Things to do in Derby

Find and book 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.

Derby Attractions

You'll soon see why travelers love spending time in Derby. Whatever your interests or age, there are loads of experiences and attractions to throw yourself into. Lock in your flights, get your suitcase packed and prepare to discover this dynamic city.

Discover the sights of Derby with some unique tours & day trips, or check out our list of { fun activities in Derby fun activities in Derby}. We have free cancellation and no added fees, so you can relax and channel all your energy into planning your dream vacation.

Things to do

Nottingham Walking Tour with a Local Guide

Nottingham Walking Tour with a Local Guide

$20
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Nottingham Walking Tour with a Local Guide
Daily Nottingham City Centre Walking Tour

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

$19
per adult
Daily Nottingham City Centre Walking Tour (10:30am)
Nottingham Robin Hood Town Tour

Nottingham Robin Hood Town Tour

$30
per adult
Nottingham Robin Hood Town Tour
A fun and different way to see Nottingham

Fun and Flexible Treasure Hunt Around Nottingham with Hidden Gems

$20
per adult
Fun and Flexible Treasure Hunt Around Nottingham with Hidden Gems
Explore Nottingham in 90 minutes with a Local

Explore Nottingham in 90 minutes with a Local - Private Tour

$210
per adult
Explore Nottingham in 90 minutes with a Local - Private Tour
See all activities in Derby

Recommended things to do in Derby

Number of things to do
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
:
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Derby

Free Things to Do in Derby

They say the best things in life are free. Make sure you explore the following around Derby:

Royal Derby Hospital - Speak to a few locals and find out why many tourists visit this place.

Derby Cathedral - Take a few moments for some meditation or prayer at this place of worship.

Elvaston Castle - Work on your green thumb and marvel at the glorious plants on display.

Things to Do in Derby with Kids

There are lots of unforgettable experiences in Derby that the whole gang will enjoy. Here are a few of the best family friendly experiences around.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Derby? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

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 firsthand.
See properties

Where to stay in Derby

Find the best Derby areas and neighborhoods 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

While visiting Derby City Centre, you might make a stop by sights like Quad and Derby Theatre.

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

Pride Park

Pride Park is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Pride Park Stadium and Derby Arena while in the area.

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

Cathedral Quarter

If you're spending some time in Cathedral Quarter, Derby Museum and Art Gallery and Chapel Street Arts Centre are top sights worth seeing.

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

While Darley Abbey might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Kedleston Hall and Derbyshire County Cricket Club.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Derby

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

Loughborough

An ancient stone castle with a grassy courtyard and ruins in the foreground.

Castle Donington

A canal with a brick tower in the distance, surrounded by trees and a hedge.

Sandiacre

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

Nottingham

A historic town with a prominent church tower, dense foliage, and traditional architecture.

Ashbourne

A river with boats, houses, and a church in the background.
Photo by Jerry Evans (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Kegworth

A church tower at night with a clock, surrounded by trees and a cemetery.

Belper

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

Burton on Trent

Frequently asked questions

Is Derby worth visiting?
Known for its bars and pubs and watersports, discovering cool things to do in Derby is easy. Be sure 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 begin your sightseeing adventures. Remember to explore the dining and shopping options in Derby while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Derby?
You can't leave without checking out Derby Theatre, ranked the top tourist attraction in Derby.
Is three days enough to stay in Derby?
Three days in Derby is plenty of time to enjoy the city's key attractions. Many travelers book for two days on average. Derby Theatre, Derby Museum and Art Gallery and Derby Museum of Industry & History are among the most popular sights. Want to see more? Stick around a bit longer to check off nearby hotspots like Nottingham.
Is Derby a walkable city?
With vibrant neighborhoods and leading sights within walking distance of the city center, Derby is a good destination to explore on foot. Wander between Derby Theatre and Derby Museum and Art Gallery. Then take a stroll around Pride Park, located 1 mile from the center, and Darley Abbey, which is about 1 mile away.
What are some activities to do in Derby with kids?
If you are after activities and sights for all of your group, we've got some awesome ideas for what to do in Derby with kids.
What to do in Derby for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Derby, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at The Beetroot Tree or Donington Grand Prix Collection.
Are there free things to do in Derby?
One of the best ways to find free things to do in Derby is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on vibrant neighborhoods, parks and other attractions you can enjoy without getting your cash out. Elvaston Castle is one sight that doesn't have an admission fee.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia