Derby is a beautiful city located in the heart of England and is often considered the centre for advanced transport manufacturing. Derby is now one of the most preferred student cities around the world. For many students studying in Derby, it is more than just a place to learn. It is their home away from home. Some top things to do in Derby are to experience its booming nightlife, great music scene, and lively pubs. But what else? Below, we will talk about some of the top attractions in Derby that you can enjoy.
Table of Contents
As mentioned above, Derby is one of the best places for students. It has a total student population of 28,000 who love to explore Derby’s food, culture, and more.But what are some places these students can go to for a gateway besides the local pubs and hangout spots? If you are a student on a hunt for finding top places to visit in Derby, then you don’t have to research any more. Below, we have mentioned some of the must-visit places in Derby, both overrated and underrated:
Derby Museum and Art Gallery is one of the most famous places in Derby. This beautiful museum was established in 1879 and is now an independent organization run on behalf of the people of Derby. Their main goal is to make art and museum services accessible to everyone. If you are a fan of museums, then this can be one of the best things to do in Derby.
Duration: More than 3 hours
Address: The Strand, Derby DE1 1BS England
Architectural fan or not, the Pickford's House is a must-visit for every student. It often gets overshadowed by the other beautiful buildings of Friar Gate, but it is a sight students should not miss. Here, you will get to see the 18th and 20th centuries' domestic life in Georgia and the stark difference between the masters and servants.
Duration: About an hour and a half
Address: 41 Friar Gate, Derby DE1 1DA England
When you visit Derby, make sure to visit Derby Cathedral. This beautiful Georgian-style cathedral aims to provide inspiring worship, arts and culture events, high quality music and more. There you can enjoy Derby’s rich heritage and explore its beautiful interior, art installations, historical tombs, and atmospheric concerts.
Duration: Around 2 hours
Address: 18-19 Iron Gate, Derby DE1 3GP England
With a seating capacity of 33,597, Pride Park Stadium has been Derby County's home ground since 1997 and is one of the major tourist attractions in Derby. This stadium is not only used for their home games but also for various other non-match-related activities. These activities generally include other sporting events, conferences, music concerts by international artists, football matches, and more.
Duration: 1 hour
Address: David Walker Wy, Derby DE24 8XL England
Another great place to visit Derby is East Midlands Aeropark. It is both a museum and viewing area where you can learn about modern aircraft and preserved planes from the past. This is the perfect place for students looking for a picnic area.
Duration: More than 3 hours
Address: Hill Top Castle Donnington, Derby DE74 2PR England
If you are looking for places in Derby for a quiet day out around nature, then Markeaton Park is perfect. This is one of the most visited parks in Derby, where people go to experience the countryside. There, you can enjoy beautiful walking paths, spacious play areas, and a large paddling pool.
Duration: More than 4 hours
Address: Markeaton Lane, Derby DE22 4AA England
Here on our list of places to visit in Derby, is another park which is known for its picturesque landscapes. Darley Park is located near the banks of the River Derwent and is within walking distance from the city. Here you can enjoy the riverside walk with the seasonal blooms and autumn foliage.
Duration: More than 4 hours
Address: Darley Abbey, Derby DE22 1EN, United Kingdom
The Museum of Making at Derby Silk Mills is one of the great attractions in Derby that you can visit as a student. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has an interactive setting where you can enjoy Derby's amazing industrial heritage. There is something for everyone here, and it is relatively close to most Student Accommodation in the UK.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Address: Silk Mill Lane, Derby DE1 3AF England
One of the other perfect things to do in Derby is to visit the Royal Crown. Established in 1750, the Royal Crown Derby creates some of the finest tableware available in the world. Here, you get the chance to tour their stunning museum collections, where the museum director will tell you about some of the fascinating stories of how the Royal Crown Derby became the iconic brand.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Address: 194 Osmaston Road, Derby DE23 8JZ England
Are you not a fan of outdoor activities, parks, and museums? No worries. In our list of tourist attractions in Derby is the proclaimed Derby Theatre. This charming theatre has a long history of delivering some of the highest quality drama. Here, you can enjoy a diverse cultural experience with a variety of live performances and compelling stories.
Duration: 3-4 hours
Address: Derby Theatre 15 Theatre Walk Eagle Centre St Peter's Quarter, Derby DE1 2NF England
Above are some of the famous best things to do in Derby that students and tourists can enjoy, but what about more student-centric things?
One major concern for many students is money; they want to have a good time away from their studies without breaking the bank, but what? Below are some of the top things to do in Derby if you are a student:
For an ultimate fun day out, you can visit the Drayton Manor Theme Park. This first Thomas & Friends theme park is home to over 100 rides and attractions. Here, you can enjoy amazing water rides, Europe’s first stand-up roller coaster, and a 15-acre Zoo.
National Memorial Arboretum is a year-round tourist attraction in Derby where you can explore 150 acres of beautiful gardens and woodland. This place will give you a chance to learn about the fascinating stories of 400 memorials and what’s more? The entry is completely free. Perfect for college students looking for a fun thing to do with a braking bank.
In our list of things to do in Derby, The Warwick Castle is the perfect place for the history buffs. You can learn about the jaw-dropping history of Britain’s ultimate castle. That is not all; you also get to hear the ancient spell-binding tales and myths of the princesses and maidens.
The Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World is the UK’s second-ranked zoo on TripAdvisor. It was launched in 1991 and now has over 45 beats and dinosaur activities, with over 100 animals. You can enjoy some amazing and fun meet-and-greets as well as renowned animal experiences.
Found nothing you liked above? Don’t worry. Below, we have mentioned some additional things to do in Derby that are recommended by our professionals and students studying at Derby:
And there you have it—some of the top things to do in Derby. Believe us, Derby has something for everyone, be it museums, theme parks, historical places, or a zoo. So choose one or choose all; you are sure to have a fun time at all of them, whether they suit your taste or not.
If you are a new student looking for Student accommodation in Derby, then Graddinghomes.com can help you. With our experts, you will find the perfect place that suits your needs and tastes.
No, derby is not expensive for students and also offers a low cost education for international students.
There are several student hotspots in Derby and most students are found to live in places across the city but some famous student neighbourhoods include, Ashbourne Road and the city centre.
Yes, the University of Derby is a great place for international students and is often considered a home away from home by everyone.
Yes absolutely, Derby is worth visiting because of its dynamic yet compact lifestyle. Derby is the perfect place to enjoy both a cosmopolitan and friendly life.
13 People watching now
Chat with Expert
13 People watching now
Let us shortlist and book accommodations that match your preferences—all for a small amount
Service charge
Chat with Expert
We are available in :
LondonBirminghamNewcastleManchesterLiverpoolLutonPortsmouthPrestonLeicesterSheffieldBristolReadingDerbyEdinburghGlasgowNottinghamLeedsCanterburyBathSunderlandDisclaimer:logos and other registered trademarks of universities and properties used on this platform are held by their respective owners. Gradding Homes does not claim ownership or association on them, and their use is purely for informational and illustrative purposes.