Serenity
seeker

Not everyone is a 24/7 party animal, so if your general approach to life is more laid back or you’re in need of a break from your hectic schedule, you’ll find Derby a great place to relax. With Markeaton, Darley and Allestree parks all close to the main Derby Campus, you’ll find plenty of open green spaces where you can wind down.

If retail therapy is more up your street, the indoor Derbion Centre features a range of high-profile brands including Superdry, Next, H&M and Game. The cobbled Cathedral Quarter, with its friendly atmosphere and beautiful historic surroundings, is famous for independent, boutique and vintage shops.

  1. Chill out in Markeaton Park
  2. Go shopping at Derbion or the Cathedral Quarter
  3. Enjoy spectacular views from your cable car at Matlock Bath
  4. Go boating, wildlife watching and shopping all at Mercia Marina
  5. Have a chilled lunch at The BookCafé
  1. Visit the ‘oasis of calm’ that is Chesterfield Canal
  2. Go walking, cycling or horse riding along the Five Pits Trail
  3. Explore ancient woodlands at Linacre Reservoir
  4. Get arty at Straight Curves art studio
  5. Follow the art sculpture trail or try your hand at petanque at Homebrook Valley Park

Our Derby students like to meet up with friends and grab coffee, cakes or lunch from local cafés like the Apple Tree, Bear and Heavenly Desserts. They also enjoy shopping at Derby Centre or walking around local parks for some relaxing downtime. Markeaton Park is a beautiful park, just a short walk from the University.

A student talking on her mobile phone in a cafe

I get very busy studying and doing work, so I like to find a place to relax. It's great being so close to Markeaton Park because it's the perfect place to visit to find that relaxing atmosphere. I really like the café.

Maria Robert
Marketing and Media Studies

Mercia Marina, Europe’s biggest inland marina, is perfect for a relaxing few hours away from studying, with 74 acres of beautiful scenery, boutique retailers and plenty of wildlife. No relaxing day is complete without food and drink and the Cathedral Quarter has a vibrant café culture with indoor and outdoor seating where you can soak up the relaxed atmosphere.

Sometimes it’s the little things in life that matter, so don’t sweat the small stuff and learn to relax in Derby.

A University of Derby student looks at a tour guide map in the trails of the Peak District. Wearing a fur lined hooded coat, bright red trousers and black and white jumper she looks relaxed and at peace.
A female student looking at the selection of cakes at Markeaton Cafe
A University of Derby students sits in Pavillion Gardens in Buxton admiring the view of the plants and flowers around her, taking photos on her Smart Phone.
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Adrenaline Junkie

If you live life at full speed and always chase new and exciting experiences, then Derby and the surrounding countryside is a great base for adventures that will get your adrenaline going.

Performing arts students on stage in our own Derby Theatre
Culture Lover

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Gig Goer

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Night Owl

If you’re just getting started when the sun goes down, you’ll have plenty of opportunities for big nights out. Whether you’re visiting the typical student haunts around campus with course mates or goi...

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Sports Fanatic

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