For those planning a day trip across the region, there’s plenty to keep visitors entertained.
From vibrant urban areas buzzing with activity to sites that bring local history to life, the area offers a mix of experiences in just a short visit.
1. Bluebell Dairy Ice Cream Farm, Derby
As the name suggests, Bluebell Dairy Ice Cream Farm is actually located within a children’s farm, which is home to various animals such as alpacas and cows. However, its ice cream shop is highly regarded as one of Derby’s best. Tripadvisor rating: 4.3 out of 870. | Tripadvisor-Bluebell Dairy Ice Cream Farm
2. Derby Museum and Art Gallery
Derby Museum and Art Gallery on The Strand is rated 4.5 out of 717 reviews. Historical and art museum with child-friendly Egyptology exhibits, local history, and a poignant military section. Features a pleasant cafe and diverse collections including ceramics and zoology. | Derby Museum and Art Gallery
3. East Midlands Aeropark
The East Midlands Aeropark, located next to the East Midlands Airport, is well worth a visit. The Aeropark is both an aviation museum and a viewing area where you can study the preserved planes of yesteryear or watch the modern airliners of today taking-off and landing at a growing international passenger and cargo airport. Within the Aeropark there is a viewing mound where the top of the viewing mound is just 170 meters north of the main east/west runway of the airport. The Aeropark at East Midlands Airport is located in the north-west corner of the Airport site close to the village of Castle Donington. It is well signposted from the Airport's main entrance. Tripadvisor rating: 4.2 out of 472 reviews. | M J Richardson Photo: M J Richardson
4. Pickford’s House, Derby
Hidden amongst the historic buildings of Derby’s Friar Gate sits Pickford’s House, the professional showcase and family home of Georgian architect Joseph Pickford. Illustrating aspects of domestic life from the 18th to the 20th centuries, Pickford’s House shows the contrast between the master and the servant, and the grandeur of Georgian architecture. Nearby Derby Museum & Art Gallery has a wide collection of Royal Crown Derby. Tripadvisor rating: 4.6 stars out 350 reviews. Photo: Google