9 Things To Do in Derby

16 August 2016

Our resident Derbyshire expert shares with us her picks of Derby's finest things to do!

Things to do in Derby

So you're looking to study in Derby?  What a great choice.  Derbyshire's 'capital city' Derby is not only close to all things green and muddy but it also has a thriving city centre.  We've asked our resident expert Jordanne to tell us her favourite 9 things to do in Derby surrounding our lovely Brookside Campus.

If you’re new to Derby and you’re not quite sure what to do in your spare time around Brookside, then look no further!
Here’s a variety of things on offer within 10 minutes walking distance from your doorsteps…

1)      O’ Dwyer’s Bar

Irish bar located on Kedleston Road just a few minutes away. Offering everything Irish including Guinness, Irish Dancing and football matches on the big screen. During football season, they’re offering pints for only £2 a pop too!

 

2)       Jonty Farmer

 

 

 

Just up the road before you get to the university’s main campus, you’ll find The Jonty Farmer. Serving delicious food, ice cold beer and with a buzzing atmosphere, you’re sure to have a good time. They offer poker nights, karaoke nights and the odd pub quiz night too for just a pound per person.

3)      Willows Indoor Sports Centre

If you like your sports and are in interested in hiring out pitches for personal use then this is your place. Located just next to the college on Willow Road, just outside the city centre, it’s only a 10 minute walk from Brookside. They also offer a laser quest court called Megazone. Luckily they have a student price list ranging from £9 for just three games on a weeknight.

4)      Queen’s Leisure Centre

 

If you’re looking for a local gym which is only a 10-15 minute walk away and offers a discounted student membership, then look no further. The Queen’s Leisure Centre offers three swimming pools, a large gym and free classes every week for members. Student memberships are £22.50 a month or £60 for four months.

5)      Five Lamps Pub

Located just across the road from Brookside is the Five Lamps pub which offers a selection of real ales, an extensive pub food menu and drinks. It’s cheap, cheerful and oh so close if you fancy a pint.

6)      Derby Gaol

 

One of the oldest and most popular attractions of Derby is their ghost walks starting at the Derby Gaol. Rumoured to be ‘the most haunted city in the UK’, Derby’s ghost walks are ran by local celebrity, Richard Felix, from the show Most Haunted. Students can venture out on a ghost walk which lasts around three hours for £18.

7)      Derby Museum & Pickford House Museum

Rich with history, Derby has two museums open to the public. If you’re interested to hear about the city’s heritage or just want to see some cool dinosaur stuff then Derby Museum, located on The Strand is a perfect afternoon out oh and it’s free to enter too! The Pickford House Museum, Ashbourne Road, showcases Georgian history and costume which is also free entry if you feel like travelling back a few hundred years.

 

8)       Salsa @ The Polish Club

Just a few minutes up the road is The Polish Club which offer salsa classes, R&B dance classes and also fusion dance classes. The Salsa classes are every Thursday night and are only £5 with a student card.

  

9)      Deda Dance Centre

 

Just a short walk from Brookside, Deda Dance Centre offers dance classes, Zumba, Pole Fitness and Burlesque teaching lessons all at a discounted rate for students. They also have a CUBE Café which puts on comedy nights and has discounted student lunches for a fiver.

 

So if you’re ever stuck for something to do or just fancy a break from studying or partying, these activities might keep you entertained.