Car Rental Derby

Derby's location in the heart of England means it offers excellent road connections to surrounding cities and towns. It lies just off the M1 motorway, the main route running through the heart of the country from north to south. It begins in the capital London and ends near the city of Leeds in the north.

The M1 provides an easy link from Derby to local neighbours like Leicester, a historic city just 50km south, and Sheffield, a vibrant cultural hub around 80km north. Derby is also just a short drive from the M6, connecting it to Birmingham, England’s second largest city.

If you plan to drive on the M1 or M6 during your stay, always allow plenty of time for your journey, particularly if you are travelling during the morning or evening rush hour.

Away from the motorways, other routes in and around Derby include the A52, a mostly dual carriageway that runs from east to west through the heart of the city. This connects towns and cities across the Midlands, including Stoke-on-Trent and Nottingham, before continuing east to the Lincolnshire coast.

Meanwhile, the A6 north from Derby leads Matlock on the edge of the Peak District National Park. Home to scenic driving routes including Snake Pass, this is one destination that’s well worth a visit during your stay.

Derby’s roads are well-maintained but be aware that the centre has several one-way routes and some pedestrianized areas that are off-limits to cars. There are plenty of on-street parking places around the city as well as several convenient parking lots including at Bold Lane and the Assembly Rooms on Full Street.

Derby is a great starting point for day trips to the Peak District and surrounding area, but there are attractions within the city too. Here’s our quick guide to some of the best destinations you can explore in your rental car.

Must-see museums

Derby may not be the largest city in the UK, but it still offers some fantastic cultural attractions. One of the biggest draws is the Derby Museum & Art Gallery, which boasts an eclectic array of natural and archaeological artefacts from the Midlands and further afield. Don’t miss its collection of artworks by Joseph Wright of Derby, a landscape and portrait painter who was one of the most important artists of the Industrial Revolution.  

To soak up more of the history around this industrial city, head to Pickford’s House Museum. Once a family home owned by a wealthy architect, today you can head inside and explore the living quarters, carefully recreated to look just as they would have done during the 18^th and 19^th centuries.

Industrial landscapes

One of Derby’s biggest claims to fame is that it was home to some of England’s first factories and mills - some of which are still visible today. Take a walk along the River Derwent to discover the Derby Silk Mill, parts of which date back to the 18^th century.

Continue further along the river and you’ll reach the historical mill village of Darley Abbey and Darley Abbey Park, a green space that’s loved by locals and visitors alike for its peaceful flower gardens and nature reserve. Easily accessible on foot or in your rental car, it’s the perfect way to escape the busy city for an afternoon.

Retail therapy

Back in the heart of the city, Derby’s Cathedral Quarter is home to an eclectic mix of stores, making it a great place to browse for locally produced foods and gifts among the cobbled streets and Victorian arcades. Don’t miss the Victorian Market Hall, where you will find an array of stalls selling everything from flowers to books and sweets.

Derby also has a large indoor shopping center, intu Derby, just a short drive from the city center. Home to designer brands and big high street names, it also has an array of restaurants and cafés where you can sit back and relax with a coffee

Further afield

When you rent a car in Derby you’ll be well-placed to take a drive into one of the UK’s most beautiful national parks - the Peak District. There’s so much to see and do in the park that it’s impossible to fit it all into a single day trip.

The valley of Dovedale, near Ashbourne, makes a great starting point.  With its picture-perfect location on the River Dove, this renowned beauty spot is famous for its rolling hills, scenic views and stepping stones. When you rent a car in Derby, you’ll be able to plan your own itinerary and make the most of your time in this stunning natural landscape.