Derby is a busy industrial city, home of the famous Royal Crown Derby Porcelain. Derby lies on the west bank of the River Derwent close to its junction with the Trent. Set in the beautiful rolling countryside of Derbyshire, it is an ideal centre for touring the area, exploring the Derbyshire Dales and the Peak District National Park.In the early 1700's England's first silk mill was established in Derby, fine silk was produced here and was famous throughout Europe. The city's finest 18th century houses still remain from this period.

In 1750 the first porcelain factory opened, bringing further prosperity to the town. Two hundred and fifty years later Derby is still busy manufacturing porcelain at the Royal Crown Derby factory.Derby Cathedral - The Medieval Tower is 212 feet high, the second highest in England; its bells are rung regularly and are the oldest ring of ten bells in the world. James Gibbs designed the superb early 18th century classical gold and white nave. Interesting features are the wrought iron screen by Robert Bakewell, Bess of Hardwick's elaborate memorial and St. Katherine's Chapel.Derby Museum and Art Gallery - The Museum has a new gallery dedicated to the craft of ceramics, also features on Natural History, Egyptian Mummies and Military history. In the section devoted to the town's history, you will see the Bonny Prince Charlie Room, with wood panelling taken from Exeter House where the Prince lodged in 1745.