Derby 3-Day Itinerary

Grade I listed building with a 212-foot tower, Bess of Hardwick's tomb, and Robert Bakewell's wrought-iron screen. Small but significant.

🕐 Daily 9:30–17:00 (tower climbs vary)

💡 Climb the tower for panoramic city views (£5 adult, £3 child). Check the website for the limited tower opening days. Evensong services (free) offer great acoustic experience.

A 16th-century church with a dramatic 19th-century tower. The interior has a striking Bess of Hardwick monument and modern stained glass.

🕐 09:30-17:00 Mon-Sat, 12:00-15:00 Sun

💡 Climb the tower for £3—the view over the city and down the Derwent Valley is worth the narrow spiral stairs.

The Merry Widows · ££

Shalimar Gold · ££

16th-century parish church turned cathedral, notable for its 16th-century tower with views over the city. Contains Bess of Hardwick's tomb and medieval stained glass.

🕐 Mon–Sat 9:30–17:00, Sun 12:30–14:30

💡 Tower tours cost £5 but are worth it for the panorama. Check the website – tours run on selected Saturdays in summer.

Houses collections of porcelain from Royal Crown Derby, paintings by Joseph Wright of Derby, local history, natural history, and archaeology. The museum occupies a Victorian building just off the Mark

🕐 Tue–Sat 10:00–17:00, Sun 12:00–16:00, closed Mon

💡 The Joseph Wright gallery on the first floor is the highlight – the lighting in the paintings is extraordinary. Allow at least 90 minutes to do it justice.

A local museum with collections on archaeology, natural history, and fine art. Highlights include Joseph Wright paintings and the Royal Crown Derby porcelain display.

🕐 10:00-17:00 Mon-Sat, closed Sun

💡 Check the basement for the often-quiet military history room—small but packed with detail.

16th-century Perpendicular Gothic church with a Bess of Hardwick tomb and fine west window.

🕐 Daily 9:30am-5pm (tower closes 4:30pm)

💡 Climb the tower for £7 – 189 steps give you cracking views over the city and the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site.

Pear Tree Inn

The White Swan

Houses the local history collection, fine art including a notable Joseph Wright of Derby painting, and a small natural history section. The building itself is a

💡 Head up to the second floor for the quieter exhibits, away from school groups. The cafe does a passable scone for under £3.

Houses Joseph Wright of Derby paintings plus local history and natural history exhibits. Also holds the city's collections of porcelain, archaeology, and coins.

💡 Head to the top floor first – the Wright gallery is quieter early in the day. The cafe does a good, cheap tea.

A small but elegant 18th-century cathedral with a 16th-century tower. Inside see the wrought-iron screen by Robert Bakewell and the huge modern tapestry by Ceri

💡 Climb the 189 steps of the tower for panoramic views over Derby – costs £5 but worth it on a clear day. Check the website for open tower times as they vary seasonally.

A restored Georgian townhouse showing domestic life from the 18th to 20th centuries. Period rooms, a recreated 1950s kitchen, and costume displays.

💡 Phone ahead to check opening as it operates with limited hours and occasional closures for events.

Vulcan Arms

Half Moon Inn