportunities and plenty of ramps and features to enjoy. It's a great way to stay active and burn off some energy while staying out of the rain.

Perfect for: Families, teenagers, action sports enthusiasts and active rainy-day adventures.

Place

FLO Skatepark

East Street, Derby

Enjoy a performance at Derby Theatre

If the rain is set in for the evening, why not take in a show at Derby Theatre?

From drama and comedy to family productions and touring performances, it's a great way to round off a day in the city.

Perfect for: Theatre lovers, couples and evening entertainment.

Place

Derby Theatre

15 Theatre Walk, St Peter's Quarter, Derby

Escape to a cosy café

Sometimes the best rainy-day activity is simply slowing down.

Derby is packed with independent cafés and coffee shops where you can relax with a hot drink, a slice of cake and watch the world go by while the rain passes.

Perfect for: Relaxing, remote working and catching up with friends.

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Cafés

Make a day of it

The best thing about a rainy day in Derby? There’s no need to choose just one activity.

Start with a museum, stop for lunch, browse the shops and independents, then finish your day with a film, bowling or another indoor experience.

Whatever the weather, there are plenty of things to see and do in Derby. Discover museums, attractions, family activities, shopping, entertainment and bookable experiences and start planning your next day in the city.