Things to do in Derby

Derby is a diverse city based in the heart of England, in the East Midlands. Whether you're visiting for a weekend getaway or are looking to plan for a longer stay, Derby's rich history, culture, and entertainment are sure to deliver something for everyone. From beautiful parks and historic castles to magnificent museums and lively entertainment venues - you’ll never run out of things to explore! Located just on the outskirts of the amazing city, our Days Inn Donnington Hotel makes for a perfect place to stay as you discover what Derby has to offer!

Activities & Entertainment

If you're a lover of live performances, the Derby Theatre, formerly known as the Derby Playhouse, showcases everything from thrilling dramas to family-friendly musicals - making it perfect for a family day out! The QUAD is a film, cinema and arts centre offering screenings and gallery exhibitions for everything movie-related. With an in-house cafe, the QUADs integrated digital media makes a great day out for those motion-picture fans. Derby's Alter Rock Indoor Climbing Centre is perfect for thrill-seekers, featuring climbing walls, caving experiences, and obstacle courses - allowing you to push your limits! However, if you're looking for something more relaxed, bowling and mini-golf are available at Tenpin Derby.

Parks

Derby is renowned for its scenic green spaces, perfect for a day outdoors - peaceful or active!

Markeaton Park is one of the city’s most popular outdoor areas. It features beautiful gardens, a large playground and a pool, making it ideal for families. For a more quiet experience, Darley Park offers scenic river views and a stunning hydrangea garden. It's a favourite among locals for its peaceful walking paths and yearly summer events. However, if you're looking to explore some history, Elvaston Castle Country Park combines picturesque landscapes with Gothic-like architecture, making it a perfect day trip for historians.

Stadiums & Arenas

Pride Park Stadium, home to Derby County Football Club, is a must-visit for football fans. The 33,597-capacity stadium hosts tours, allowing visitors to experience the locker rooms first-hand, along with a walk through the players' tunnel. However, it doesn't stop at sporting events - the English Stadium has also been known to hold large music events, including gigs from Rod Stewart and Queen. The city's modern arena - Derby Arena - hosts concerts, comedy shows, and sporting events throughout the year showcasing the city’s varied entertainment scene.

Castles

Step back in time by visiting Derby’s historic castles. Elvaston Castle - built for General Charles Stanhope - is a standout for its scenic gardens and fascinating history. Although the interior is not open to the public, the exterior and grounds provide a glimpse into Derbyshire's noble past, having been designed by William Barron in the 19th century. For those willing to venture a little further in Derbyshire, Bolsover Castle, located about 30 minutes from Derby, offers great views with its structure that was designed to amaze! The castle, built in the early 17th century, sits on top of the ruins of the present castle's first structure, which was built in the 1600s.

Places to Eat

Whether you’re craving that traditional British taste, or an international cuisine, Derby has it all! For the classic pub experience, Derby offers settings such as The Exeter Arms. Known for its hearty meals and cosy atmosphere - it's a great place to eat any day of the week. Open on the last weekend of every month, Derby's famous Bustler Market celebrates a mixture of street food and flavours. As well as its amazing street food options, the award-winning event offers drinks & cocktails with amazing entertainment. But for those looking for something to satisfy their sweet tooth, stop by Milk & Honey - serving delicious cakes and unique coffees.

Museums

The Derby Museum and Art Gallery, which was opened in 1882, is one of the treasures the city has on offer - housing natural history, archaeology, geology and military collections. Don’t miss the Joseph Wright Gallery, dedicated to the work of the famous Derby-born artist. A unique pick for historians is Pickford’s House - a Georgian townhouse that offers a glimpse into domestic life in the 18th and 19th centuries. Its quirky exhibits make it a memorable visit for all that go!