Derby County FC – Pride Park Stadium
Complete Away Day Travel Guide
🐏 ABOUT PRIDE PARK
Pride Park has been the home of Derby County Football Club since 1997, when the club made the bold move from the historic Baseball Ground after 102 years. Located on the eastern edge of Derby city centre, the modern 33,597-capacity venue represented a new era for The Rams and remains one of the Championship’s finest stadiums. The move allowed Derby County to compete at the highest level with excellent facilities for supporters and players alike.
Derby County – The Rams – are one of English football’s most historic and storied clubs, founded in 1884. The club has won the English First Division twice (1971-72 and 1974-75) under the legendary Brian Clough and Peter Taylor, produced some of football’s greatest players including Roy McFarland, Kevin Hector, and more recently, Will Hughes, and built a reputation for attacking, entertaining football.
The distinctive white shirts with black trim have been worn since the club’s earliest days, and the ram badge is one of football’s most recognisable emblems, derived from The Royal Regiment of Derby (The Rams). Derby supporters are passionate, knowledgeable, and fiercely proud of their club’s heritage – expect a genuine football atmosphere, particularly when The Rams are pushing for promotion or facing local rivals like Nottingham Forest in the fierce East Midlands derby.
📊 STADIUM SPECIFICATIONS
| Capacity | 33,597 (all seated) |
| Opened | 1997 (27+ years at Pride Park) |
| Away Section | South Stand (Lower Tier) |
| Away Allocation | 2,800-4,400 seats (can be increased for big fixtures) |
| Record Attendance | 33,597 vs Rangers (pre-season, 2007) |
🚗 GETTING TO PRIDE PARK
Pride Park is located just east of Derby city centre. Derby is well connected to the UK rail network with direct trains from London St Pancras, Birmingham, Leeds, Sheffield, and Nottingham. The stadium is conveniently accessible by foot, bus, or taxi from Derby station.
🗺️ STADIUM LOCATION MAP
Pride Park Stadium Address: Pride Park, Derby, DE24 8XL
🚂 BY TRAIN – The Recommended Choice
Why Trains Work: Derby station is served by East Midlands Railway with excellent connections from across the country, including direct trains from London St Pancras, Birmingham, Leeds, Sheffield, and Nottingham. From the station, Pride Park is approximately 1 mile – a pleasant 20-minute walk through the city centre and along Pride Park Way, or there are regular buses and taxis available.
Journey Times to Derby Station:
🔴 London St Pancras: 1 hour 30 minutes (direct)
🟠 Birmingham New Street: 45 minutes (direct)
🟡 Leeds: 1 hour 45 minutes (direct)
🟢 Sheffield: 40 minutes (direct)
🔵 Nottingham: 20 minutes (direct)
🟣 Manchester: 1 hour 30 minutes (via Sheffield)
From Derby Station to Pride Park:
Option 1 – Walk (20 minutes): Exit the station and head east through the city centre along London Road, then follow Pride Park Way directly to the stadium. It’s a straightforward, well-signposted route – great for taking in Derby’s character.
Option 2 – Bus (5 minutes): Services run regularly from Derby station to Pride Park on matchdays. The Rainbow One bus stops right outside the stadium.
Option 3 – Taxi (5 minutes): £5-£7 from the station. Taxis available outside Derby station.
🚗 BY CAR
Derby is well-connected by road via the A52, A38, and M1 motorway (Junction 25). Pride Park has dedicated parking facilities, though pre-booking is strongly recommended for matchdays.
From Different Directions:
From the North (M1): Exit Junction 25, follow the A52 towards Derby city centre, then follow the brown signs for Pride Park Stadium.
From the South (M1): Exit Junction 24, take the A6 towards Derby, then A52 towards Nottingham, follow the signs for Pride Park.
From the East (Nottingham): Follow the A52 towards Derby, the stadium is signposted on the right as you approach the city.
From the West (Birmingham): Follow the A38 towards Derby, join the A52 towards Nottingham, then follow the brown signs for Pride Park.
🅿️ PARKING OPTIONS
Stadium Car Parks: There are several official car parks around Pride Park Stadium. Cost £10-£15. Pre-booking strongly recommended through Derby County FC website to guarantee a space.
City Centre Car Parks: Riverlights (Derbion), Bold Lane, and Full Street car parks in the city centre. £5-£10 for the day, then a short bus ride or 20-minute walk to the ground.
Street Parking: Very limited around the stadium on matchdays. Residential areas nearby have parking restrictions.
