Which? named Derby the 'worst big city for a staycation' - and we're not happy about it

Derby is a dynamic city that has plenty going for it, from its vibrant dining scene to its thriving entertainment industry that includes numerous live music gigs every week.

However, the city’s charms did little to impress Which? members, who recently voted it the ‘worst big city for a staycation’.

The list was dominated by northern cities with Liverpool, Edinburgh, York, Belfast and Glasgow claiming the top spots.

London entered the top 10 at sixth place. Several other nearby cities ranked ‘alright’ on the list: Leicester came 23rd, Sheffield 19th and Nottingham 15th.

But our Derby came 25th with a customer score of 56%.

Derby one of ‘cheapest places’ for hotel accommodation

Which? data provides a mixed picture of the city.

The average hotel price in Derby was £74, making it one of the cheapest on the list, beaten only by Coventry’s £73.

In comparison to London where hotel accommodation costs over double (£158), Derby hotel prices could be seen as a bargain.

This could explain why Derby scored 3 out of 5 stars in the value-for-money category.

Amongst the factors that contributed to the overall customer score were hotel price, food and drink, cultural sights, shopping, accessibility, parking, and value for money.

Here are the best large UK cities for a short break according to Which?

1. Liverpool
2. Edinburgh
3. York
4. Belfast
5. Glasgow
6. London
7. Newcastle-upon-Tyne
8. Portsmouth
9. Bristol
10. Cardiff
11. Manchester
12. Brighton & Hove
13. Leeds
14. Hull
15. Nottingham
16. Plymouth
17. Birmingham
18. Coventry
19. Sheffield
20. Milton Keynes
21. Aberdeen
22. Southampton
23. Leicester
24. Swansea
25. Derby

Derby scored 2 stars out of 5 in the categories of cultural sights, food and drink, and shopping.

The full list can be found here.

Why has Liverpool been crowned the best large city?

Scoring an impressive 84%, visitors said they loved cultural sights including the Walker Gallery, Albert Dock, two cathedrals, and The Beatles museum.

One person said: ‘I had completely underestimated how much there was to see and do in Liverpool,’ whilst the friendliness of locals was also seen by polled Which? members as a positive factor.

In defence of Derby

“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Derby doesn’t get enough praise,” writes our editor Abigail Rabbett.

“Sure, it’s smaller than many other cities in the UK and doesn’t sing as loudly, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a lot going on here.

“I implore you to find a city with a better food and drink scene. Derby is dominated by independent pubs, restaurants, and cafes, and is widely recognised as the UK’s top Real Ale city.

“Stuck for things to do? Why not visit one of the many museums, or wander around the pretty Cathedral? Love to shop? Go and check out the Derbion, it’s quite literally popping off!

“Moreover, are neglecting its proximity to the Peaks? If we’re talking about a UK staycation, there really isn’t a better base than Derby, you can get all over the East Midlands with great ease, and there’s plenty to keep you occupied when you return to your very well-priced hotel.

“The further into this job I get, the more I realise it is our responsibility to help put Derby and the trailblazers who champion it on the map. I’ll never stop shouting about what a wicked place it is to visit and to live.

“Alright, Liverpool might have the Beatles but did you know George Clooney supports Derby County FC?”