Places near Derby for a weekend away

Seek out your inner Shakespeare with a trip to Stratford Upon Avon | Philip Halling / Geograph

This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.

There are many wonderful places to explore just a short drive from the city

If you're anything like us then a weekend away is just what the doctor ordered to help cure the January blues.

Unfortunately, the cost of a quick trip to Spain seems unfathomable at the moment, so we're forced to look for escapes closer to home.

Luckily, there are plenty of gorgeous places to explore just a short drive from Derby.

Below you'll find our go-to guide for weekend escapes within a two-hour drive of the city. We've included things to do, where to stay, and where to eat.

Read more: Your Derby

1. Peak District National Park

Distance from Derby: Approximately 30 minutes (destination dependent)

Highlights: Stunning landscapes, hiking trails, picturesque villages like Bakewell, Buxton and Castleton.

Stay: Buxton Crescent Health Spa Hotel for rural luxury featuring champagne, chocolates and a spa. Book a stay here.

Eat: The Lighthouse in Ashbourne for tasty and ambitious fusion food you'll be talking about for weeks. Book a table here.

2. Nottingham

Old Market Square, Nottingham | Leonid Andronov - stock.adobe.co

Distance from Derby: Approximately 40 minutes

Highlights: Nottingham Castle, Wollaton Hall, Robin Hood's Sherwood Forest, and vibrant shopping and dining areas.

Stay: The Orchard Hotel & Restaurant for a bit of corporate luxury away from the hustle and bustle. Book a stay here.

Eat: World Service for award-winning British Cuisine with influences from across the globe. Book a table here.

3. Stratford-upon-Avon

Distance from Derby: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes

Highlights: Birthplace of William Shakespeare, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, charming Tudor-style architecture.

Stay: At the Swan's Nest for 17th-century riverside views in Shakespeare's County. Book your stay here.

Eat: Loxley's Restaurant and Wine Bar for a delicious pre-theatre dinner. Book a table here.

4. Birmingham

Distance from Derby: Approximately 1 hour

Highlights: Bullring shopping centre, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Cadbury World, and diverse cultural attractions.

Stay: Saint Paul's House for a four-star hotel experience in the heart of the city. Book a room here.

Eat: Tattu Birmingham for authentic Chinese food in a stylish environment. Book a table here.

5. Matlock Bath

A spectacular parade of illuminated and decorated boats will sail along the River Derwent from September 7 to October 27. There will be firework displays on selected evenings.

Distance from Derby: Approximately 40 minutes

Highlights: Cable cars at Heights of Abraham, Gulliver's Kingdom theme park, and scenic riverside walks.

Stay: At the New Bath Hotel for a luxurious experience including a hot tub. Book your room here.

Eat: Tucker Fish & Chips for seaside-level goodness miles from the coast.

6. Lincoln

Distance from Derby: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes

Highlights: Lincoln Cathedral, Lincoln Castle, Steep Hill with its charming shops, and historic architecture.

Stay: At the Duke William Hotel for relaxed vibes in a historic setting. Book your stay here.

Eat: Olé Olé Tapas Bar & Restaurant for Spanish dishes that are so good you'll forget you're in England. Book a table here.

7. Leicester

Distance from Derby: Approximately 50 minutes

Highlights: King Richard III Visitor Centre, National Space Centre, and cultural diversity in the city.

Stay: At the Hilton Leicester for an indoor pool, fitness centre, and a banging breakfast buffet. Book here.

Eat: At Bistrot Pierre for celebrity chef-inspired dishes that won't hurt your bank account. Book a table here.

7 towns and cities near Derby that are ideal for a weekend away