Things to Do in Derby
Derby sits beside the River Derwent, a manageable city with older lanes in the middle and hill country to the north. Here is what suits a short visit.
The Cathedral Quarter
The Cathedral Quarter is the older heart of the centre, a cluster of narrow streets and passages with independent shops, small galleries and cafes. Finding it takes no effort, the walking is easy and weekday mornings are quiet, which makes it a comfortable place to start. Give it an hour, longer if a shop or a cafe draws you in.
The Cathedral Quarter is the older heart of the centre, a cluster of narrow streets and passages with independent shops, small galleries and cafes.
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Friar Gate
Friar Gate runs westwards out of the centre, lined with tall Georgian terraces. It is a handsome, level street for a stroll, with cafes and restaurants along the way, and it gives a quieter feel than the main shopping streets. The pavements are wide and the traffic is lighter than in the middle, so it is easy to talk as you walk.
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Somewhere to book a room or a table for the evening, in Derby itself.
Real events in Derby, from onthedoor.uk.
The Derwent riverside
Paths follow the River Derwent through the city, past green banks, footbridges and open grass. The walking is flat, and the route can be shortened or extended as you please. It is a good option on a dry day when you would rather be outside than browsing shops. Seats are dotted along the banks, and the paths join up with a longer route out of the city for anyone who wants to keep going.
Paths follow the River Derwent through the city, past green banks, footbridges and open grass.
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Markets and covered shopping
The centre has a covered market hall and a good choice of indoor shopping, which makes Derby easy on a wet afternoon. Museums and galleries of several kinds are spread through the middle, within a short walk of one another, so an afternoon can move from covered stalls to a gallery to a cup of tea without any planning.
The centre has a covered market hall and a good choice of indoor shopping, which makes Derby easy on a wet afternoon.
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The Derwent Valley and the Peak District
North of the city, the Derwent Valley climbs through wooded hillsides and old mill villages towards the Peak District. A railway line follows the valley as far as Matlock, so it can be reached without a car. Expect hills, and a cooler wind than in the city. Sturdy shoes make the day far more comfortable.
North of the city, the Derwent Valley climbs through wooded hillsides and old mill villages towards the Peak District.
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Getting about, and who this is for
From the station the main shopping streets are within a few minutes' walk, buses cover the wider city, and taxis wait at ranks in the centre. Readers must be at least 18 to use the site, and this guide is no different. Most of the places above are within a twenty minute walk of one another, so you can plan loosely.
From the station the main shopping streets are within a few minutes' walk, buses cover the wider city, and taxis wait at ranks in the centre.
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Frequently asked questions
Covered shopping, the market hall, museums and galleries, and plenty of cafes all work well indoors, and in the middle of Derby they are only a short stroll apart.
No. TheDirectory does not book anything in Derby. This is a general guide, and you settle any arrangements with a member yourself.
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