Things to do around Derby?

[ShampooEfficient]

Staying just outside Derby in January, so far have Friday's dinner booked, and an event on Saturday night.
It's MrsSE's birthday weekend so if there's any suggestions of interesting things to do, whether car related or not, in the local area?
Friday plan is to have dinner and then check out the local hostelries... The Flowerpot apparently has real ales and rock music? Any other recommendations?

Ta in advance!

[williamp]

Derby isnt as big as its neighbours Nottingham or leicester so tends to miss out on the big concerts etc. This time of year its even harder as its a lot of outdoors events (Peak district etc) which arent on this time of year.
Lots of bid industry (toyota cars, Rolls-Royce jet engines, Bombardier trains) but they dont do tours whcih is a shame
There is the biggest collection of F1 cars in the world at Donington.
Curborough is the closest motor sportn venue, but isnt open this time of year
There is a good brewing museum down the road in Burton
There is a trail of t'old mills up the river derwent into the very nice peak district, with museums, shopping etc
You can also see the old Rolls-Royce factory, home of the Merlin etc etc

Flower pot is OK. Cosmo is an all-you-can-eat buffet style which is really nice.
On a tuesday the old Dolphin has a free music quiz, with free chips at half time and free beer if you win. We have a small team so PM me if you want to join us on tuesday night.
The Old silk mill pub has better beer and decent food

[ShampooEfficient]

Excellent, thank you WA! Won't be around on the Tuesday unfortunately, but ta for the offer!