Les meilleurs hôtels à Derby

Rolls-Royce, Florence Nightingale and Bonnie Prince Charlie are counted among Derbyshire's native sons and daughters. And though most of his legend is associated with Nottingham (just over the eastern border), Derbyshire folk contend that Robin Hood and his cast of characters were rather more heavily invested in Derbyshire. Little John is buried there, and Maid Marion hailed from Barnley, afterall. For millions of people each year, Derbyshire is a gateway to Peak experiences. Ecstasy aside, we refer to England's Peak National Park -- 542 square miles of peaty wilderness. Don't envision sharp mountain vistas, however, as "Peak" comes from the Old English "peac," meaning knoll or hill. The Peak's natural appeal is mostly horizontal moorland, set aside due to public pressure (the "Mass Public Tresspass of Kinder Scout" in 1932), and surrounded by prominent UK industrial centres. Derby (pop. 218,000) is the largest city in this East Midlands county. Historically an industrial centre, local economic growth now tends toward the service sector. Home to a university, Derby also boasts a lively arts and culture scene. Chesterfield (to the north) is Derbyshire's second biggest town, and home to one of England's largest open air markets -- held every Monday, Friday and Saturday since the year 1204. The famed crooked spire of the local Parish Church of St. Mary and All Saints has inspired legends and theories about how it got unstraightened. One of those involves a local blacksmith and the Devil himself.