A CITY in the UK named the worst place for a break is actually home to the cheapest beer.
takepayments has discovered the most affordable cities across the UK, and in Derby, you can enjoy a refreshing pint for £3.60.
Derby is the UK’s least popular place for a city break[/caption]
The city is the cheapest spot to grab a pint and is over a pound under the UK average[/caption]
The city in the East Midlands has sadly been dubbed as the ‘worst city break destination’ for 2025.
A survey conducted by Which? found that Derby came at the bottom when it came to what Brits want out of a day trip in the UK.
The survey involved 3,967 members assessing lots of cities based on factors like food and drink, accommodation, cultural sights, tourist attractions, shopping, and ease of getting around.
Derby received a score of two stars, with some even describing it as “rundown” and a “dump”.
However, there are plenty of reasons to love Derby – including its affordability when it comes to drinking.
The average pint in Derby costs just £3.60, which is £1.84 cheaper than the country’s average (£5.44).
And in cities like London, the highest average price of a pint sits at £6.50.
Along with the affordable pints, Derby has plenty of attractions too. One Sun Travel writer who lives near Derby proved that you can have a fun day out in the city.
Catherine enjoyed a day out at Moorways Sports Village which has a pool and at the weekend, there’s a huge inflatable on the water.
In the basement level is an indoor splash park with something to keep all ages entertained as well as slides and flumes.
There’s a splash park at Moorways Sports Village[/caption]
On the outskirts of Derby is the Maze 52 attraction[/caption]
Moorways Sports Village also has a soft play centre and fitness studios too.
Another attraction is Maze 52, which is 7.2 acres in size, it’s not just going through the maze that’s the challenge, there are mini games inside too.
There’s a mini maze for younger visitors too as well as wildflower gardens for flower picking and great photo opportunities.
Maze 52 is seasonal and opens on July 26, 2025.
Another popular spot is Bluebell farm Park which is an Ice Cream Farm where kids can meet cows and there’s lots of play areas too.
The farm has a go-karting track, zip wires and a huge outdoor climbing frame.
Afterwards, get a snack at the cafe, or check out the ice cream parlour that has 26 flavours.
For more play opportunities, head to Markeaton Park which is one of the most-visited parks in the UK – and one of the most popular attractions in the country.
Inside the park you’ll find the Mundy Play Centre with a paddling pool, bouncy castle, mini golf, tennis court and a high ropes course.
Sun Travel also spoke to Ben Aitken, the author of Sh*tty Breaks: A Celebration of Unsung Cities who swapped the popular city break destinations for dupes.
Ben told us: “The worst pizza I’ve ever had was in Venice, so I’d rather go to Wolverhampton. I’d also swap Edinburgh for Dunfermline – given that they’re neighbours.
“I’d also say that Newport’s better than Cardiff – that’s going to get me into trouble. I’ve said it before that Sunderland for me is the best city in the North East, so I’d swap that with Newcastle.
“Limerick is a match for Dublin. I’m not going to say it’s better, but it’s half the price with half the crowds, and the Guinness is better there. And let’s give some love to Preston, I’d rather spend a weekend in Preston than in Lisbon.”
Here’s where to find the most popular UK cities for a holiday according to Which?.
And 17 of the UK’s best hidden gems to visit in 2025, according to our travel experts.
Here Are The Cheapest Cities To Buy A Pint
New research by takepayments has revealed the cheapest cities in the UK to purchase a pint
- Derby – £3.60
- Aberdeen – £4
= Leicester – £4
= Southend – £4
= Luton – £4 - Middlesborough – £4.20
= Bradford – £4.20
= Sheffield – £4.20 - Coventry – £4.25
- Swansea – £4.50
Derby is the UK’s ‘worst’ place for a city break – but has so much to offer[/caption]
