Derby

Welcome to Derby

From museums to designer shops, restaurants and country walks, there’s something for everyone in the historic cathedral city of Derby. Located in Derbyshire just a short commute from Nottingham and Leicester, a new home in Derby could tick all the right boxes for you and your family.

A quick history

Derby began life as a Roman fort, but when the Romans left Britain the settlement went to ruins. Later, in the 9th century, the Danes created a new town, which later passed over to the Saxons. Over the centuries, Derby became known for its trade industries including carpentry and wool making, and soon it was one of the biggest towns in the country.

Derby’s first silk mill opened in 1717, and by 1839 the town was connected to the railways. Shortly after, Derby became an important railway engineering town, followed by car-making when Rolls Royce opened a factory in the area in the early 20th century.

Business and industry

Today, employers in and around Derby include Rolls Royce, Nestle, JCB, Toyota and the University of Derby. Retailers Boots are headquartered in neighbouring Nottingham, while Next are in Enderby, Caterpillar (UK) in Desford and Dunelm in Syston.

Things to do in the area

Derby is a wide range of things to do and places to see, from shopping at intu Derby to sightseeing in the Cathedral Quarter. The city is also home to Derby Museum and Art Gallery, Pickford’s House Museum and Derby Gaol, while Sadler Gate is the place to go for designer shopping.

The city is only a short drive away from some impressive stately homes and estates, including Hardwick Hall, Hopton Hall Gardens and Kedleston Hall. If you want to enjoy the great outdoors, you can take a trip to the Peak District National Park, go for a walk along the River Derwent or visit Derby Arboretum.

Other places of interest include Derby Central Library, The Silk Mill, Donington Park and Derby Theatre.

Travel and commuting

Whether you’re visiting friends or commuting for work, Derby is well-connected by both road and rail, located close to the M1 and with regular train services from the city’s station.

If you’re travelling to Leicester or Nottingham, the journey by train takes just 25 minutes. Birmingham is only a 40 minute train journey or hour-long car journey from Derby, while the trip to London takes just one hour 30 minutes by train.

When it’s holiday time, you can get to East Midlands Airport in 20 minutes from Derby by car, or take the Skylink service from the station.