Derby Landmarks and Monuments

(Derby, Derbyshire, England, UK)

The skyline of Derby changed in a dramatic way in the late sixties, following the arrival of the inner ring road and its two bridges over the Derwent River. Many landmarks in Derby were affected during its construction, such as the demolition of St. Alkmund's Church, which ironically immediately improved the views of St. Mary's Church.

One of the oldest remaining city landmarks is Derby Cathedral, which dominates the lively Cathedral Quarter and is famous for its resident peregrine falcons. Other landmarks likely to be of interest include St. Helen's House, the Derby Market Hall, St. Mary's Church, the National Trust's nearby Kedleston Hall and the city's sprawling university campus.

Derby Cathedral (Cathedral of All Saints)

Address: 18 Iron Gate, Derby, Derbyshire, DE1 3GP, England, UK
Tel: +44 01332 341201
Derby Cathedral also often goes by the name of the Cathedral of All Saints and stands in the very heart of the city, on the Iron Gate. One of the city's most prominent landmarks, the Cathedral of All Saints is actually England's smallest Anglican cathedral. Dating from the 14th century, the design of the structure shows strong medieval influences, while the tower is distinctly Gothic and was a later addition and added in the early part of the 16th century. It is believed that the cathedral stands on the site of a much older church, built in the mid-10th century by King Edmund I. In the 18th century, alterations and renovations saw the addition of classical features, and in 1927, All Saints' Church was granted the title of a cathedral, even though Derby was only a town at that time. The chapel (St. Mary's on the Bridge) is likely to be of interest, although many visitors come here simply hoping to catch a glimpse of the peregrine falcons, which regularly breed here each year and are closely observed by webcams.
Open hours: daily (regular services)
Admission: free, donations suggested

Kedleston Hall

Address: Near Quarndon, Kedleston, Derby, Derbyshire, DE22 5JH, England, UK
Tel: +44 01332 842191
A magnificent neoclassical mansion built in the middle of the 18th century, Kedleston Hall is owned and managed by the National Trust. Located just over 5 km / 3 miles to the north-west of Derby, Kedleston Hall is situated within the small village of Kedleston and is known for its grand Palladian architecture and palatial appearance. This three-story house is surrounded by more than 300 hectares / 740 acres of rolling parkland, which comes with lakes, walking trails and gorgeous views. Guided tours are available and lead visitors around the stately hall and landscaped gardens. Of interest, Keira Knightly and Ralph Fiennes filmed the successful movie entitled 'The Duchess' here in 2007.
Open hours: hall, March to October, Saturday to Wednesday - 12:00 to 17:00; pleasure grounds, March to October, daily - 10:00 to 18:00; park, March to October - 10:00 to 18:00, November to February - 10:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children, families and groups, free to members of the National Trust

St. Helen's House

Address: King Street, Derby, Derbyshire, DE1 3EE, England, UK
Dominating much of King Street, St. Helen's House is a majestic Grade 1 listed landmark and has served a number of different uses over the years.

Formerly a private residence and the home of both the Derby School and the Joseph Wright School of Art, St. Helen's House has been recently purchased by the local City Council. Plans are already underway to sensitively restore this building and convert the house into a plush 50-room hotel, which should open in 2011.
Open hours: view from outside only at present
Admission: free

Derby Market Hall

Address: Market Place, Derby, Derbyshire, DE1 2FS, England, UK
Tel: +44 01332 255653
An imposing building of Victorian origins, Derby Market Hall is now a Grade II listed landmark and dates from the 1860s, taking a total of two years to complete. Although hard to miss from the outside, it is the wonderful interior detailing that is so impressive. Visitors are strongly advised to step inside and look up at the ornate ironwork roof, which is a major feature. Today, the hall still serves as the city's principal market and is divided into different areas, where produce and an array of handicrafts are available.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:30
Admission: free

St. Mary's Church

Address: 17 Bridge Gate, Derby, Derbyshire, DE1 3AU, England, UK
Tel: +44 01332 346126
St. Mary's Church stands on Bridge Gate and enjoys pleasant views of St. Alkmund's Way and the River Derwent. Construction of this historical chapel began in 1838 and was completed just over one year later. In 1932, St. Mary's Church was renovated and extended, and this is when the Lady Chapel was added. During the 1980s, a major restoration project commenced to preserve both the exterior and interior, costing in excess of £750,000. Regular church masses take place here, in the mornings and again at lunchtime.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

University of Derby

Address: Kedleston Road, Allestree, Derby, Derbyshire, DE22 1GB, England, UK
Tel: +44 01332 590500
The University of Derby dates back to the middle of the 19th century and began its life as a small teacher training college, only actually gaining its official university status as recently as 1992. Home to around 25,000 students, the university's main campus is located in the suburb of Allestree, close to Markeaton Park, although a further site is operated close by, in nearby Buxton.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free