What to do and see in Derby, England: The Best Free Things to do

October 2, 2021 Concepcion Newsome

Derby (/ˈdɑːrbi/ ( listen) DAR-bee) is a city and unitary authority area in Derbyshire, England. It lies on the banks of the River Derwent in the south of Derbyshire, of which it was traditionally the county town. At the 2011 census, the population was 248,700. Derby gained city status in 1977.
Restaurants in Derby

1. The Last Post

1 Uttoxeter Old Road, Derby DE1 1GA England +44 1332 296737 https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Last-Post/463961820371769
Excellent
87%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 63 reviews

The Last Post

Reviewed By thomasmG7353YY - Offenbach, Germany

The Last Post is certainly one of the smallest pubs I've ever been to (though not quite as tiny as the Pump It Up in Belper): You get about 10 people in there and it's packed! But the place oozes community atmosphere, and you'll get into talking with other patrons immediately. At least that was my own experience, and I'm a rather shy, reserved person. The selection of drinks is also excellent: a fair number of hand pumps, and, more importantly, they offer real ales from smaller breweries, and the not usual, jaded Doom Bar or Pedigree. Lovely, helpful barman, too. The range of single malt whiskies outshines that of many much larger establishments. And, even in a place for just ten people, The Last Post offers live music! Highly recommended real ale micro for Derby, even if it's a bit off the beaten track.

2. All Saints Church

Church Lane, Mackworth, Derby England +44 1332 541713 http://www.klmm-parishes.org.uk/churches/mackworth
Excellent
83%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 12 reviews

All Saints Church

Museum & Art Gallery The Strand, Derby DE1 1BS England +44 1332 641901 [email protected] http://www.derbymuseums.org/locations/museum-art-gallery
Excellent
56%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 640 reviews

Derby Museum and Art Gallery

Derby Museums is an independent trust and organisation run for, and on behalf of, the people of Derby. We provide a museums and arts service, accessible to everyone, and are responsible for the curation of all the artefacts and works of art entrusted to us, and the buildings in which these are held. Our aim as a new organisation is to bring as many of these objects into the public domain as is practically possible and exhibit them in ways that delight and inspire. We also run education and learning programmes, and hold events and exhibitions with the purpose of sharing knowledge and inspiring creativity and making amongst the people of Derby. As well as schools and student learning, we run many events for adults and groups, as well as families. Our collections and the information we hold about them are as unique as our location and history; we are a city continually shaped and driven by creativity and innovation, located in a valley that changed the world. The services we provide are also designed to promote the city: using its rich and important past to inspire its future.

Reviewed By 444MaryH - Bristol, United Kingdom

Quite a buzz, being school holidays, lovely to see children so absorbed in activities. Very up to date and interesting.

4. Pickford's House

41 Friar Gate, Derby DE1 1DA England +44 1332 715181 http://www.derbymuseums.org
Excellent
61%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 314 reviews

Pickford's House

Reviewed By Jon007 - South Yorkshire, United Kingdom

Excellent find - and free to visit and free car park. However went round the block three times before we found it - and the car park requires very careful negotiation, and moving to the centre of the road before you can turn in. Pity there was no brochure/guidebook to take away,although we were told we could photograph any exhibit or descriptive notices... Lots of steps, so maybe not the best location if you are mobility impaired. We were just in time to catch the couture exhibition - the clothes of Marchioness Curzon of Kedleston. Really good (says my wife...) Lots of fascinating bits and pieces and accessories from the 1920s/30s. The house itself was very interestingly dressed, though some items in the rooms had been moved and didn't match the descriptive sheets which explained what everything was! Well worth a couple of hours - and make a gift-aided donation when you leave!

