Derby Cathedral Tours

Derby Cathedral showing heritage architecture and a city
Derby Cathedral which includes a city, night scenes and heritage architecture
Derby Cathedral which includes night scenes and heritage architecture
Derby Cathedral showing heritage architecture and night scenes


Famed for the panoramic views from its soaring clock tower, this ancient religious landmark is also home to a series of striking medieval graves.

Derby Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of All Saints, looms over the atmospheric streets of Derby’s Cathedral Quarter. A church has stood at the same site in the city ever since King Edmund established a place of worship in A.D. 943. Today’s magnificent Derby Cathedral was constructed between the 16th and 18th centuries. Enjoy views of four counties from the clock tower, observe a family of resident peregrines and attend musical events.

The cathedral displays elements of architectural aspects from the Gothic, Georgian and neoclassical periods. Guarding the entrance is a set of ornate gates relocated from the nearby street St. Mary’s Gate. They were renamed the Queen Elizabeth II Gates in 2012 to mark the queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Gaze up at the 212-feet (64-meter) tall Tudor clock tower, decorated on all four sides with bas-reliefs and gargoyles. A family of peregrine falcons nest on a ledge situated on the tower’s eastern face. From May to July you can watch them via telescopes set up in Cathedral Green, at the rear of the building.

Guided tours of the tower will take you up a staircase of 189 steps to a viewing platform. Look down on the Cathedral Quarter and out across the surrounding countryside, which incorporates the counties of Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Staffordshire. Listen to the midday chime of the Smith of Derby carillon. This is the world’s oldest-working set of 10 bells, with the oldest dating back to 1520.

Historical treasures add artistic beauty to the apse and nave. See the elaborate mausoleum of Bess of Hardwick, a four-time married aristocratic woman of the Elizabethan era. Other features are a wrought-iron rood screen by Robert Bakewell, a tablet dedicated to Bonnie Prince Charlie and a memorial plaque of local painter Joseph Wright.

The cathedral is 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) north of Derby’s train station. Several city hotels are within comfortable walking distance from the attraction.

Derby Cathedral is open daily and admission is free. A fee is applicable for the tower tour. Ask at the welcome desk about events such as choir concerts, organ recitals and performances by local bands.

Plan a trip to see Derby Cathedral

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voco Manchester City Centre by IHG
Treehouse Hotel Manchester
Manchester University

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Best Lodging Options Near Derby Cathedral

Leonardo Hotel Derby

Leonardo Hotel Derby

4 out of 5
King Street, Derby, England
Leonardo Hotel Derby
B&B HOTEL Derby

B&B HOTEL Derby

4 out of 5
Locomotive Way, Pride Park, Derby, England
B&B HOTEL Derby
Aston Court Derby City Centre by Belvilla

Aston Court Derby City Centre by Belvilla

3 out of 5
Midland Road, Derby, England
Aston Court Derby City Centre by Belvilla
Holiday Inn Derby Riverlights by IHG

Holiday Inn Derby Riverlights by IHG

4 out of 5
Morledge, Derby, England
Holiday Inn Derby Riverlights by IHG
Cathedral Quarter Hotel - Derby

Cathedral Quarter Hotel - Derby

4 out of 5
16 St Marys Gate, Derby, England
Cathedral Quarter Hotel - Derby
Premier Inn Derby Cc - Cathedral Quarter

Premier Inn Derby Cc - Cathedral Quarter

3 out of 5
Full Street, Derby, England
Premier Inn Derby Cc - Cathedral Quarter
Holiday Inn Express Derby Pride Park by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Derby Pride Park by IHG

3 out of 5
Wheelwright Way Pride Park, Derby, England
Holiday Inn Express Derby Pride Park by IHG
The Stuart Hotel, Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western

The Stuart Hotel, Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western

3 out of 5
119 London Road, Derby, England
The Stuart Hotel, Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western
Premier Inn Derby Cc Riverlights

Premier Inn Derby Cc Riverlights

2 out of 5
Morledge, Derby, England
Premier Inn Derby Cc Riverlights
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Derby Cathedral

When visiting Derby Cathedral, you can enjoy a range of activities nearby, such as kayaking and relaxing at a spa. Don’t miss the chance to explore the stunning architecture of Derby Cathedral itself, and if you're in the mood for adventure, consider a trip to Drayton Manor Theme Park for thrilling rides and family fun.

Shopping

For a great shopping experience near Derby Cathedral, visit intu Derby, just 0.6 miles away, offering a vibrant mix of entertainment and family-friendly shops. If you're up for a drive, the East Midlands Designer Outlet, located 10 miles away, features a variety of designer and high-street stores.

Recreation

Experience the energy at Pride Park Stadium, just a mile from Derby Cathedral, where you can catch a thrilling sports event. For relaxation, The Risley Park Spa, located 7 miles away, offers a serene environment for pampering and rejuvenation, ensuring a perfect wellness escape.

Adventure

Donington Park Racing Circuit, located 8 miles from Derby Cathedral, offers thrilling motor racing experiences for adrenaline seekers. For water sports enthusiasts, the National Water Sports Centre, 16 miles away, provides exciting outdoor activities. The Snow Dome, 22 miles away, features indoor skiing, perfect for family fun and sports.

Nightlife

The nightlife around Derby Cathedral offers a blend of culture and fun. Catch a show at Derby Theatre, just 0.4 miles away, or enjoy a film at the nearby Quad cinema, also 0.4 miles away. For an adventure, head to Delta Force Paintball Kegworth, located 10 miles away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Derby Cathedral

While visiting Derby Cathedral in Derby, England, you can explore a variety of attractions including modern colleges, historic houses, and castles. Enjoy a cultural experience with family-friendly activities, and don’t miss nearby highlights such as the Cathedral Towers, Derby Theatre, and Derby Museum. For nightlife, check out the local nightclubs to complete your visit. There's plenty to see and do for every type of traveler.

  • University of Derby: Located 1 mile from Derby Cathedral, the University of Derby boasts a vibrant, modern atmosphere. With contemporary architecture and a lively student scene, it's a great place to experience the energy of city life and innovation.
  • Kedleston Hall: Just 0.9 miles from Derby Cathedral, this stunning historic house offers a glimpse into England's rich heritage. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and parkland, visitors can immerse themselves in culture and admire exquisite architecture.
  • University of Nottingham: Situated 12 miles away, the University of Nottingham is steeped in history. Its impressive campus features beautiful buildings and lush green spaces, providing a serene environment to explore educational excellence and cultural offerings.

Best time to go to Derby Cathedral

The best time to visit Derby Cathedral can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Derby Cathedral falls in July, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Derby Cathedral falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January38.7°F (3.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February39.7°F (4.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March42.6°F (5.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
April46.6°F (8.1°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May52.2°F (11.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June57.7°F (14.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly High
July61.3°F (16.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
August60.8°F (16.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
September57.0°F (13.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
October51.4°F (10.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
November44.6°F (7.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December40.6°F (4.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Derby Cathedral

To save money during your visit to Derby Cathedral, consider traveling between January and March when accommodation prices dip. Sundays offer the best hotel rates, while Saturdays are the priciest. Use Expedia to compare prices and book packages that combine flights, hotels, and activities for added savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can unlock exclusive discounts and enable you to earn cash for future stays. For getting around, take advantage of public transport options, which are budget-friendly and efficient.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Derby Cathedral are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to July and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Derby Cathedral is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Derby Cathedral is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Explore Expedia’s search tool to customize your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To find the best prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Derby Cathedral hotel reservation with your flights and activities by booking a package through Expedia.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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