With many of its stores set around attractively paved and largely traffic-free streets, the city centre is an ideal shopper-friendly place to visit for a packed day of retail therapy. Exclusive designer shops and specialist outlets nestle side by side with the big high street names and there's always something new to be discovered around every corner.
Unique to Derby, the prestigious Bennett's department store on Irongate is a delightful reminder of past times. Established in 1734 as an ironmongers and hardware store, Bennett's is now known for its range of high quality gifts and homeware, while its excellent galleried café and bistro is the perfect venue in which to relax, enjoy a coffee or lunch and watch the world pass by.
For an oasis of calm amidst the hustle and bustle of the city centre, take a stroll up Irongate to Derby Cathedral, which not only has the oldest ring of ten bells in the world but also has the second highest perpendicular tower in England. The Cathedral is the final resting place of Bess of Hardwick, Countess of Shrewsbury – the second wealthiest and most powerful woman of the Tudor age after Queen Elizabeth the First.
Be sure to head for Westfield Derby, one of the largest city centre indoor malls in the UK and home to many of the larger, well-known chain stores. Markets really are at the core of Derby city life and there's a huge array of goods and produce available from the permanent stalls in Westfield Derby, the Guildhall Market and Fish Market.
Regular farmers' markets are held monthly in the central Market Place or alternatively, you can browse through the bargains and perhaps unearth a treasure or two at the numerous antiques and collectors' fairs throughout the year.
Step back in time with a visit to the Grade 1 listed Pickford's House Museum on Friargate and witness what life would have been like in Georgian times. Displays include a Georgian kitchen and period kitchen garden, together with displays of toys, costumes, textiles, as well as a 1940s cellar equipped as an air-raid shelter.
QUAD, Derby's new centre for art and film, opened to the public on the 26th September 2008. The iconic £11 million centre, situated on the edge of Derby's Market Place, offers state-of-the-art facilities and a dynamic programme that is open to everyone.
Derby Museum and Art Gallery has many fine works on display, with works by one of Derby's most famous sons, Joseph Wright and a fascinating range of displays of artefacts and antiquities covering the natural world, social history and militaria. The museum also hosts a regular programme of temporary exhibitions.
The Silk Mill – Derby's Museum of Industry and History is part of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site and stands on the site of the world's oldest factories. The museum has displays of important local industries such as Rolls Royce and the railway industry, mining, pottery and foundries.
After a hard morning's shopping, sit back and relax in one of the city's excellent eateries – its thriving multi-cultural mix ensures there's always a huge choice of traditional and international cuisine available, from sophisticated restaurants and bistros to take-aways, fast food outlets, cafés and tea-shops!
Discover Derby's stories and secrets using our great trail guides. Each trail includes a route, interpretation, map and difficulty ratings, as well as things to see and do along the way.
