The vibrant city of Derby is located on the banks of river Derwent and has a population of less than 250,000. If you visit this city and make a list of things to do in Derby, you will realise that this city has more to offer than just rich history, picturesque views, and world-class research centres.
Derby was founded in the 9th century by the Danes as Deoraby, from which the present name is derived and gained the city status in 1977. This city is known for its manufacturing industries and many people who live in this city are involved in the manufacture of silk hosiery, lace, and cotton, and textile factories which are important sources for the health of the city’s economy.
Your idea of the perfect weekend might be exploring the town on your bicycle, or you may enjoy relaxing by yourself in the midst of nature. Whatever your idea of fun is, Derby has got you covered. You will never go out of things to do in Derby because this city is dynamic and all-inclusive.
8 Things To Do In Derby For Students
Visit the Allestree Park
The Allestree Park is situated off Burley Road, near Derby. If you feel like embracing mother nature and want to dwell in the fresh air and walk barefoot on green grasslands, Allestree Park is the perfect place for you. You will find many animals in this park such as horses and sheep who make the most of the open spaces available here and roam around freely. Moreover, these open spaces in the garden are also used as a picnic spot by families who visit this park to bond with family and friends.
Oxygen FreeJumping
The UK’s most beloved trampoline park, Oxygen FreeJumping, is located in Derby. At Oxygen, there are a number of activities to choose from: Freejumping – an hour to explore the park and jump until your heart’s content. This tops the things to do in Derby because every year many visitors who belong to different parts of the world visit this trampoline park in the form of celebrating life. You may or may not be into fitness but this trampoline park also offers individuals fitness routines using trampolines.
Derby Cathedral
What’s Derby without the Derby Cathedral? Derby Cathedral is one of Derby’s most beautiful and historic sites as well as the home of a vibrant Christian community and the venue for many exciting and innovative events every year. This Cathedral is also popularly known as the All Saints Church and only became a cathedral when the Diocese of Derby was formed in 1927. This is one of the best attractions and places to go in Derby.
The Derby Gaol
The Derby Gaol is a prison turned museum that opens on Saturdays. There have been many people who have been hung in this building in the 18th and 19th century and was a place where criminals received capital punishment. This is one of the top tourist attractions in Derby. If you ever want to amuse yourself and take a break from university life, the Derby Gaol will give you some fascinating details about ghost stories. The ghost stories of the Derby Gaol are real and the owner organises an evening ghost walk around the city centre, starting and ending at the gaol.
Smallprint Co.
One of the top things to do in Derby is discovering the fabulous studio that is dedicated to 500 year old craft of letterpress. The Smallprint Co. is a studio where you can buy handmade crafted items, attend workshops to learn letterpress and even approach them to make handmade wedding cards. You will also be able to find and attend courses relating to poster creation, letterpress, typography, miniature painting, and more.
Derby’s Market Hall
Even if you do not plan on shopping, you must visit Derby’s Market Hall. This is a place where you can find all the different traditions, customs and peculiarities of the city under a single roof. The Market Hall is in business every day except Sunday and has stalls selling the usual groceries like fish, meat, fruit, vegetables, fresh baked bread, cheese and confectionery. A Derby tradition of pyclets is famous in the Derby’s Market Hall. These are flattened crumpets, similar to Russian blinis, and go well with sweet or savoury toppings.
Crich Tramway Village
Located in the north of Derby, the Crich Tramway Park is a heritage park home to the National Tramway Museum. The Tramway Museum displays the entire history of tram transport, from horse-pulled vehicles in the 19th century to electric trams just after the Second World War. This is what makes it one of the most unique places to visit in Derby. You can even ride one of these trams which stop at five points around the village and local countryside.
Pickford’s House Museum
Named after the famous architect Joseph Pickford, this house is his family home built by him in the year 1770. The house was turned into a museum in the year 1988 and professionally showcases the family home of Georgian architect Joseph Pickford. One of the things to do in Derby is visiting this house-turned-museum as it illustrates aspects of domestic life from the 18th to the 20th centuries.
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