🏨 WHERE TO STAY IN DERBY
Derby offers excellent accommodation options across all budgets. Staying in the city centre puts you close to Derby station, the pubs and restaurants, and within easy reach of Pride Park Stadium.
💷 BUDGET OPTIONS (£50-£80)
Premier Inn Derby City Centre
📍 Location: Full Street, Derby, DE1 3AF (city centre, 5-minute walk from station)
💰 Price: £55-£75 per night
✨ Why Stay: Reliable chain hotel, central location, comfortable rooms, good breakfast, walking distance to everything
🌐 Book: premierinn.com
Travelodge Derby Cricket Ground
📍 Location: Nottingham Road, Derby, DE21 6DA (1.5 miles from city centre)
💰 Price: £50-£70 per night
✨ Why Stay: Budget-friendly, clean and comfortable, good parking, regular buses to city centre
🌐 Book: travelodge.co.uk
Holiday Inn Express Derby Pride Park
📍 Location: Locomotive Way, Pride Park, Derby, DE24 8PU (right next to the stadium!)
💰 Price: £60-£85 per night
✨ Why Stay: Perfect location for matchday, modern rooms, breakfast included, can walk to stadium
🌐 Book: ihg.com
💎 MID-RANGE OPTIONS (£80-£130)
Cathedral Quarter Hotel
📍 Location: 16 St Mary’s Gate, Derby, DE1 3JR (Cathedral Quarter)
💰 Price: £85-£115 per night
✨ Why Stay: Boutique hotel in historic building, excellent location, characterful rooms, brilliant on-site restaurant
🌐 Book: cathedralquarterhotel.com
Pentahotel Derby
📍 Location: Mansfield Road, Derby, DE1 3TN (near city centre)
💰 Price: £80-£110 per night
✨ Why Stay: Modern 4-star hotel, contemporary design, excellent facilities, good bar and restaurant
🌐 Book: pentahotels.com
Hallmark Hotel Derby Mickleover Court
📍 Location: Etwall Road, Mickleover, Derby, DE3 0XX (3 miles from city centre)
💰 Price: £90-£125 per night
✨ Why Stay: Country manor setting, extensive grounds, leisure facilities, free parking, regular buses to city
🌐 Book: hallmarkhotels.co.uk
⭐ LUXURY OPTIONS (£130+)
The Kedleston Country House
📍 Location: Kedleston Road, Derby, DE22 5JD (3 miles from city centre)
💰 Price: £140-£200 per night
✨ Why Stay: Beautiful country house hotel, elegant rooms, excellent restaurant, peaceful setting near Kedleston Hall
🌐 Book: kedlestonhotel.co.uk
Hassop Hall Hotel
📍 Location: Hassop, Bakewell, Derbyshire, DE45 1NS (Peak District – 30 mins from Derby)
💰 Price: £150-£250 per night
✨ Why Stay: Stunning Peak District location, historic country house, exceptional service, perfect for a weekend away
🌐 Book: hassophallhotel.co.uk
The Riber Hall
📍 Location: Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 5JU (Peak District – 25 mins from Derby)
💰 Price: £160-£280 per night
✨ Why Stay: Luxury Elizabethan manor house, spectacular Peak District views, fine dining, truly special
🌐 Book: riber-hall.co.uk
🍺 BEST PUBS & BARS FOR AWAY FANS
Derby has an excellent pub scene, particularly around the Cathedral Quarter and near the railway station. The Brunswick Inn is legendary amongst football fans and real ale enthusiasts. Most away fans drink in the city centre before walking or taking a short bus ride to Pride Park.
🏙️ CITY CENTRE PUBS
The Brunswick Inn (ESSENTIAL VISITING!)
📍 Location: 1 Railway Terrace, Derby, DE1 2RU (right next to Derby station!)
🍺 What to Expect: Legendary real ale pub, 20+ cask ales, traditional Victorian railway inn, CAMRA National Inventory, absolutely brilliant atmosphere
⭐ Why Visit: One of England’s finest pubs, exceptional beer, historic interior, perfect pre-match location – DON’T MISS IT!