5. Derby Cathedral

18-19 Iron Gate, Derby DE1 3GP England +44 1332 341201 [email protected] http://www.derbycathedral.org
Excellent
57%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 574 reviews

Derby Cathedral

Reviewed By brianbaconheanor2017 - Derby, United Kingdom

Have been here for a long time Fantastic church well used Beautiful location with parking on opposite side road Large spacious and well light Lots of history Bess of hard-wick buried here in her own crypt Beautiful main entrance with interim glass doors ,lovely singers

6. The Brunswick Inn

1 Railway Terrace, Derby DE1 2RU England +44 1332 290677 http://www.everards.co.uk/pubs/brunswick_inn_24/
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 235 reviews

The Brunswick Inn

7. The Abbey Pub

Darley Street, Derby DE22 1DX England +44 1332 558297 [email protected] http://www.abbeyinnderby.co.uk
Excellent
67%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 105 reviews

The Abbey Pub

The Abbey Inn is a traditional country Inn favoured by locals and traveller's alike for it's atmosphere, history and great value-for-money Samuel Smith's beer. Built in the 15th century, this Grade II* listed Inn serves home cooked food and high quality beers, wines and spirits all whilst soaking in the history of the building and the atmosphere of a real wood fire. All are welcome at the Abbey Inn including families, couples, students OAPs, walkers, cyclists, children and dogs! Hannah and Alex look forward to welcoming you into their Inn.

Reviewed By johnandshirley - Loudoun County, United States

Walked to this pub from our B&B in the Darley Abbey area of Derby. What a wonderful surprise! The restaurant upstairs was closed due to a recent fire. But the pub downstairs was open. Great, friendly service at the bar. Samuel Smith Ales on tap (very good!). There are tables outside, but we sat inside because it's such a wonderful place. Important tip: Cash only.

8. The White Swan Littleover

The White Swan Shepherd Street, Derby DE23 6GA England +44 1332 766481 http://www.thewhiteswanlittleover.co.uk
Excellent
63%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
6%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 63 reviews

The White Swan Littleover

Reviewed By 20pete11 - Derby, United Kingdom

Fabulous Sunday Carvery takeaway during these strange times. Bren & staff, take a bow..!! We will definitely keep using you. Closest thing to hone cooking we've come across.

9. Markeaton Park

Kedleston Road, Derby England +44 7810 301795 [email protected] http://www.inderby.org.uk/parks/derbys-parks-and-open-spaces/markeaton-park/
Excellent
49%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 298 reviews

Markeaton Park

Markeaton Park is Derby’s most visited park and is one of the most popular attractions in the East Midlands. It offers a place to escape from day to day living and city life and experience a little bit of countryside on Derby’s doorstep. But behind the modern day park lays a fascinating history that is waiting to be discovered. The park as we know it today can be traced back to the medieval period, when the first park was laid out. Over the following centuries the park went through many changes, from arable fields to an enclosed designed 18th century park and hall and finally at the beginning of the 20th century into the public park of today. The park has many features that mark this history: ancient veteran trees, historic lost roads, old arable field patterns, the 18th century park and buildings and the remains of a Second World War army camp.

Reviewed By adyval - Long Eaton, United Kingdom

Visited here today Sunday 1st Sept 2019. Its 20 mins in the car from home and not been here for about 20 years ago when our children were younger. It was busy but manged to get a blue badge space. There was a 5k run on the park so lots of stalls and of course people. We went for a drink first in a lovely coffee shop. Coffee wasnt the best weve had but was ok. Only a few shops open in the craft centre. Lovely newish toiulet block. We walked thro to the play area which had changed a lot with plenty of free playground areas and also golf and boating which was payable and a large climbing place. Overall we enjoyed the walk and i visited the model railway exhibition. We shall return with the grandchildren at some stage.

10. The Brewery Tap

Nottingham Road Masons Place Business Park, Derby DE21 6AQ England +44 1332 365366 [email protected] https://brewerytap-dbc.co.uk/
Excellent
59%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
0%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 17 reviews

The Brewery Tap

Reviewed By TeamWard - Nottingham, United Kingdom

On a Tuesday evening this was an easy place to start a few drinks around Derby, helpful staff, cosy atmosphere, just talking and drinking, well worth a pint or two.

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