Six hidden gems in Derby to discover - from Vintage Flying to an immersive Escape Room
Derby has plenty of quirky and unique places you would struggle to discover without being told where to look
Derby is one of the most wonderfully diverse cities in the UK and has so much to offer, whether it’s the great nightlife, the shops to splash some cash, or even somewhere quirky and unique to explore.
As with many other cities, there are numerous places you would struggle to come across without being told where to look. So on your next trip to Derby, why not indulge that curiosity and venture off the beaten track with some of these ever-so-intriguing attractions.
Here, we reveal six of the best hidden gems worth exploring on your next visit to Derby.
BB Falconry Experiences
Where: Breaston Lane, Derby, DE72 3TT
Falconry Experiences is a small family run Falconry Centre situated in the Derbyshire countryside, offering visitors the unforgettable experience of getting up close and personal with some amazing birds.
The centre offers one-to-one exclusive sessions with the falconer, or small group sessions of up to eight people - so don’t forget to bring your camera when you visit!
They offer fantastic experiences with owls, birds of prey, and hawks and also cater for birthday parties, outdoor events and school/educational visits.
Bustler Street Food Market
Where: The Chocolate Factory, John St, Derby, DE1 2QD
Bustler Market Derby is an award-winning street food event, held every Thursday to Sunday, on the last weekend of the month. Offering an array of amazing street food from across the world, special cocktails and the very finest craft beers.
They also have live DJ’s, retro arcades, karaoke, silent disco weekends and special entertainment. It’s the perfect place to enjoy with a big group of friends and is definitely an event not to be missed!
The Bustler market has two locations, with another based a short walk from Nottingham city centre. Both venues also host monthly events, from pub quizzes and beer festivals, to vintage sales and car boot sales.
Make Your Escape - Escape Rooms
Where: 1st floor, 4 Osmaston Rd, Derby, DE1 2HR
Make Your Escape is Derby’s one-of-a-kind immersive escape room experience, where each room is themed and follows an original story - which unfolds around you.
So take your friends, family, colleagues or partner along to help solve a series of elaborate puzzles, hidden objects and mysteries to escape the locked room. Only common sense, good communication and effective teamwork will help you ‘Make your Escape.’
There are four different narrative options, The Signal, Spellbound, Utopia and Dystopia, each varying in number of players and difficulty levels.
Lorentes - Spanish Tapas & Wine Bar
Where: 118 Friar Gate, Derby, DE1 1EX
Lorentes on Friar Gate is a place where you can truly feel like you are in a little corner of Madrid or Barcelona. This Spanish tapas and wine bar has a relaxing and quirky atmosphere, and doesn’t have to work hard to take you to Spain, as all the staff are from the country and help to make the experience even more authentic.
The chefs, with their Spanish cuisine, have created a delectable menu with its wide selection of tapas, sharing plates for two (perfect for that date night), cheese and cured meat boards, and, of course, some authentic Spanish desserts and coffee.
This hidden gem is an ideal date night location, as it’s a very romantic, cosy place offering out-of-the-ordinary food and a carefully curated wine list.
Vintage Flying
Where: Derby Aero Club, Hilton Road, Derby, DE65 6GU
Vintage Flying, based in the Egginton area of Derby, offers a wide variety of flight experiences which combine the thrill of open cockpit flying with a healthy dose of nostalgia from the early days of aviation.
Whether you want to fly yourself or treat a loved one to a once-in-a-lifetime experience - Vintage Flying is the hidden gem for you!
All the flights are available as gift vouchers and are the ideal gift for that person that’s difficult to buy for. The experiences can last from 10 minutes to an amazing 75 minute trip back in time, following in the footsteps of the Dambuster Squadron.
Hackwood Farm
Where: Radbourne Lane, Derby, DE6 4LZ
Hackwood Farm, which is situated on the edge of Derby, is a restored family-run 17th century dairy farm. From the outside it appears to be like any typical red-brick farm building, however, once you step inside you are transported into a bustling shop and cosy cafe.
Inside the converted barn, you’ll find a tea room, butchery, delicatessen and farm shop offering local produce of the highest quality. Alongside its classic British kitchen, serving simple, seasonal and delicious food in a building steeped in farming history, it really is a hidden gem.
So on your next visit to Hackwood Farm, make sure you treat yourself to some scones and a pot of loose-leaf tea, indulge in a comforting cooked breakfast or even buy some locally sourced meat from the butchers.