Is there any better way to portray a city than with a dozen buzzin’ images?
This is Derby. And this is my “Derby Delve”: a 30-minute waking tour in twelve images taken across of one small section of the city centre.
It’s a slideshow that captures hundreds of years of history: the site of the world’s first factory; contemporary street art; some magnificent architecture; one of the world’s most iconic females who was “born” in this city; a couple of its famous pubs; a part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site; and the River Derwent.
Derby’s skyscape is changing rapidly these days. Vaillant Live is a new entertainment venue within a massive new quarter for the city; and the recently transformed Derby Market Hall will be the next ‘new’ feature in the city’s skyline.
But, for now, here’s a brief glimpse of one of the oldest corners of Derby: The Cathedral Quarter, starting from Derby Museum and Art Gallery, and finding your way to the Cathedral along St Mary’s Gate.
Turn left at the top of St Mary’s Gate, you’ll soon pass by Ye Olde Dolphin Inne. First opened in 1530, this is the oldest public bar in the city.
Follow the road round to the right, in the direction of the Museum of Making, passing another of the many fine pubs in Derby: The Old Silk Mill.
Stay on Full Street, and you’ll see a statue to Bonnie Prince Charlie. Having arrived in Scotland from Rome in 1745, where he and his family were living in exile, the prince had raised an army and marched towards London with the aim of seizing the throne from King George II. On 4 December that year they reached Derby where they remained for two days. Described as the ‘high watermark’ of the Jacobite Rising, it was here that the decision was taken to retreat to Scotland; a move that ended with the defeat of the Jacobites at the Battle of Culloden in April 1746.
From there, find the delightfully named Amen Alley that runs to the left of the Cathedral, and walk up to Iron Gate to take in the views both ways…
Iron Gate forms one small part of the popular Cathedral Quarter. It’s sowing seeds of change, but it’s keen to tell the world that it’s also thriving…
Never forget to “look up” when walking around Derby. The architecture, and the views can be very surprising. But also…never forget to look down, either. The pavements might not be lined with gold, but they are full of stars: commemorating people who have a deep affiliation, or association with Derby. Amongst them, in Irongate, you’ll discover one of the most popular. It’s in honour of a young lady “born” in Derby, and who is now getting ready to celebrate her 30th birthday in style on 14 February 2026.
At the bottom of Iron Gate cut across the square to join Derwent Street, for great views of the river both ways – as well as a clear view of river across to the site of the world’s first factory, which now houses the city’s award-winning Museum of Making.
Retrace your steps to Sadler Gate and on way back to the Museum and Art Gallery, take time to look up again and glance back along The Strand.
