Locals in Derby have shared some of their favourite things about their home city after a report by Which? claimed the city is the “worst” place to visit in the UK for a staycation. The research conducted by Which? surveyed 3,967 members who were asked to rate UK cities and towns they had visited for leisure.
Those surveyed had to have spent at least one night in a particular place since April 2022 in order to be able to cast a vote.
According to Which? the city ranked “poorly for its food and drink, accommodation, cultural sights and tourist attractions, shopping and ease of getting around – all just two stars.” The city centre has also been described as “rundown” and “a dump” by some people who live there.
However, other locals from Derby or those who have lived there have hit back at the report in a Reddit forum.
Posting to the dedicated Derby forum on Reddit, one local said: “Derbys getting some s*** press at the moment. ‘One of the worst cities etc.’ Share some good stuff about Derby.” [SIC]
They continued: “When I was younger, my dad used to always say to me when wandering around Derby: ‘Look up’ – at the buildings. The lower-level stuff may have some sh***y shop front appeal, but we do have some fine architecture if you look above.
“We have great history of the city. Yes, we suffered from the 1960s ‘Brutilism’, ugly concrete makeover of its day, but it’s not all ugly…It may not be the most pretty city, but it’s still got a lot going for it.” [SIC]
Another commenter, who relocated to the city from the southeast coast, slammed the report as nothing more than “clickbait”.
They added their own long list of positive things about the city as someone who has moved there.
“The town centre is awesome, so much to do. Arcade, Bowling, Cinema, loads of good places to eat,” they wrote.
The commenter added: “The housing is cheap….Up here you’ve got a reasonable selection of three-bed houses at the £150k and below mark.” [SIC]
According to the latest data from Rightmove, properties in Derby had an overall average price of £230,014 over the last year.
Rightmove added: “The majority of sales in Derby during the last year were semi-detached properties, selling for an average price of £210,803. Detached properties sold for an average of £342,820, with terraced properties fetching £167,904.”
Locals posting to the forum also applauded the transport links in the city, noting that a train to London is approximately one hour and 30 minutes. They also highlighted its close proximity to East Midlands Airport too, which is roughly a 21-minute drive from the city centre.
Airlines flying from East Midlands Airport include TUI, Jet2, Ryanair and Aurigny. Locals also pointed to the history of the area, with some highlighting Elvaston Castle and Friar Gate. “I love how historical it is,” said one commenter.
Elvaston Castle Country Park has approximately 321 acres of open parkland, woodland and historical gardens, while Friar Gate, in the city centre, is one of Derby’s most ancient streets and is home to some of the city’s oldest buildings. This includes the 17th-century townhouse Gell’s House.
A second added: “It’s got a great industrial heritage. The museum is a testament to that.”
Derby Museum and Gallery is home to the world’s largest collection of works by Joseph Wright of Derby and is free to enter.
A major regeneration project is already in place in the Becketwell area of the city with the creation of a new 3,500-seater, purpose-built performance venue due to be completed in 2024. Derby is also bidding to be the Capital of Culture for 2029.
