Derby Cathedral

Derby Cathedral which includes a city and heritage architecture
Derby Cathedral showing a city, night scenes and heritage architecture
Derby Cathedral
Derby Cathedral which includes heritage architecture and night scenes


Famed for the panoramic views from its soaring clock tower, this ancient religious landmark is also home to a series of striking medieval graves. 

Derby Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of All Saints, looms over the atmospheric streets of Derby’s Cathedral Quarter. A church has stood at the same site in the city ever since King Edmund established a place of worship in A.D. 943. Today’s magnificent Derby Cathedral was constructed between the 16th and 18th centuries. Enjoy views of four counties from the clock tower, observe a family of resident peregrines and attend musical events.

The cathedral displays elements of architectural aspects from the Gothic, Georgian and neoclassical periods. Guarding the entrance is a set of ornate gates relocated from the nearby street St. Mary’s Gate. They were renamed the Queen Elizabeth II Gates in 2012 to mark the queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Gaze up at the 212-feet (64-meter) tall Tudor clock tower, decorated on all four sides with bas-reliefs and gargoyles. A family of peregrine falcons nest on a ledge situated on the tower’s eastern face. From May to July you can watch them via telescopes set up in Cathedral Green, at the rear of the building.

Guided tours of the tower will take you up a staircase of 189 steps to a viewing platform. Look down on the Cathedral Quarter and out across the surrounding countryside, which incorporates the counties of Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Staffordshire. Listen to the midday chime of the Smith of Derby carillon. This is the world’s oldest-working set of 10 bells, with the oldest dating back to 1520.

Historical treasures add artistic beauty to the apse and nave. See the elaborate mausoleum of Bess of Hardwick, a four-time married aristocratic woman of the Elizabethan era. Other features are a wrought-iron rood screen by Robert Bakewell, a tablet dedicated to Bonnie Prince Charlie and a memorial plaque of local painter Joseph Wright.

The cathedral is 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) north of Derby’s train station. Several city hotels are within comfortable walking distance from the attraction.

Derby Cathedral is open daily and admission is free. A fee is applicable for the tower tour. Ask at the welcome desk about events such as choir concerts, organ recitals and performances by local bands.

Plan a trip to see Derby Cathedral

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Holiday Inn Express Manchester City Centre Arena by IHG
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Hotel Indigo Manchester - Victoria Station by IHG

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Things to do near Derby Cathedral

Near Derby Cathedral, visitors can enjoy activities such as kayaking and indulging in a spa day. Noteworthy events include the enchanting Christmas concert and the atmospheric candlelight concert, both of which showcase the cathedral's stunning acoustics and festive spirit. These offerings make Derby Cathedral a vibrant cultural hub for those seeking both relaxation and entertainment during their visit.

Shopping

Close to Derby Cathedral, you can explore the vibrant intu Derby and Derbion shopping centres, both offering a fantastic mix of shops and entertainment just 0.5 to 373m away. If you're up for a drive, Denby Pottery is a lovely store located 4.3km away.

Recreation

Pride Park Stadium, a vibrant sports facility, offers an exciting atmosphere just 621m from Derby Cathedral, perfect for sports enthusiasts. Alternatively, indulge in relaxation at The Risley Park Spa, located 4.3km away, where you can unwind and rejuvenate in a tranquil setting.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of motor racing at Donington Park Racing Circuit, located 5.0km from Derby Cathedral, offering an adrenaline-fuelled atmosphere. For water sports enthusiasts, the National Water Sports Centre is 9.9km away, providing outdoor adventure. Alternatively, enjoy indoor skiing at The Snow Dome, 13.7km away, perfect for family fun.

Nightlife

Enjoy a film at Quad, only 249m from Derby Cathedral, where the atmosphere is perfect for families and couples. For a cultural experience, visit Derby Theatre, also 249m away, offering a blend of entertainment and romance. For adventure, head to Wild Park Derbyshire, 3.7km out.

Find the best attractions near Derby Cathedral

When visiting Derby Cathedral, you'll find a wealth of attractions nearby including modern colleges, historic houses, and castles. These points of interest offer a blend of culture and family-friendly experiences in the city. For added convenience, you may want to explore the distances and travel times from the cathedral to various attractions, ensuring a fulfilling visit to this vibrant area.

  • University of Derby: This modern university, located a mere mile from Derby Cathedral, offers a vibrant atmosphere filled with contemporary architecture, bustling student life, and innovative learning spaces. It's a great spot to experience the city's youthful energy.
  • Kedleston Hall: Just 559m away, this stunning Georgian mansion provides a glimpse into the grandeur of the 18th century. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and parkland, it’s a perfect place to immerse yourself in English heritage and culture.
  • University of Nottingham: Situated 7.5km from Derby Cathedral, this historic university boasts impressive architecture and a rich academic history. Explore its picturesque campus and enjoy the cultural offerings of the surrounding area.

Best time to go to Derby Cathedral

The best time to visit Derby Cathedral can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Derby Cathedral falls in July, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Derby Cathedral falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January38.7°F (3.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February39.7°F (4.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
March42.6°F (5.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
April46.6°F (8.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageAverage
May52.2°F (11.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June57.7°F (14.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly High
July61.3°F (16.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
August60.8°F (16.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
September57.0°F (13.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
October51.4°F (10.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
November44.6°F (7.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December40.6°F (4.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Derby Cathedral

To save money on your visit to Derby Cathedral, consider travelling between January and March when accommodation prices are lower, with Sundays being the cheapest day to stay. Use Expedia to filter hotel options by budget and preferences, including eco-friendly options. Booking a package deal that combines flights, hotel, and activities can also yield significant savings. Additionally, take advantage of public transport to explore the area affordably, and seek out free attractions to enhance your experience without stretching your budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Derby Cathedral are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to July and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Derby Cathedral is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Derby Cathedral is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you prefer. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the most affordable options and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can make savings by combining your hotel reservation at Derby Cathedral with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.