What to do in Derby

Activities, attractions and tours

A street at dusk with a prominent clock tower in the background.
A modern building with large glass windows and a classical building in the background.
A gallery with wooden floors, a staircase, and framed paintings.
A historic building with a formal garden featuring geometrically shaped hedges and a well-maintained lawn.
A historic street with buildings, a prominent clock tower, and bunting decorations.

Things to do

Nottingham Walking Tour with a Local Guide

Nottingham Walking Tour with a Local Guide

฿672
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Nottingham Walking Tour with a Local Guide
Daily Nottingham City Centre Walking Tour

Daily Nottingham City Centre Walking Tour (10:30am)

฿628
per adult
Daily Nottingham City Centre Walking Tour (10:30am)
Detail of Watson Fothergill's Office, Nottingham as featured on the Guided Walk.

Watson Fothergill Walk: Architecture of Victorian Nottingham Guided Tour

฿896
per adult
Watson Fothergill Walk: Architecture of Victorian Nottingham Guided Tour
Burton upon Trent Self Guided Tour History and Brewing Heritage

Burton upon Trent Self Guided Tour History and Brewing Heritage

฿497
per adult
Burton upon Trent Self Guided Tour History and Brewing Heritage
Picture 7 for Activity Nottingham: Fragrance Design Experience - The Perfume Studio

Nottingham: Fragrance Design Experience - The Perfume Studio

฿2,159
per adult
Nottingham: Fragrance Design Experience - The Perfume Studio
A fun and different way to see Nottingham

Fun and Flexible Treasure Hunt Around Nottingham with Hidden Gems

฿672
per adult
Fun and Flexible Treasure Hunt Around Nottingham with Hidden Gems
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What to do in Derby

Stay near popular Derby attractions

A row of parked cars at a starting line with a green sign in the background.
Photo by Mike Molloy
Open Photo by Mike Molloy

Donington Park Racing Circuit

9.4/10 (123 reviews)
Experience the roar of engines at this premier UK motorsport venue with its challenging circuit layout. Enjoy multiple vantage points during races or book a driving experience to feel the track's thrill first-hand.
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Where to stay in Derby

Find the best Derby areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Derby
Learn more about Derby
A city street at dusk with a prominent tower in the background.

Derby City Centre

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

A historic church with a tall spire, surrounded by urban buildings and a clear blue sky.

Pride Park

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.

A historic stone tower with a clock, surrounded by trees and a partly cloudy sky.

Cathedral Quarter

While visiting Cathedral Quarter, you might make a stop by sights like Derby Museum and Art Gallery and Chapel Street Arts Centre.

St Peters Quarter

While visiting St Peters Quarter, you might make a stop by sights like Derbion and Derbion.

A river with a bridge, a brick building, and a chimney.

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.

Day trip destinations from Derby

A steam train at a station with a person in uniform standing on the platform.

Loughborough

A historic building with a dome, a reflection pool, and surrounding modern buildings.

Nottingham

A bridge over a river with a tower in the background.

Burton on Trent

A large stone building with a traditional architectural style, featuring multiple chimneys and a prominent entrance with a small porch.

Ashby-de-la-Zouch

A church with a tall spire and a clock tower.
Photo by Tim Heaton (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Willington

A two-lane road with a grassy median, residential houses, and a clear sky.
Photo by Andy Jamieson (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Long Whatton

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.