Things to do in Derby and Derbyshire
As well as stunning scenery and marvellous walking trails, Derbyshire and the nearby Peak District are home to some of the country's finest stately and historic homes.
Chatsworth House, home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire is well worth a visit, as are the Tudor period Haddon Hall and Kedleston Hall, a Palladian mansion.
Alton Towers, formerly a grand house that is now the site of the famous theme park, will appeal to younger visitors. Within driving distance there are plenty of pretty market towns to explore including Bakewell (home of the famous tart), Buxton and Ashbourne.
For those who are interested in racing, Uttoxeter is famous for its horses, whilst in the opposite direction is Donington Park, with regular motor racing fixtures throughout the year. Such variety ensures the area has something to appeal to everyone.
Houses to Visit / Museums
| Event |
Essential Information |
CHATSWORTH HOUSE, Bakewell
www.chatsworth.org |
Date: Throughout the year until
Entrance: Entrance charges apply
Tel: 01246 565300 |
DENBY VISITOR CENTRE, Denby
www.denby.co.uk |
Date: Throughout the year
Entrance: Free of charge
Tel: 01773 740799 |
DERBY MUSEUM and ART GALLERY
www.derby.gov.uk/LeisureCulture/MuseumsGalleries/ |
Date: Throughout the year
Entrance: Entrance charges apply
Tel: 01332 716659 |
HADDON HALL, Bakewell
www.haddonhall.co.uk |
Date: Daily from May - September with selected dates open in October and December
Entrance: Entrance charges apply
Tel: 01629 812855 |
KEDLESTON HALL, Derby
www.nationaltrust.org.uk |
Date: Throughout the year, check for opening times
Entrance: Entrance charges apply
Tel: 01332 842191 |
Outdoor Attractions
| Event |
Essential Information |
ALTON TOWERS
www.altontowers.com |
Date: March - October
Entrance: Entrance charges apply
Tel: 08705 20 40 60 |
BELVOIR CASTLE, Grantham
www.belvoircastle.com |
Date: Various days throughout April - September
Entrance: Entrance charges apply
Tel: 01476 871002 |
CRICH TRAMWAY MUSEUM, Matlock
www.tramway.co.uk |
Date: 28 February - 31 October, days of opening vary by season
Entrance: Entrance charges apply
Tel: 01773 854321 |
DERBY CATHEDRAL
www.derbycathedral.org |
Date: Throughout the year with
Entrance: Free of charge
Tel: 01332 341201 |
GULLIVERS KINGDOM, Matlock
www.gulliversfun.co.uk |
Date: Throughout the year, check for opening times
Entrance: Entrance charges apply
Tel: 01925 444888 |
MATLOCK FARM PARK
www.matlockfarmpark.co.uk |
Date: Throughout the year until mid-December
Entrance: Entrance charges apply
Tel: 01246 590200 |
THE HEIGHTS OF ABRAHAM, Matlock
www.heightsofabraham.com |
Date: 11 February - 4 November 2012, daily except February - March weekends only.
Entrance: Entrance charges apply
Tel: 01629 582365 |
UTTOXETER RACECOURSE, Uttoxeter
www.uttoxeter-racecourse.co.uk |
Date: Throughout the year, check for fixtures
Entrance: Entrance charges apply
Tel: 01889 562561 |
Special Events