Derby City Guide, including hotels

Derby holds a great appeal for those visitors in search of unspoilt tradition and character. In the shadow of the ornate Cathedral tower lies a great multi-cultural city bursting with a wealth of entertainment venues, attractions, parks and shops. Derby is perfect for those in search of a short break, whatever their needs.

Places of interest:

Derby is a busy industrial city, home of the famous Royal Crown Derby Porcelain. Derby sits on the west bank of the River Derwent, close to its meeting with the River Trent. Located in the beautiful rolling countryside of Derbyshire, it is an ideal base for touring the area, exploring the Derbyshire Dales and the Peak District National Park.
•  Derby Cathedral - The Medieval Tower is the second highest in England at 212 feet; its bells are rung regularly and are the oldest ring of ten bells in the world. James Gibbs designed the superb early 18th century classical gold and white nave. Features include the wrought iron screen by Robert Bakewell, Bess of Hardwick's elaborate memorial and St. Katherine's Chapel.
•  Derby Museum and Art Gallery - The Museum, which has a gallery dedicated to the craft of ceramics, also features on Natural History, Egyptian Mummies and Military history. In the town's history section you will see the Bonny Prince Charlie Room, with wood panelling taken from Exeter House where the Prince stayed in 1745. The Art Gallery has a collection on the work of the local artist Joseph Wright.
•  Pickford's House - This is one of Derby's fine Georgian Town Houses, built in 1770 by local designer Joseph Pickford. In the beautifully decorated rooms, you will find scenes of Georgian domestic life and historic costume displays.
•  Derby Heritage Centre - This quaint timber-framed building is home to a wealth of historical local information, including photographic displays and books.
•  Derby Industrial Museum - Situated in the first factory building in England, an 18th century Silk Mill. Here you can learn about the history of railways, coal mines and Rolls-Royce aero engines. There is also a variety of changing exhibitions.

Things to do:

Derby not only offers all the activities associated with a large city but those associated with living in rural England. You can shop till you drop, or enjoy the local countryside and historic monuments. Tourist routes are available to enable you to make the most of any walk or cycle tour you wish to take.
•  Shop in a traditional department store established in 1864, or one of the well known High Street names in the modern indoor shopping centre, explore the Victorian Market hall, and the colourful crafters market.
•  Eat in one of the speciality restaurants, coffee or tea shops Derby has to offer. Evening entertainment in the city can vary from a visit to one of the cinemas or theatres, to live music in one of the many wine bars and clubs.
•  Take the Kedleston Lanes cycle route that starts and finishes in the Riverside Gardens by the Council House in Derby. The route takes you through the lanes north-west of Derby and visits the villages of Kirk Langley, Weston Underwood and Quarndon. Unfortunately this route is not suitable for young families or inexperienced riders.
•  Discover the beauty and heritage of Derbyshire's River Derwent by following the Derwent Valley Heritage Way. The total distance is 55 miles but it can be taken as a long distance walk or as a series of shorter walks. The Derwent Valley Heritage Way has been way-marked using small yellow and purple disks.
•  Allestree Park dates from the end of the 18th Century when the present Hall was built. The park is preserved as a Local Nature Reserve because of its wide range of wildlife habitats. A Nature Trail follows an easy, reasonably flat route around the lower part of the Park and the lake shore. The trail is just over 1.5 miles long and should take about an hour and a half to complete.

Food & Drink:

Derby offers an excellent choice of restaurants where you can savour traditional and worldwide cuisine to suit any palate and wallet. There is also a multitude of modern cafes and bars, many hosting live evening entertainment.

Famous for being the ‘real ale' capital of the UK as the city is home to a great selection of traditional pubs, together with the annual summer and winter Beer Festivals at the Assembly Rooms.
•  White Derby occupies a prime position in Old Blacksmiths Yard. White has revolutionised Derby's restaurant scene overnight with its unique mix of exquisite food and drink, sumptuous interior design and exemplary service. White is a truly unique experience.
•  Lamp and Seam is located in the New Bath Hotel is popular with local business men and women and tourists alike. The Lamp and Seam offers French/English traditional cuisine in a charming setting. Service is friendly and efficient.
•  The Paddock is a friendly pub located on the outskirts of Derby, where you can find good food, drink and conversation. Traditional pub food is served from a main menu, and special boards offer homemade and favourite dishes.
•  Bennetts Ltd is a traditional style coffee shop in an elegant setting, with large tables and comfortable padded armchairs. A varied menu is available including toast, teacakes, scones, cakes, sandwiches, salads, hot and cold meals and snacks. Freshly ground coffee and specialty teas are available all day.
•  Mediterranea occupies part of an older building on Friar Gate and offers a relaxed and friendly atmosphere in modern casual surroundings. The food is based on the cuisines of the Mediterranean, North African and Middle Eastern.

Hotels & Accommodation:

The city of Derby has a wide range of hotels and quality assured guest houses. As Derby is a base for tourists and business people accommodation is available all the year round. Prices can be found that are suitable for any kind of budget suitable.
•  International Hotel
•  Express by Holiday Inn Derby
•  Menzies Mickleover Court Hotel
•  Derby East Premier Travel Inn
•  The Priest House on the River
•  Kegworth Whitehouse Hotel East Midlands Airport
•  Yew Lodge Hotel - Best Western
•  Express by Holiday Inn Nottingham East Midlands Ai
•  European Inn
•  The Stuart Hotel
•  Days Hotel Derby
•  Best Western Midland Hotel
•  DAYS INN HOTEL DONINGTON(Derby South)
•  Swallow Hotel Derby

Entertainment

The Assembly Rooms is Derby's leading entertainment venue, located on the Market Place in the centre of Derby. A programme of Arts and Entertainment, including an orchestral season, comedy, rock and pop events and family entertainment can be found there.

The Guildhall Theatre, also located on the Market Place, provides a blend of professional touring theatre and music events. It also offers a venue for many amateur productions and is perfect for small meetings and exhibitions.

The whole city of Derby has something to offer whatever style of break you prefer. Entertainment, historic homes, parks and good food is on offer. There is something and everything for every visitor regardless of age or budget.

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