Derby to York drive: Distance, time & best road trip stops
The best road trip stops on the Derby to York drive are Hardwick Hall, Gulliver’s Valley and Pontefract Castle. By car, the distance from Derby to York is 92 miles, with a 1h55m driving time.
Planning a Derby to York road trip itinerary
The drive from Derby to York takes you from the heart of the East Midlands to one of the most attractive – and attraction-packed – cities in England.
The top attractions in Derby include Markeaton Park and the Museum of Making at Derby Silk Mill.
The historic walled city of York is one of the best places in Britain for visitors. Top York experiences include ghost walks, history-based walking tours, hop-on, hop-off bus tickets and chocolate bar-making workshops. For attractions, try the York Dungeon, York Cocoa Works and the Jorvik Viking Centre,
Visitors planning to cram a lot in may be better off investing in a York City Pass, which covers entry to more than 25 attractions.
Derby to York distance and driving time
By car, the distance from Derby to York is 92 miles. That’s going along the shortest route via Doncaster, which follows the A38, M1, M18, A1(M) and M64. Sometimes, however, it can be quicker to further up the M1 and join the A1(M) outside Leeds. Traffic permitting, you can expect a Derby to York driving time of around one hour and 55 minutes.
The best stops to add to a Derby to York road trip itinerary are Gulliver’s Valley, Cusworth Hall and Pontefract Castle.
Nottingham to Leeds road trip attractions: Hardwick Hall
Come off the M1 at Junction 29 for Hardwick Hall, a lavishly decorated National Trust property. In the hands of the Dukes of Devonshire for centuries, Hardwick Hall has accumulated rich furnishings and tapestries.
Even if you don’t go inside the hall itself, the surrounding estate is an excellent place for country walks.
Derby to York road trip attractions: Gulliver’s Valley
Gulliver’s Valley is a relatively new theme park on the outskirts of Rotherham, and it is one firmly aimed at children. There are a few rides, such as the pirate ship and rapids, that older kids will enjoy. But the sweet spot is probably four to eight year olds.
Overnight accommodation is available, while non-traditional theme park attractions include a small farm, an inflatables course, a handful of playgrounds and a mini golf course.
Derby to York road trip stops: Pontefract Castle
Pontefract Castle stands on a hill to the east of Pontefract. It was build in 1070, shortly after the Norman Conquest of England, and is now a ruin.
The grounds are open for strolling and exploration daily. The visitor centre tells how the castle played an important part in the English Civil War and was immortalised by Shakespeare in Richard II.
More Derby road trips
Derby to Birmingham | Derby to Luton | Derby to Milton Keynes.
More York road trips
Birmingham to York | Bradford to York | Darlington to York | Doncaster to York | Leeds to York | Manchester to York | Middlesbrough to York | Newcastle to York | Nottingham to York | Sheffield to York | Wakefield to York.