Derby is located close to the Derbyshire Dales district of the Peak District National Park, with the surrounding countryside providing both scenic drives and scenic walks, plenty of outdoor activities and all the facilities you would expect of a city including excellent places to eat and drink, great shopping and lively nightlife.

This is a compact city, that’s easily navigated on foot. The quaint Cathedral Quarter offers specialist shops, relaxed restaurants and bars, and green spaces. Westfield Derby is the city’s main shopping area and contains a variety of shops and food outlets and a 12-screen cinema complex. Derby is supposedly the second most haunted city in the UK, and ‘ghost walks’ are available around the town.

Derby Market Hall, which has a magnificent iron work roof, hosts a number of market stalls. Tours are available around Royal Crown Derby, the town’s fine china factory. Other attractions nearby include Derby Arboretum, Derby Museum and Art Gallery, Derby Cathedral, Pickfords House and St Mary’s Chapel, Bridge Gate.

It provides a good base for exploring the picturesque Peak District National Park. The Derbyshire Dales, or White Peak area of the park is largely a limestone plateau, which contains rolling hills, dales, and green fields.

Walkers will enjoy tackling parts of the Limestone Way; a 50 mile route which traverses the White Peak. Places of interest to visit include Castleton, Eyam, Bakewell, Ashbourne and Matlock Bath. Other popular activities include climbing, cycling, horse riding and visiting the many country houses and quaint villages in the area, including Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall. Alton Towers is also within easy reach for a family treat.

To stay in the area, see our Derby holiday cottages, for a combined rural and city break.