Derby: Historical City in the East Midlands
A city that dates back to Roman times and that was once at the centre of Britain’s Industrial Revolution, Derby is home to an array of historic landmarks and attractions, something city visitors are quick to discover. Visit the East Midlands city and you’ll find everything from lavish country homes and remarkable places of worship to industrial relics and modern day facilities, all interesting and impressive in their own right. What’s more, the city’s location in the middle of the UK puts even more attractions and activities at your fingertips.
Derby Cathedral
Derby’s Cathedral Quarter is said to be the heart of the city and a good place to start your tour. Here you’ll find shops, restaurants, coffee shops, hotels, and, of course, Derby Cathedral itself. Since the tenth century a church has stood on this site, although the current building only dates back to the sixteenth and seventeenth century. It’s possible to tour the historic building, which is home to a number of notable features, including an impressive organ and a pair of peregrine falcons. The Cathedral Centre, located across the street, features a café and bookshop.
Derby’s Rich History
Derby’s rich history is on display at a number of locations across the city. One of the more significant of these locations is the Derwent Valley Mills. Registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this site is considered the birthplace of factory manufacturing. The site itself stretches some 15 miles along the River Derwent, with a number of factories and mills to be seen. The most commonly visited of these is the Silk Mill, situated a short walk from the cathedral. Elsewhere in the city you’ll find Derby Gaol, which today serves as a museum; Derby Museum and Art Gallery, home to a selection of fine works; and Derby Guildhall, once the seat of power in the city. Beneath the Guildhall, which today is used as a theatre, you’ll discover the catacombs. Said to be haunted, a tour of these gloomy crypts is not for the faint hearted. Speaking of things that go bump in the night, many visitors get a kick out of taking one of the city’ various ghost tours. All of these attractions are readily accessible from just about any hotel in the city.
The Region’s Historic Homes
The region in and around Derby, UK is awash with country houses and historic homes, many of which feature immaculately-manicured lawns and gardens. Travellers looking to escape their hotel room and enjoy an afternoon out of the city are almost spoiled for choice. Popular choices include: Kedleston Hall, an eighteenth century town house located in Kedleston, four miles from Derby; Calke Abbey, a Baroque mansion that was never actually an abbey; Melbourne Hall, a twelfth century mansion that was once home to a British prime minister; and Hardwick Hall, a sixteenth century manner house. Many of these properties are overseen by the National Trust, while all offer a scenic destination readily accessible from the city and its hotels.
Modern Day Derby
As well as a rich past, Derby also enjoys a wide range of modern day amenities, including a good-sized shopping mall, plenty of shops, and a host of restaurants, bars, and eateries. Sports fans should try and catch a match at Pride Park, home of Derby County Football Club, while Derby Arena features a velodrome and other sporting facilities. Meanwhile, numerous live music and performance venues can be found around the city. In terms of accommodations, the majority of hotels in Derby can be found in the Cathedral Quarter and city centre. Guest houses tend to be scattered further afield, while a number of convenient hotels can be found near Derby railway station.
Out of Town Attractions
The city’s location in the heart of the East Midlands means that it’s easy to visit a wide array of out of town attractions near to Derby. One of the region’s most popular attractions, especially with children, is the National Space Centre. Located in nearby Leicester, the centre features a range of exhibits and activities, including an actual spacecraft. Situated between Derby and Leicester is Castle Donington, a small town that is famed for its motorsport circuit. Donington Park hosts an array of different races throughout the year. It’s also home to the Download Festival, one of the most popular music festivals in the UK. The three-day event sees internationally renowned rock bands perform each year. The National Forest is another popular local destination. Here you’ll find miles and miles of trails and beautiful scenery. The same can be said of the Peak District, which is also a relatively short drive from Derby’s city centre hotels.