The Standing Order
📍 Location: 28-32 Irongate, Derby, DE1 3GA (Cathedral Quarter)
🍺 What to Expect: Wetherspoon pub in stunning former bank building, high ceilings, grand architecture, good value, popular with away fans
⭐ Why Visit: Magnificent building, reasonable prices, central location, spacious for groups
The Furnace Inn
📍 Location: 3 Duke Street, Derby, DE1 3BX (city centre)
🍺 What to Expect: Traditional Derby pub, excellent cask ales, friendly atmosphere, popular with football fans
⭐ Why Visit: Proper local pub, good beer selection, welcoming to away supporters
⛪ CATHEDRAL QUARTER PUBS
The Old Bell Hotel
📍 Location: Sadler Gate, Derby, DE1 3NQ (Cathedral Quarter)
🍺 What to Expect: Historic coaching inn dating from 1680, traditional atmosphere, good ale selection, characterful building
⭐ Why Visit: Oldest pub in Derby, genuine historical character, atmospheric setting
Mr Grundy’s Tavern
📍 Location: 7 Friar Gate, Derby, DE1 1BU (near Cathedral Quarter)
🍺 What to Expect: Traditional Derby pub, good real ale selection, friendly locals, unpretentious atmosphere
⭐ Why Visit: Proper local boozer, quality ales, welcoming atmosphere
🍽️ WHERE TO EAT IN DERBY
Derby offers diverse dining options from traditional British pubs to international cuisine. The Cathedral Quarter is particularly good for restaurants and cafes, whilst the city centre has plenty of quick pre-match options.
🍴 RESTAURANTS & DINING
Darleys Restaurant
📍 Location: Darley Abbey Mill, Haslams Lane, Derby, DE22 1DZ
🍽️ Speciality: Modern British fine dining, riverside location, AA Rosette awarded
💰 Price: £40-£60 per person
⭐ Why Visit: Derby’s finest restaurant, beautiful setting, exceptional food – perfect for special occasions
The Wonky Table
📍 Location: 41 Friar Gate, Derby, DE1 1DA (near Cathedral Quarter)
🍽️ Speciality: Modern British cuisine, seasonal menus, cosy atmosphere
💰 Price: £25-£40 per person
⭐ Why Visit: Excellent food, intimate setting, great value, popular local favourite
Bustler Market
📍 Location: Curzon Street, Derby, DE1 1LL (city centre)
🍽️ Speciality: Street food market, diverse vendors, casual dining, great atmosphere
💰 Price: £8-£15 per person
⭐ Why Visit: Perfect pre-match option, variety of choices, relaxed vibe, good value
🍔 QUICK EATS & TAKEAWAY
The Chip Spud
📍 Location: 28 Sadler Gate, Derby, DE1 3NQ (Cathedral Quarter)
🍟 Speciality: Gourmet chips, loaded fries, poutines, burgers
💰 Price: £6-£12
⭐ Why Visit: Perfect pre-match fuel, generous portions, quality ingredients
The Pie Shop Derby
📍 Location: Sadler Gate, Derby, DE1 3NF (Cathedral Quarter)
🥧 Speciality: Traditional British pies, pasties, sausage rolls
💰 Price: £4-£8
⭐ Why Visit: Proper matchday food, hot and satisfying, good value
Fernandos
📍 Location: Multiple locations across Derby city centre
🍕 Speciality: Pizza by the slice, quick service, late opening
💰 Price: £3-£8
⭐ Why Visit: Derby institution, perfect for quick bite, great value
🎭 THINGS TO DO IN DERBY
Derby played a pivotal role in the Industrial Revolution and offers fascinating museums, beautiful architecture, and is the gateway to the stunning Peak District. Whether you’re visiting for a few hours or making a weekend of it, there’s plenty to explore.
🏛️ MUSEUMS & CULTURE
Museum of Making (The Silk Mill) – FREE!
📍 Location: Silk Mill Lane, off Full Street, Derby, DE1 3AF
🏭 What to See: Birthplace of the factory system, world-class industrial heritage, interactive exhibits, Rolls-Royce aero engine collection
⏰ Opening: Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5pm, Monday closed
⭐ Why Visit: Outstanding museum, FREE entry, fascinating Derby history, beautifully presented
Derby Museum & Art Gallery – FREE!
