The Best BIG DAY Out Experiences on a Budget

Museum of Making

The Museum of Making is a family friendly museum with interactive spaces and activities for the family to do and craft projects. You can spend a whole day exploring Derby’s industrial heritage and future, marvel at fascinating artefacts, and get hands-on with the workshops. It is an inspiring, engaging experience and best of all, it is free entry.

Feeling peckish? Then head to The River Kitchen within the museum, this café serves up fresh, seasonal dishes made with local produce.

Place

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

Silk Mill Lane, Derby

Pickford’s House

Tour the beautifully preserved Pickford’s House, a Georgian townhouse museum which was the family home of Georgian architect Joseph Pickford. Step back in time and see how people lived in this Georgian house over the past 250 years.

Get playful with the magical toy theatre display on the top floor — one of the largest collections in the country, with screens from Sleeping Beauty, Aladdin and more. This fascinating museum is free to enter and can be enjoyed as part of your big day out in Derby.

Place

Pickford's House

41 Friar Gate, Derby

Derby Museum & Art Gallery

Get your art and culture fix and visit the Derby Museum & Art Gallery. Home to world-class paintings by Joseph Wright, ancient artefacts, and local archaeology, this museum is a powerful mix of history and creativity — all free of charge. There are lots of activities and art crafts for visitors to have a go at.

After your cultural fix, why not get a food fix at Derby Market Hall, just a short walk away.

Place

Derby Museum & Art Gallery

The Strand, Derby

Derby Riverboat Ride

Cruise along the River Derwent to enjoy a relaxing and scenic view of the city. Enjoy a 45-minute cruise on an electric powered river boat and learn about the river as you take in the views from the City Centre towards Darley Abbey and back. Suitable for all the family.

Big Save: Affordable tickets, with discounts for under 16s. Save more by buying a family ticket for two adults and two children under 16. Children under 3 are free.

Place

Derby Riverboat Trips

Opposite Silk Mill, Derby

Electric Daisy

Visit Electric Daisy, a bright, plant-powered welcoming atmosphere — perfect for relaxed, budget-friendly experiences. There are also lots of events hosted at Electric Daisy, from kids’ raves and craft workshops to foodie events.

Place

Electric Daisy

1 - 4 Bold Lane, Derby

Derby Uncovered Walking Tours

Join a Derby Uncovered walking tour of the city to hear quirky and grisly tales – from headless corpses in churchyards to donkeys on tightropes.

Big Save: Just £10 per person!

event

Derby Uncovered - The Walk

Derby Uncovered, 11 Sadler Gate, Derby

Artcore

Visit Artcore, a hub of creativity and community. With exhibitions, textile and painting workshops, and more, there's something for everyone to get involved in.

Place

Artcore

8 Albert Street, Osnabruck Square, Derby

QUAD

Derby’s go-to for digital art, indie cinema, and creative workshops. Enjoy a film in the cosy cinema, explore free exhibitions, or join a budget-friendly class. QUAD is a great value creative space for all ages.

Place

Derby QUAD & Cinema

Market Place, Cathedral Quarter, Derby

We hope you enjoyed our guide to the best budget-friendly day out experiences in Derby! From free museums and creative hubs to river cruises and walking tours, there are plenty of ways to make big memories without a big spend.

For more day trip inspiration, please visit our itineraries page.