Thursday, 21 April 2022
The best places in Derby, according to those who live there
There’s no denying that there are tons of places to visit across the EMR network. To celebrate the diverse and interesting places along our route, we turned to the people that know these places best - our customers. After polling over 1,000 of you, we managed to decipher some of the best things to do, places to see and foods to eat, based on your recommendations alone.
Derby is well-known for its engineering history, its football club, and as the birthplace of Lara Croft, but its residents know far more about the city, and have recommended a plethora of places to visit. Take a look at what the people of Derby have said about their city, and plan your next day out based on what the locals have recommended to see and do.
Derby
Q. Describe this city in three words
A. Friendly, Cultural, Compact
Whether it's the historical importance of the city, or its broad cultural offerings, there was a lot to be said about Derby as a city. Although compact, Derby still packs a punch in terms of things to do and places to see. The Museum of Making consistently came up as one of the best places to visit. Despite the fact the museum was only opened in 2021, it’s made a huge impact on the people of Derby. It’s here that you can learn about the area’s rich history of innovation and explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site which sits on the bank of the River Derwent.
Many of our customers also recommended a legendary ghost walk, by Richard Felix . Discover the site of Derby’s first Gaol for stories of witchcraft, execution and treason, followed by a visit to the Fish Market to hear stories of times gone by.
If you’re after a highly-recommended bite to eat in the city, Bustler Street Food Market came out on top. The jewel in Derby’s social calendar, Bustler goes off with a bang on every last weekend of the month, with special events in between. It’s the biggest indoor and outdoor venue to enjoy food in Derby, so it’s well worth the visit! Other than Bustler Market, the Bookcafe in the city centre, and the Cottonworks in Darley Abbey were highly recommended as places to visit for a bite to eat.
Derby is well-known for its beer and ale scene, and a visit to one of its local breweries is very much top of the list of things to do. Visit Dancing Duck Brewery just out of the city centre, or Shiny Brewery in Little Eaton. Derby Brewing offer tours of their facilities, and a taste of their sweet nectars, whilst the Little Brewery’s exports can be found in pubs across the city. While you’re at it, visit Derby’s oldest pub - Ye Olde Dolphin Inne which was built in the late 16th century.
Image © Derby Quad
If you’re visiting the city with little ones, Markeaton Park is highly recommended. Markeaton Park is Derby’s most visited park and is one of the most popular attractions in the East Midlands. With everything from a high ropes course, mini golf, rowing boats, paint-a-pot, and footgolf all in beautiful surroundings - it’s easy to spend an entire day here. If the weather isn’t on your side, a visit to the QUAD , Derby Museum or Oxygen Freejumping are good places to start.
Rainy day idea: Head to the Brunswick for a traditional pint of ale, catch an indie film at The QUAD, or head for some retail therapy in the Derbion.
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Explore other places on our network
See the best places across our network, according to those who live there.