Derby named among best places to visit in UK in 2026

Derby has been named as one of the best places to visit in the UK in 2026 by an influential events and culture magazine.

The city has been included in Time Out’s ‘14 best places to visit in the UK in 2026’.

Chosen by Time Out writers and editors, the list features ‘the greatest cities, towns and streets to explore in Britain this year’.

On the list, Derby finds itself rubbing shoulders with the likes of Edinburgh and London.

Introducing Derby on the list, Time Out staff writer India Lawrence writes: “Derby is well-established as a base for visiting the stunning rugged hills of the Peak District, but right now the Midlands city is an exciting destination in its own right – and it’s got plenty more scheduled for 2026.”

In a statement, Visit Derby, which is the tourism arm of Derby City Council, said: “This news makes the whole Visit Derby team extremely proud of the work we do with our partners to highlight our city as a visitor destination, thanks to our famous pioneers – past and present – as well as our venues, museums and more.

“With even more journalist and influencer visits planned in 2026, we’re delighted to see awareness for Derby’s cultural and historical heritage continue after recent national recognition from BBC News, The Guardian, Discover Britain and more.”

Visit Derby’s efforts to promote Derby to journalists and influencers is backed by several partners, including Derby Museums, Down to Earth Derby’s Electric Daisy, Derby Cathedral, Derby Arena, Vaillant Live, Leonardo’s, Derby Conference Centre, Omomo and The Stay Company.

Derby’s Time Out write-up highlights the new Joseph Wright exhibition – Wright of Derby: From the Shadows.

Currently being staged at London’s National Gallery, this major exhibition of Wright’s candlelight paintings will move to Derby in May.

A special mention is also given to ULTRA, a brand-new 3,500-capacity warehouse club, which opened its doors in Downing Road, on the West Meadows Industrial Estate, on New Year’s Eve,

It also looks ahead to the UCI Indoor Cycling World Championships, due to take place at Derby Arena in October.

The piece also cites Derby’s “stacked” 2026 calendar as it gears up to celebrate 50 years as a city, not to mention the 30th birthday of Lara Croft.

Introducing the list, Ed Cunningham, Time Out’s UK news editor, writes: “Destinations made it onto Time Out’s list for a vast range of reasons.

“Some have swaggered onto the scene with a quickfire burst of thrilling new attractions.

“Others have built their cred slower and reached a point of quiet brilliance, while others still are established spots that simply remain very much worth their rep.

“Several places will be made even more tempting by those aforementioned 2026 openings, whether that be delicious places to eat and drink, game-changing new transport options or unmissable cultural events.”

To read Time Out’s ‘14 best places to visit in the UK in 2026’ list in full, click here.

Visit Derby has also published the latest edition of a digital interactive guide, which has been designed to make it easier for people to find out about the many events happening in Derby.

The What’s On Derby Guide lists events taking place at locations across the city all in one place.

Users can click on any event and be taken through to web pages where they can find out more information and book tickets.

The latest edition covers the period between January and March.

The guide also includes five ‘top picks’ happening in Derby this year – the Derby Book Festival, UK Ghost Story Festival, Wright of Derby: From the Shadows exhibition, Derby Caribbean Carnival and The Darley Park Weekender.

It also provides a list of Derby’s most popular places and attractions, some of the best places to eat and drink and the top places offering experiences.

Finally, the guide includes a map of the city centre to help people find these places of interest.

To download a copy of the guide visit, click here.