New hotels in Derby

Derby is an East Midlands cathedral city whose economy has long run on engineering rather than tourism: Rolls-Royce has built aero engines here since the early 20th century, and the city's Silk Mill, on the Derwent, is often credited as the world's first factory. This guide currently tracks one project: Spark by Hilton Derby, announced in September 2026 as part of a ten-hotel deal that brings Hilton's value-focused Spark brand to England and Wales for the first time.

What to do in Derby

A short visit

Derby Cathedral, with its 16th-century tower and Georgian nave, anchors the compact city centre, a short walk from the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site and the Museum of Making, housed in the restored Silk Mill. Derby County's Pride Park Stadium sits just east of the centre on the Derwent, and the Cathedral Quarter's independent shops and cafés fill the streets around the cathedral itself.

A longer stay

With more time, the Derwent Valley (the string of historic mill towns and villages that runs north from Derby along the river, recognised by UNESCO for its role in the origins of the factory system) makes for an easy day trip, and the southern edge of the Peak District is within reach by car for travellers who want to pair a city stay with a walk in the hills.

Where to stay in Derby

Spark by Hilton Derby is, once it opens, set to become the city's first Hilton-branded hotel: sited next to the railway station, between the station and the city centre. It is part of a ten-property agreement Hilton signed with AG Hotels Group in September 2026, bringing the brand's premium-economy format (free hot breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking) into England and Wales for the first time; Derby is one of several genuinely new Hilton markets in the deal. No opening date has been confirmed for the individual property yet, beyond the deal's overall 2026-2028 window.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a Hilton hotel in Derby?

Not yet: Spark by Hilton Derby, announced in September 2026, will be the city's first Hilton-flagged property once it opens, with a date still to be confirmed.

Where is the new Derby hotel located?

Next to Derby railway station, between the station and the city centre.

What does Spark by Hilton offer?

Hilton's premium-economy format: free hot breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking, in a smaller, simpler room package than a full-service Hilton hotel.

Is Derby a good base for the Peak District?

The southern edge of the Peak District is reachable by car from Derby, making it a workable, if not the closest, base for a Peak District trip combined with a city stay.

Guide last updated September 2026.