10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Derby

Derbion is one of Derby’s biggest shopping malls. Its stores, eateries and leisure outlets are spread across 4 floors. The 2 main floors are primarily devoted to retail, with a bowling alley on the 3rd floor and a multi-screen Showcase cinema on the top floor.

Shops include major fashion retailers such as Marks & Spencer, Next, Zara, H&M, Phase Eight, Superdry and New Look. You can shop for footwear from Clarks, Timberland, Deichmann, Schuh and Footlocker. In addition, there are outlets stocking greeting cards, gifts, toys and jewellery.

Cathedral Quarter, situated in the heart of Derby, comprises a series of historic streets, tucked away arcades, and of course, the 16th-century cathedral itself. The area is known for its plethora of independent boutiques and speciality stores. Much of it is pedestrianised, making for a safer and more enjoyable retail experience.

When you need to take a break from shopping, Cathedral Quarter has numerous cafés to stop by. After dark, its concentration of restaurants, bars and clubs make this a vibrant nightlife hub.

The Strand is a shopping street in central Derby. In the 1880s, civil engineers diverted Markeaton Brook so that it ran through an underground culvert. Where water once flowed, a terrace of classic Victorian era buildings sprang up.

At the street’s northern tip, you’ll find the Derby Museum and Art Gallery. Partway down the street, the architectural details of Strand Arcade are worth a closer look. Shops on The Strand and in its arcade include Foulds Guitars, Selena’s Contemporary Flowers, and bridal shop Bedazzled Boutique.

Eagle Market is an indoor market that forms part of the Derbion complex. It's within a 10-minute walk of notable landmarks, such as Derby River Gardens, Derby Theatre, and Derby Cathedral. 

The city’s Grade II-listed Market Hall houses around 50 local traders selling a wide range of goods. Browse what’s on offer at Eagle Market's many stalls. You can find fresh fruit, vegetables and meat, as well as affordable clothing, crafts and baking supplies. 

Park Farm is a modest shopping centre on the outskirts of Derby. It hosts around 50 stores and anchored by Co-op Food, Wilko, Boots, Costa Coffee and Farmfoods. You can also find branches of Savers and Card Factory within the complex. 

Dining-wise, some options include Domino’s Pizza, Papa John’s, The Royal Raj, a Chinese takeaway, and a fish and chip shop. If you want to find somewhere to sit down, grab a coffee at The Lemon Tree or The Peacock Lounge.

St Peter’s Quarter is the main focus for many shoppers in Derby. This retail area spills out across a number of streets, including St Peters Street, East Street, Albion Street, Exchange Street, The Lanes, and The Spot. Most of it is pedestrianised, plus the area is easy to get to from other parts of Derby.

Alongside some independent retailers, many of the best-known names on the British High Street can be found in St Peter’s Quarter, including TK Maxx, Blacks, Bon Marché, Card Factory, Millets and Poundstretcher.

Mercia Marina is a shopping and leisure destination on the outskirts of Derby. Willington Lake was a privately-owned fishery, but it evolved into the largest inland marina in Europe, with capacity for 630 boats. The Boardwalk opened in 2014, with space to hosts additional retailers.

Today, you’ll find plenty of independent stores, such as Start & Tremayne, White Finn, and Bluewater Clothing. Black by Design and Twigg Home stock unique homewares and designer pieces, while Chrissy’s Gift Boat specialises in accessories and candles.

The Kingsway Retail Park is a shopping mall around 3 miles west of Derby's city centre. Like all many British out-of-town retail parks, it is easily accessible by car.

Most of its stores cater for local needs. You can find grocery items at Sainsbury’s, electrical goods at Currys, plus DIY and homewares at Homebase, Argos and Homesense. Poundland, Next and TK Maxx are great for budget-friendly shopping. Other stores include a Smyth’s toy store, Hobbycraft, and Carphone Warehouse.

The Museum of Making at Derby Silk Mill tells the history of the city's industrial development. Situated at the southern end of the Derwent Valley, what is now a fascinating museum was once Lombe’s Mill, built in the 1720s to wind silk onto bobbins.

The museum shop focuses on design-led gifts inspired by Derby's industrial past. Popular items include gadgets, toys, games and books. A couple of floors up, you’ll find The Hub. This space houses around 20 local creatives selling products such as textiles, ceramics and prints.

Allenton Market is an open-air market on Osmaston Road, just 3 miles southeast of central Derby. Around 90 independent traders sell a wide variety of goods, including food, clothes, accessories, and souvenirs. 

Allenton Market tends to be very busy on Saturdays. As with most markets, you’ll need to come early to find the best choice.