July 21st 2024.
When it comes to the UK, there are so many amazing towns and cities to explore. From the lively streets of Liverpool to the bustling city of London and the beautiful town of York, there's no shortage of places to visit. However, not every destination is as beloved as these popular spots. In fact, a recent ranking has revealed the best and worst places in the UK to visit, and one city in the East Midlands has landed at the bottom of the list.
Derby, a city described as "rundown" and a "dump," has been named the worst big UK city for a short break. It narrowly beat out fellow Midland city, Leicester, and Wales' second city, Swansea, for this not-so-coveted title. The ranking was determined by surveying 3,967 members of the public who had visited cities in the UK for leisure purposes and stayed for at least one night since April 2022. The results were then divided into small, medium, and large cities, with a total of 62 destinations listed.
So what exactly makes Derby such a "rubbish" place to visit? According to the survey, it received poor ratings for food and drink, accommodation, cultural sights and tourist attractions, shopping, and ease of getting around. Ouch. And for those who are unfamiliar with the city, it may not seem like a thrilling getaway. In fact, some visitors on Reddit have described it as a place that made them feel "lonely and depressed." Locals also added that there never seems to be much to do, and many feel that the city lacks a distinct identity. It's no wonder some have even gone as far as to call it a "dump."
But before you dismiss Derby altogether, let's take a closer look. For starters, there's the stunning Derby Cathedral, which houses the oldest ring of ten bells in the world, dating back to 1678. The original church is believed to have been built in 943, making it a significant piece of history. Additionally, local sculptor April Jones has described Derby as an "artistic sleeping giant." Thanks to the Vibrancy Fund, which provides funding for local artists, the city has become a hub for creativity, with street art, murals, and installations popping up all over.
And let's not forget about the newly refurbished Museum of Making, the Derby Art Gallery, and the trendy Sadler Gate, which is filled with unique shops and boutiques. The city is even aiming to become the UK's City of Culture in 2029. But perhaps one of the most notable aspects of Derby is its rich motoring heritage. The city has been manufacturing Rolls Royce cars since 1908 and briefly made Bentleys in the 1930s. Visitors can now admire classic cars at the Great Northern Classics museum, which is located at the former Rolls-Royce Heritage Centre.
And if you're a nature lover, you won't want to miss out on the Peak District National Park, which is located in Derbyshire. With over 13 million visitors each year, this stunning park offers breathtaking views and charming towns to explore. And while food and drink may not have received high ratings in the survey, locals will be quick to recommend Birds Bakery, a beloved Derby staple since 1919. Their famous cobs (a type of bread roll) are known to attract queues out the door.
And as luck would have it, you may even spot a few famous faces during your visit. Niall Horan and George Clooney are said to be fans of the local football club, Derby County. So, while it may not have the same appeal as top-ranked cities like Liverpool, Edinburgh, and York, perhaps it's time to give Derby, the UK's "worst" city, another chance. After all, you never know what hidden gems you may discover. This article was first published on May 13, 2024. If you have a story to share about your visit to Derby, we'd love to hear from you. Get in touch by emailing us at email.
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