📍 Location: The Strand, Derby, DE1 1BS (city centre)
🎨 What to See: World’s largest collection of Joseph Wright paintings, natural history, ceramics, archaeology
⏰ Opening: Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 12pm-4pm, Monday closed
⭐ Why Visit: FREE entry, exceptional art collection, Derby’s cultural jewel
Derby Cathedral
📍 Location: 18-19 Iron Gate, Derby, DE1 3GP (city centre)
⛪ What to See: Beautiful 16th-century cathedral, historic Bess of Hardwick tomb, stunning tower
💰 Entry: FREE (donations welcome)
⭐ Why Visit: Architectural beauty, peaceful atmosphere, central location in Cathedral Quarter
🏞️ NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
Peak District National Park
📍 Location: 30 minutes from Derby by car
🌄 What to See: Stunning countryside, charming villages (Bakewell, Matlock, Castleton), walking trails, historic houses
⭐ Why Visit: England’s first National Park, breathtaking scenery, perfect if staying over for the weekend
Kedleston Hall (National Trust)
📍 Location: Kedleston, Derby, DE22 5JH (4 miles from city centre)
🏛️ What to See: Stunning 18th-century neo-classical mansion, beautiful parkland, art collection
💰 Entry: £15-£18 (National Trust members free)
⭐ Why Visit: One of England’s finest stately homes, gorgeous grounds, fascinating history
Calke Abbey (National Trust)
📍 Location: Ticknall, Derby, DE73 7LE (10 miles from Derby)
🏰 What to See: “Unstately home” preserved in decline, fascinating time-capsule, beautiful parkland
💰 Entry: £14-£16 (National Trust members free)
⭐ Why Visit: Unique historical experience, beautiful estate, unusual approach to preservation
💡 PRACTICAL MATCHDAY TIPS
🍺 The Brunswick Inn: An absolute MUST-VISIT pub right next to Derby station – one of England’s finest real ale pubs!
🚶 Walk from Station: A pleasant 20-minute walk through the city – saves bus fare and you’ll see Derby’s character
🅿️ Pre-Book Parking: If you’re driving, book stadium parking in advance through the Derby County FC website
🎭 DERBY EXPERIENCE
🏭 Industrial Heritage: Derby’s role in the Industrial Revolution is fascinating – the Museum of Making is world-class and FREE!
🏞️ Peak District: If staying over, the stunning Peak District is less than 30 minutes away – perfect for a weekend break
⛪ Cathedral Quarter: Atmospheric historic area with excellent pubs, restaurants, and beautiful architecture
⚽ MATCHDAY EXPERIENCE
🏟️ Modern Stadium: Pride Park is one of the Championship’s best stadiums – excellent facilities and sightlines throughout
💥 Atmosphere: Derby fans are passionate and knowledgeable – expect a proper football atmosphere, especially for big matches
🐏 The Rams: Derby County’s proud history and famous players mean The Rams faithful have high expectations and genuine passion
💭 FINAL THOUGHTS
Visiting Pride Park is a proper Championship away day. The stadium is modern, purpose-built, and one of the division’s finest venues with excellent facilities and sightlines throughout. Derby County fans are passionate, knowledgeable, and fiercely proud of their club’s history – two First Division titles under the legendary Brian Clough, a proud tradition of developing talent, and the famous white and black colours worn since 1884. The atmosphere, particularly for big fixtures and the fierce East Midlands derby with Nottingham Forest, can be intense and genuinely exciting.
But Pride Park is just the beginning of your Derby adventure. This is a city with genuine character and substance – from the world-class Museum of Making at the Silk Mill (birthplace of the factory system!) to Joseph Wright’s stunning paintings at the Museum & Art Gallery, from the Cathedral Quarter’s atmospheric streets to The Brunswick Inn’s exceptional ales. Derby played a pivotal role in the Industrial Revolution, and that innovative spirit lives on in a vibrant modern city that’s gateway to the stunning Peak District.
The logistics work brilliantly – Derby station has excellent connections from across the country, and it’s either a pleasant 20-minute walk to Pride Park or a quick bus/taxi ride. Our advice? Get to Derby early, have a proper session at The Brunswick (right next to the station – don’t miss it!), explore the Cathedral Quarter’s pubs and restaurants, maybe visit one of the excellent free museums, then make your way to Pride Park. After the match, if you’re staying over, the Peak District is less than 30 minutes away with some of England’s most beautiful countryside, charming villages, and brilliant walks.
Take the train to Derby, enjoy The Brunswick’s brilliant ales, explore the industrial heritage, experience Pride Park’s modern facilities, and discover why The Rams faithful are so devoted to their historic club!
⚪⚫ Come On You Rams! ⚫⚪
📞 USEFUL CONTACTS
🏟️ Derby County FC: 0871 472 1884 | dcfc.co.uk
🎫 Ticket Office: 0871 472 1884
🚌 Trent Barton Buses: 01773 712265 | trentbarton.co.uk
🚂 National Rail: 03457 48 49 50 | nationalrail.co.uk
ℹ️ Visit Derby: visitderby.co.uk
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📍 Part of the Football Nonsense Championship Away Days Collection
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John Herman is a Leeds-based, would-be football writer and founder of Football Nonsense. Blending fan passion with sharp opinion, he tackles the game’s biggest debates—from the terraces to the boardroom—with honesty, humour, and heart.