Derby may be slightly dwarfed by its Nottingham and Leicester neighbours, but there’s still plenty to recommend in the East Midlands city – and we’ve found it for you! Our alternative city guide highlights the best places to shop, drink and wander, should you find yourself in this neck of the woods. Derby local? Feel free to add your own tips in the comments!

A little-known fact about Derby is that it’s considered the ghost-sighting capital of the country. Amble around the city centre and you’ll no doubt walk past Ye Olde Dolphin Inn, Foulds, The Bell Hotel and other establishments well-known for their hauntings – plenty for a ghost tour of your own.

But if you fancy learning more about Derby’s infamous past from the professionals, local legend Richard Felix runs regular Ghost Walks throughout the city centre.

Still want to learn about the city’s history without the paranormal hi-jinx? The less morbidly-inclined should drop by the beautiful Derby Cathedral for a lunchtime concert, or even to spy on the resident peregrine falcons.

Derby Cathedral

If you venture out from the city centre by bus you can find Markeaton Park, which can happily entertain even the most jaded of kids. Crazy golf, a Craft Village, fishing lake and a train that takes you from the car park to the huge adventure playground – Markeaton Park has it all.

A visit to Derby isn’t complete without a pint in its oldest pub. Not only does Ye Olde Dolphin Inn date back to the 1530s, it also serves some of the best food and real ale in the city. In fact, with the CAMRA Beer Festival coming up and a multitude of real ale pubs, beer-lovers are spoilt for choice in Derby.

More modern (and trendier) alternatives can be found in Sadler Gate, a small side street in the city centre home to independent cafes, bars and pubs. Drop by The Big Blue Coffee Company for a Dime Bar milkshake and live music. Alternatively tea connoisseurs will be right at home in Cafe B, where you can relax with a pot of rosebud tea for a mere £2.50.

Derby QUAD

Despite being a city centre crammed with chain bars, Derby does have a few decent venues. Don’t expect cocktails and a dress code at Blue Note – once a jazz club, it’s now a sticky-floored indie bar with cheap drinks and an electric atmosphere. Strapped for cash?

There are a number of bars offering bargain drinks and free entry. For live music, head to The Flowerpot – rumour has it that James Blunt was discovered at one of their open-mic nights. And for a spot of culture, head to the QUAD for independent films, digital workshops and exhibitions.

And beyond…

If you have a car (or know someone lovely who does) then it’s well worth exploring some of Derbyshire. Chatsworth House‘s most recent claim to fame was its starring role in Price & Prejudice, but the stately home has been around for over 200 years. Have a wonder on a sunny day around the slightly crumbling grounds (a tour will cost you £13) and if you’re lucky you’ll spy the local bunnies. Go to the gift shop for a packet of homemade fudge then head to the pub.

Chatsworth House

If quaint and picturesque isn’t your thing, hop on the Red Arrow bus and arrive in Nottingham 20 minutes later and £4.90 lighter. While you’re there, drop by Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem, the oldest pub in the country – parts of it are actually built into The Caves of Nottingham.

Award-winning curry can be found at Kayal on Nottingham’s Curry Mile, or head to The Malt Cross for drinks in an old Victorian music hall.

Flickr images from londonmatt’s, parksy’s and eamoncurry’s photostream