Stretching and yawning, you begin the day with eagerness only to throw open the curtains to reveal grey skies and an unwelcome drizzle. Fortunately, it’s easy to brush off those feelings of disappointment as Derbyshire has plenty of fun things to do both outside and in the warm, cosy indoors. All of which can be conveniently reached from our Best Western Nottingham Derby Hotel located off the M1, near to Junction 25.
Derbyshire is home of the Peak District, one of the first national parks in Britain, designated after the Mass Trespass of 1932 and today is home to a plethora of activities, walks, cycle routes and exciting places for all ages to see and visit. Many people love to spend their days adventuring across the moors and exploring the abundant forests. However, once the rains start to fall, the following attractions become some of the most popular things to do in Derbyshire.
Pickford’s House
Pickford’s House provides a first-hand look at how families lived in the 18th to the 20th century Georgian Era, including the stark divide between master and servant. A remarkable Grade I listed building, Pickford’s House takes its name from Joseph Pickford, the architect responsible for building the home as his own family home in 1770 and is one of the few classic properties open to the public that was owned by a professional rather than belonging to a noble family.
The home provides a look at several different time periods, the master and servant bedrooms are decorated as they were in 1815 while the kitchens and laundry are showcased as they would have been in 1830. The cellar has been updated and has been decorated to look like a 1940’s air-raid shelter.
Alter Rock
Looking to get active on a rainy day? Alter Rock Indoor Climbing and Activity Centre could be the perfect place for you to spend the day. From climbing walls to aerial assault courses to indoor cave navigation, Alter Rock provides opportunities for everyone and is a great way to keep active and find a new favourite hobby. If you’ve climbed before, the instructors are available to help improve your skills, open up new challenges and develop your confidence for outdoor climbs or if you are a complete beginner, you can book a taster session or three-hour long course to help get you started.
Rock-climbing is a rewarding activity that anyone can have a go at and is a great way to get in a full-body workout while pushing yourself to new heights!
Sudbury Hall and the Museum of Childhood
Sudbury Hall is a National Trust property with a difference - they are aiming to become the UK’s first Children’s Country House, providing a fully immersive heritage experience for children of all ages to engage with and enjoy. The hall, an absolutely incredible example of Jacobean design with a structure influenced by the Tudor preference, hosts wonderful art collections as well as the Museum of Childhood and has plenty of beautiful grounds to wander. The Museum itself hosts eight galleries that provide the children of today a hands-on experience into the childhood of yesteryear, including an expansive toy gallery, Victorian school experience and even an opportunity to try life as a child chimney sweep!
Sudbury Hall and the Museum of Childhood has something for everyone and is a nostalgic journey you’ll want to take time and time again.
Intu Derby
Fashion, food and fun await you at Intu Derby, Shopping and Leisure centre. Whether you need a new outfit for Friday night, fancy an afternoon of bowling or crazy golf or an evening film in the cinema, Intu Derby has you covered. Focusing on family-friendly, there are plenty of things to keep the kids happy while you shop, including fun buggies for the littles to ride around in and a selection of exciting summer events to keep the bigger kids entertained.
Looking for a change of scenery this lunchtime? Intu Derby has 40 fantastic eateries and cafes to choose from including burgers, baked goods, pasta, kebabs and more!
Derby Museum and Art Gallery
With a regular rotation of new and interesting exhibits and artefacts, every visit to the Derby Museum and Art Gallery can be a fun-filled, informative experience. The Museum boasts collections of both local and international scope, including a gallery of locally renowned painter Joseph Wright and a new airy gallery that contains extraordinary and intriguing historic objects from around the world.
The Museum and Art Gallery hold frequent events aimed at all ages from getting up close to owls and embarking on fairy-tale trails to hands-on activities including ceramics and painting.
When’s Your Next Visit?
Not fussed on getting outside come rain or shine? We’ve got a further guide to What To Do in the Peak District you can read by following the link!
All these great activities and attractions can be reached easily from our hotel, the Best Western Nottingham Derby. With a convenient location, onsite car parking and restaurant and comfortable, cost-effective accommodation, we can provide the perfect base for your exciting weekend adventure in Derbyshire. Book online for our best available rate today.
