.moving to derby?
rough guide to derby
Are you moving to Derby to study or work? If you are, we’ve created this page for you. It’s a kind of rough guide to Derby. It doesn’t tell you the typical touristy things to do but is made up from comments by people who come to Trinity; people who obviously live in the city.
potted history
Derby became a city in 1977 as part of the Queens Silver Jubilee celebrations, but as a town goes back a long way. It was given its name by the Danes, and eventually became known as Derby which means ‘place of the deer’. Famously Derby is the furthest south Bonnie Prince Charlie travelled in his attempt to overthrow the government in the 1700’s. Read more about Derby on Wikipedia.
Derby has a pop. of over 230,000 and is close to Leicester and Nottingham. The train station is fairly large so it’s easy to get direct trains to Derby. The Trans Peak bus service is really cheap and runs through the Peaks to Manchester. Road links are also pretty good (A38 to Birmingham, M1, A52 to Nottingham).
shopping
The city centre is a brilliant place to shop now…. The Westfield Shopping Mall has all the latest cool stores and plenty of coffee shops. The Cathedral Quarter is full of more individual interesting shops and inbetween is a Primark and a Tesco.
essentials
Decorum on Green Lane is a great unisex hair salon. Top quality for reasonable prices and a free mug of hot chocolate while you get a haircut._ Matt
pubs and restaurants
“Great places for a snack can be found in the Westfield Shopping Mall. Particularly recommended is the YANGTZE Thai Noodle Bar. Freshly cooked as you wait or a selection in an express box ready to go.” Paul & Rita
“Great places to eat … Fat Cats; European restaurant (opposite the cathedral, great Italian food in lovely cosy atmosphere); Pepitos for parties, any curry house but especially the Mogul on Green Lane and Shalimar by the railway station; the Dolphin Steak house, above the pub, quite cheap, nice old building but great just for the ales on sale downstairs. And also the real ale pubs, Brunswick, Dolphin, Flowerpot… There’s also just a really nice atmosphere in Derby.” Laura
“The best fry up is the big breakfast at the Old Silk Mill. The Haus (The Wardwick) is a good place to take your parents (when they’re paying)” Ann
“Derby Grill, Friargate. Practise your Turkish skills to get served instantly on a busy Friday night!!” Ed
something different
“Scarthin Bookshop in Cromford (north of Derby on the A6) is well worth a visit. The coffee shop is hidden behind a bookcase-style hidden door! Get the R61 from the bus station to Bakewell but make sure you get off at Cromford!_” Ed
“For a good walk in the countryside: set off in any direction from Monsal Head and you can’t go wrong.” Ann
Carsington water is good for an afternoon visit. The Visitor Centre has a restaurant and some good shops. A big play area for the kids and walking, cycling, water sports and bird watching will keep everyone happy.
Derby has some excellant parks. Markeaton, Allestree, Darley to name but a few – each has its own character so why not check them out with friends