Things to do in Derby
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Derby Cathedral
Founded in AD 943, but extensively reconstructed in the 18th century, Derby Cathedral's vaulted ceiling towers over a fine collection of medieval tombs, including the opulent grave of the oft-married Bess of Hardwick, who at various times held court at Hardwick Hall, Chatsworth House and Bolsover Castle. Peregrine falcons nest in the tower – you can climb up to take a look on supervised tours (adult/child £3/2) once a month.
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Derby Museum of Industry & History
Below the cathedral, overlooking the River Derwent, this well laid-out museum is housed in a former silk mill that was one of Britain's first modern factories. Displays inside tell the story of manufacturing in Derby, from water-powered spinning wheels to the development of the Rolls-Royce aero-engine.
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Royal Crown Derby Factory
Ceramic fans will enjoy a tour around this historic pottery works, which still turns out some of the finest bone china in England, from edgy Asian-inspired designs to the kind of stuff your grandma used to collect. Only children over 10 years can join the tours.
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Derby Live
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Quad
Links to the British Film Institute in London ensure that there are some interesting art-house and old-classic movies shown here among the family films and blockbusters.
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Quad
A striking modernist cube on Market Pl, Quad contains a futuristic art gallery, a cinema and the Mediatheque, an archive of films and TV covering decades of broadcasting, run by the British Film Institute.
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Old Bell Inn
On a pedestrian lane just north of Market Pl, this old-school, spit-and-sawdust pub is the setting for gigs by rebel rockers and ageing punk veterans.
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European Restaurant
Opposite the cathedral, this trendy spot serves up good food in stylish surroundings, though 'European' generally translates to Italian when it comes to the menu.
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Derby Museum & Art Gallery
Attached to the town library, this nicely presented museum has more displays on local history and industry, with a focus on the fine ceramics produced by Royal Crown Derby.
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Darleys
Just outside of town in the village of Darley Abbey, this restaurant has a gorgeous setting in a bright converted mill overlooking the river. The modern British food's not bad either. Book ahead at weekends.
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Brunswick Inn
Set at the end of a working-class terrace near the station, this award-winning inn is a warren of cosy rooms where you can enjoy the nut-brown ales fermented by the house brewery.
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Anoki
The best of a long line of Indian eateries on London Rd, Anoki offers an upmarket take on Midlands balti cooking. The vaulted dining room drips with baroque flourishes.
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