What makes a ‘Hidden Gem?’
Everyone has that place they love to go to because ‘nobody else knows about it’.
The beauty about Derby is there is always something really quite special to discover, that you simply would never hear about unless told.
So we’ve compiled a list of some of our ‘Hidden Gems’ from around Derby, tell us what you think in the comments below!
St Mary on the Bridge
This unassuming building with its patchwork stones probably dates back to the 13th century, built as a place for travellers to pray as they left the town. Now the simple interior of white walls and dark wood provides a peaceful space, a refuge from the rush of traffic around it.
Bustler Street Food Market
Held every weekend, the Bustler Street Food Market is a celebration of world street food. With up to eight street food traders, a well-stocked bar and excellent music, Bustler is one not to be missed.
Learn more about Bustler Street Food Market.
Hackwood Farm
From the outside it’s just a typical red-brick farm building, with a few weeds in the yard and a sleepy air about the place. Step inside, and you are suddenly transported to a bustling shop and café.
The scent of baking pies fills the air, fairy lights twinkle from the rafters, and jars of preserves glow on the shelves. Treat yourself to a soft warm scone and a pot of fresh loose-leaf tea. Or curl up by the stove with a comforting cooked breakfast, and buy some locally-sourced meat from the butchers to take home too.
Learn more about Hackwood Farm.
Strand Arcade
A stroll along the Victorian grandeur of the Strand Arcade is a much more individual experience than shopping in a mall.
Quirky images pop out from the windows: an exciting array of gins from gincident, giant white roses in David Sebastian hair salon, bright spools of thread in Tatlers Fabrics, a refreshing bottle of elderflower and cucumber mojito at the Prosecco Parlour. Overhead, sunshine drops through the glass roof and splashes down on the flagstone floor. Emerging from the stone archway, you are back in the bustle of Derby’s Cathedral Quarter.
Locko Park
The private estate of Locko Park offers a beautiful walk through the undulating Derbyshire hills, just a few minutes away from the city centre. A tarmac drive takes you past flower-laden cottages and down to a peaceful lake where ducks paddle. Stately oaks and silver birch provide shade along the water’s edge. Across the lake, trimmed lawns surround the many-windowed Locko Hall. Continue along the drive to extend your walk, or retrace your steps and treat yourself to a luxury ice cream at the nearby Bluebell Dairy.
Learn more about Locko Park
That’s all, folks!
We hope you’ve found our hidden gems article useful.
Please find more things to do in Derby.