Derbyshire Attractions

Derbyshire offers visitors a choice of local attractions in the region, visitors have a choice of a number of interesting and charming places to discover. The county includes a scenic Peak District National Park, museums, parks, gardens, a number of historic buildings, theatre, concerts and events. Derbyshire’s location in the East Midlands means the tranquil English countryside and the great outdoors are all within reach located close to local towns and villages with a range of things to see and do in the county.

We have outlined a number of interesting attractions and places to visit for visitors to Derbyshire, these include:

The Peak District National Park is located across several English counties with a substantial portion lying in northern Derbyshire. The spectacular landscape in the park is among the finest in the UK. Britain’s first national park is a firm favourite with visitors, the park offers terrain that is well suited for the passing tourist, walkers, horse riders and activity enthusiasts. The park covers approximately 555 square miles and is blessed with great wildlife and flora. The park include a number of charming towns and villages including the spa town of Buxton, known for its mineral water.

Chatsworth House is located near Bakewell in Derbyshire and is the most famous stately home in the region. The house is known as the Palace of the Peak; it was built in the late 17th century and is the home of the Duke & Duchess of Devonshire. The grounds were landscaped by the acclaimed Capability Brown back in 1760. For visitors there is range of things to see and enjoy here, the house contains a number of interesting displays and there are a number of rooms to see with plenty of historical artefacts.

The most impressive rooms at Chatsworth are the state rooms with their impressive design and ornate decoration. There is the garden with a range of flowers, plants, trees and shrubs creating a wonderful relaxing atmosphere. There is also one of the finest private art collection in Europe built up by generations of the Cavendish family. The park is around 1,000 acres in size and provides some stunning scenery.

Derby Cathedral is a stunning medieval tower, it is among the best known and most popular attractions in the city of Derby. It boasts one of the highest church towers in the UK, contains the oldest ring of ten bells in the world and is open to visitors on selected days throughout the year. It is best to check prior to visiting to avoid disappointment. The cathedral itself is characterised by being light and airy with elegant features including the wrought iron screen by Robert Bakewell and the Cavendish brasses. When visiting Derby city this is a must see attraction for visitors.

Derby Museum & Art Gallery is located in the heart of Derby. Established back in the 19th century, there are a number of displays covering geology, archaeology, history and military. There are collections of international importance by Joseph Wright, an 18th century artist from Derby and collections of fine porcelain. The museum includes a programme of regularly changing temporary exhibitions.

St Mary’s Bridge Chapel is one of Derby's best known attractions. This historic building is among the few remaining of such chapels in the UK and records of its existence go back to the beginning of the 14th century. In yesteryear travellers leaving Derby would call at the Chapel to pray before setting out on a journey into the countryside that could be hazardous. The Chapel has been subject to many changes over the centuries, having been a Presbyterian meeting room, a couple of cottages, a prison and a carpenter's workshop at various times in its long history.

Of note are the stained glass windows, the statue of Our Lady of Walsingham and the Ronald Pope altar. In 1588, the Padley Martyrs spent their last night there before being hanged, drawn and quartered. Their remains were then displayed at the Chapel entrance as a warning to others. The Chapel was in ruins back in the 1920s, but in 1930 it was restored, since 1932 the Chapel has been in regular use as a place of worship.

Managed by the National Trust, Calke Abbey is a house that reminds you of its glory days where from the 1920s onwards its splendour and grandeur began to diminish. Visitors can view the collections of paintings, birds, ornaments and family photos sit amongst peeling wallpaper and paint. Calke Abbey reflects the fate that befell on hundreds of country houses earlier in the 20th century. There is a silver display and the Chinese silk bed that was kept in a box for many years. There is the route of 18th century servants along the brewhouse tunnel to the house cellars. There are gardens to explore here and glass houses and a 19th century ice house. Set in over 600 acres of parkland, it is an ideal spot to enjoy walks, relax and have a picnic.

A visit to Beehive Farm Woodland Lakes allows visitors to explore the beauty of the young woodland landscape through walking or horseback using the trails that have been laid out. Following the trails, you can enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the fishing lakes, Botany Bay and Jubilee and find some peaceful picnic areas that are surrounded by wild flowers. The farm is open year round, with the walking trails joining with the local network of footpaths to allow some further exploration of the National Forest area; this makes Beehive a great place to have as your base.

Derby Live is a multipurpose venue situated on the Market Place in the centre of Derby. Derby Live has an on-going year round programme of Arts and Entertainment, the wide array of entertainment on offer ranges from an orchestral season, rock and pop events, comedy, entertainment for the whole family like the celebrity pantomime & annual ice-show, dance and children's shows. There is space for a range of events including conferences, corporate presentations, trade exhibitions, dinner dances and special occasions such as weddings. Seen as a leading entertainment venue in Derby, its good quality arts programme means there is likely to be some good entertainment awaiting visitors.

Gullivers Kingdom Matlock Bath is located in the village of Matlock Bath in Derbyshire. Set in a picturesque location overlooking the Derbyshire Dales there are over 30 rides and attractions on site. Rides include Gulliver's Travels The Ride and Dodgems, attractions including a number of play areas and giant chess along shows for visitors to discover. There are a number of eateries serving a choice of hot and cold food and drinks. The theme park is for the whole family and is aimed primary at children from the ages of 2 to 13, offering a fun filled day out for the whole family.

It is recommended that prior to visiting Derbyshire; visitors do their research and ensure any sights and attractions they plan on visiting are actually open on the days you intend on coming. The transport is also worth checking as maintenance and engineering works can mean a restricted service on public transport and the road network.

Derbyshire is a county that has plenty to offer visitors with a mix of charming towns and villages including picturesque locations in the Peak District and the Derbyshire Dales with plenty of scenic countryside to enjoy in addition to the attractions in the urban centres. There is the city of Derby with its range of attractions along with a number of charming market towns and villages ensuring visitors can enjoy both the urban and rural when visiting the county. The county includes a large number of historic attractions, museums, historic houses, parks, gardens and cathedrals with family attractions such as the Gullivers Kingdom Theme Park. Derbyshire’s attractions ensure visitors can enjoy a short break, weekend away or a longer stay here.


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