Culture Lover

If culture and local history spark your interest, you’ll love discovering Derby. Explore the city's historic buildings, museums and galleries, or treat yourself to a trip to our very own theatre.

Derby QUAD hosts Derby’s growing arts scene, with film screenings, exhibitions, short courses and much more. Derby is also great for food and drink lovers, with regular farmers’ markets, a choice of restaurants as well as cafés and bars. As a student, you'll be able to see shows at Derby Theatre for just £5.

The newest addition to Derby's cultural scene is the Museum of Making, which tells the story of the area's rich heritage of innovation and its role in the Industrial Revolution.

  1. Explore exquisite collections at Derby Museum and Art Gallery
  2. Watch an inspiring performance at Derby Theatre
  3. Join the community at St Werburgh's Derby church 
  4. Visit Chatsworth House
  5. Explore Derby Festé, a colourful outdoor arts festival
  1. Cook up a storm at Coghlan’s Cookery School
  2. Dare yourself to do one of Chesterfield’s Ghost Trails
  3. Explore the National Trust’s historic Hardwick Hall
  4. Visit Revolution House - the famous scene of a plot to overthrow James II
  5. See the latest comedians, live shows and films at the Pomegranate Theatre

Our students like to attend poetry events and musical performances in relaxed and atmospheric environments like St Werburgh’s church. They enjoy walking around the lake at Markeaton Park, which is a short walk from the University, and eating and drinking in historic venues such as The Old Bell - the oldest restaurant bar in Derby, established in 1650.

A student reading a brochure at the cafe at Derby Theatre

My favourite place to go is the Quad. There’s a cinema where you can watch independent and mainstream films, a café downstairs where you can do your work and different workshops throughout the week.

Sile Sibanda
BSc (Hons) Forensic Science with Psychology

Derby’s intriguing history dates back to before the Romans and it is officially the most haunted city in the UK, with some of the oldest pubs including the Ye Olde Dolphin Inne, dating back to 1530. The annual Derby Folk Festival is not to be missed and further afield, iconic tourist attractions like Chatsworth House make a perfect day out with friends or family. And if you fancy shopping 'til you drop, Derby's Cathedral Quarter is home to a great mix of upmarket and one-off shops.

Broaden your horizons by immersing yourself in local history and experiencing the best of current culture in Derby.

Two students browse a brochure of shows at Derby Theatre
A male student looking at Joseph Wright paintings at Derby Museum and Art Gallery
A University of Derby student looks around Buxton's Pump room white stone features
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