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Is this really Britain’s worst city?

Previous visitors have slammed the East Midlands spot as ‘rundown’ and ‘a dump’.

Amy Houghton
Written by
Amy Houghton
Contributing writer
derby
Photograph: Shutterstock
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Where do you think is the worst place in the UK for a staycation? Over the past two years, Which? surveyed 4,000 Brits to get their takes on the best cities for a staycation. Well-loved places like Edinburgh and Liverpool triumphed, but out of the UK's 25 largest cities, one has to sit in last place. 

And that spot went to the unlucky Derby. Described as ‘run down’ and ‘a dump’, the East Midlands hub scored a meagre 56 percent and earned just two stars for its food and drink, accommodation, cultural sights and retail scene.

The city’s highest score was four stars for its lack of crowds, but if Which?’s survey is anything to go by, that's hardly surprising. 

On the other hand, locals argue that Derby actually has plenty to offer. With its newly refurbed Museum of Making, the Derby Art Gallery and its historic Edwardian quarter, Sadler Gate, the city has its sights sets on being the UK’s City of Culture in 2029. 

In defence of Derby, one person who lives nearby told The Sun: ‘If you're after a quiet staycay without raucous revellers spilling out of every bar, this could be the spot for you.

‘It really is the best of both worlds if you like a city vibe but also want to get away into nature for a bit of peace and quiet.’

They argued that it's poor reputation comes from lack of investment. Still, it only beat Leicester and Swansea to the unfortunate position by two percent.

And on a more positive note, you can find out which city was crowned the best here.

Did you see that Scotland’s best beaches have been crowned for 2024?

Plus: The world’s first pork pie museum is coming to England.

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