A weekend in Derry~Londonderry

A walled city of murals, music and a riverside heritage

Independent UK guide
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Updated October 2026

Derry, officially Londonderry, is a historic city on the River Foyle in the north-west of Northern Ireland, with the best-preserved city walls in Ireland, a lively arts scene and a complex recent history. The city is known by both names, depending on the speaker.

You can walk the full circuit of the 17th-century walls, visit museums that explain the Troubles, see murals in the Bogside and cross the modern Peace Bridge.

Best forHistory lovers, Culture fans, Food lovers, Nights out

Best time to goSpring to autumn for the walls and the Peace Bridge. Festivals and music make it lively all year.

Typical budget (2 people, 2 nights)£320–£560, excluding travel

Getting thereBelfast: About 1 hour 30 minutes by car, or about 2 hours by train.

Check prices for a weekend in Derry~Londonderry

Plan your weekend in Derry~Londonderry

Top attractions in Derry~Londonderry

The City Walls

A complete circuit of 17th-century walls, about a mile in length, that you can walk along the top.

The Peace Bridge

A curved pedestrian bridge across the Foyle, linking the two sides of the city.

The Bogside murals

Large murals telling the story of the Troubles, a short walk from the centre.

The Museum of Free Derry

A museum explaining the Civil Rights movement and Bloody Sunday.

The Guildhall

A grand Neo-Gothic building in the city centre, with stained glass.

Best things to do in Derry~Londonderry

Guides to the activities most people plan a weekend around.

Edinburgh Castle visit

Edinburgh Castle stands on an extinct volcanic rock above the city and is Scotland's most visited paid attraction. Allow 2 to 3 hours.

Jacobite steam train

The Jacobite is a steam train that runs between Fort William and Mallaig on the West Highland Line, crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct made famous by the Harry Potter films. Allow about 2 hours each way.

Whisky tasting in Edinburgh

Edinburgh offers many ways to learn about Scotch whisky, from guided tastings on the Royal Mile to specialist bars with hundreds of bottles. Allow 1 to 2 hours.

Best areas to stay in Derry~Londonderry

Inside the walls

Central and walkable, close to shops, pubs and restaurants.

Near the Peace Bridge

Convenient for the riverside and the train station.

Waterside

The east bank of the river, with a quieter feel.

Best hotels in Derry~Londonderry

Prices for a double room in Derry~Londonderry typically fall around £90–£150 a night in this price band. Guesthouses and B&Bs are usually the best value, while boutique hotels and inns with rooms suit a treat. Read recent guest reviews and use the filters on the booking sites for the things that matter to you.

Compare places to stay in Derry~Londonderry

Prices change daily, so check a few sites. These are affiliate links.

Best time to visit Derry~Londonderry

Spring to autumn for the walls and the Peace Bridge. Festivals and music make it lively all year.

Seasons that suit Derry~Londonderry well: spring, summer, autumn.

Estimated budget for a weekend in Derry~Londonderry

Hotel or B&B, per night for two	£90–£150
Food and drink, per day for two	£55–£85
Activities and extras for the weekend	£30–£90
Estimated total, 2 people, 2 nights, excluding travel	£320–£560

Mid-range destination. These are rough 2026 estimates and vary by season and room type. Add the cost of getting there. For a personalised figure, use the BritBreaks finder.

Getting to Derry~Londonderry

From Belfast: About 1 hour 30 minutes by car, or about 2 hours by train.
From Dublin: About 3 hours by car.
From Glasgow: Ferry from Cairnryan to Larne, then about 1 hour 45 minutes by car.

Journey times are rough guides. Check live train and road times before you travel.

A sample weekend in Derry~Londonderry

Friday evening: Arrive, settle in and have dinner in Inside the walls.
Saturday: Start with The City Walls, then The Peace Bridge. In the afternoon, head to The Bogside murals.
Sunday: Visit The Museum of Free Derry or The Guildhall, then head home.

Packing list for Derry~Londonderry

Handy things people often forget. These are Amazon links, so prices and availability are set by Amazon.

More kit guides: Walking gear Wet-weather gear

Good to know

Sensitive history is part of the visit, so listen to local guides.
The weather is changeable, so carry a waterproof.
There is no direct rail link from Great Britain, so plan ferry or flight times.

Derry~Londonderry weekend FAQs

Is it Derry or Londonderry?

Both names are used. Many nationalists say Derry, and many unionists say Londonderry. Visitors often use either, or simply 'the city'.

Is Derry worth a weekend?

Yes. It is compact and rich in history, with great music and food.

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Browse popular weekend activities or use the BritBreaks finder to match a weekend to your budget and travel time.

Last reviewed October 2026. Please check opening times and prices with each attraction before you go. Report an error or share a tip.