Derby Cathedral

The Midlands & the Marches


Founded in AD 943 and reconstructed in the 18th century, Derby Cathedral's vaulted ceiling towers above 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. Check the website for dates when historians lead tours up 189 steps into the Tudor tower, the second-highest bell tower in the UK.

Peregrine falcons nest in the tower; follow their progress at www.derbyperegrines.blogspot.com.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby The Midlands & the Marches attractions

1. Quad

0.13 MILES

A striking modernist cube on Market Pl, Quad contains a futuristic art gallery and an art-house cinema.

2. Derby Museum & Art Gallery

0.16 MILES

Local history and industry displays include fine ceramics produced by Royal Crown Derby and an archaeology gallery, along with paintings by renowned…

3. Royal Crown Derby Factory

0.86 MILES

Derby's historic potteries still turn out some of the finest bone china in England, from edgy Asian-inspired designs to the kind of stuff your grandma…

4. Kedleston Hall

3.43 MILES

Sitting pretty in vast landscaped grounds, this neoclassical mansion is a must for fans of stately homes. Entering the house through a grand portico, you…

5. Calke Abbey

8.6 MILES

Built around 1703, quirky Calke Abbey was occupied by a dynasty of eccentric and reclusive baronets, resulting in a ramshackle maze of rooms crammed with…

6. National Brewery Centre

10.36 MILES

Burton-upon-Trent grew up around its 7th-century abbey, which was famed for its healing spring waters. Brewing began here around 1700 and in the early…

7. Wollaton Hall

11.46 MILES

Built in 1588 for coal mogul Sir Francis Willoughby by avant-garde architect Robert Smythson, Wollaton Hall sits within 200 hectares of grounds roamed by…

8. Conkers

12.93 MILES

Family-oriented nature centre Conkers has interactive displays, indoor and outdoor playgrounds (the latter includes high and low ropes courses), a viewing…