Derby Parks

One of the biggest attractions of Derby is the surrounding countryside in Derbyshire and the Peak District, however, even in and around the city centre there are a vast number of green and open spaces available for the public to enjoy. Parks in Derby and Public Gardens in Derby total around 350 and here we have listed the most popular of these.

Derby has the most beautiful parks in the area; spread over 684 hectares of land. The Arboretum Park is the first and oldest public park in Derby. The Arboretum was a gift to the people of Derby by a friendly local mill owner, Joseph Strutt in 1840. One of the most popular parks is the Markeaton Park. It attracts around a million people and visitors each year. With your visit of the Markeaton Park you can also visit the Mundy Play Centre. It's not just for children, but your children will love going there.

Darley Park

Darley Park is another wonderful park to visit. It has a butterfly garden there. Darley Park also has the National Collection of Viburnum and Hydrangea. If you're in the city center, why not walk to the Darley Park it will only take a few minutes. What great exercise!

Carsington Water

Carsington Water is another outstanding park to visit. It has a beautiful lake. They also have an amazing outdoor center with a wide range of activities. You are also able to hire a cycle and there is a playground for the children they will just love this park.

The Peak District National Park

The Peak District National Park is visited by people from all over the world. The Peak National Park was established in 1951. The National Park Peak District is home to thirty-eight thousand people. The Peak District National Park is dog friendly, just keep your dog under control and clean up after your them. This National Park has deep caves and amazing views. Many volunteers work here and work to keep it preserved. The Peak District National Park is the second most visited park in Derby.

Alvaston Park

Alvaston Park is another great park in Derby. In 1910, William Curzon gave thirty acres to the local people. The park was opened to the public in 1913. In 1923, they added a five acre lake. You can find many exotic tree's in the Alvaston Park. There is also plenty of wildlife and many special features. It has two basketball courts, full-size football pitches and tennis courts. You can bring your bike as it has cycle extensive cycle routes.

Chaddesden Park

The Chaddesden Park is a popular park east of the city of Derby consisting of an incredible fifty-eight acres. It has a peaceful stream that runs through the park. They offer your children a play area and an outdoor children's paddling pool. The Chaddesden Park also has sports facilities such as, two bowling greens, a cricket pitch, four football pitches and crown green bowling. They have changing rooms for and can provide refreshments.

Derby Gardens

Derby also has beautiful gardens you should visit which are very popular in the area and beyond. They are absolutely stunning. One of the gardens is called the Riverside Gardens. It is located in city center and behind the Council buildings. These gardens were opened in 1934. It provides a calming and peaceful place to visit and it attracts a lot of wildlife. There is also a beautiful Exeter Bridge featuring "Bas relief" sculptures of four famous Derbean's. The gardens have many flowerbeds and plenty of space to walk around, with seating areas available to sit and just look around whilst you enjoy the scenery.

Derby Water Parks and Fun Attractions

If you want to take the kids to the water park there are several you can choose from to have a great day out. Hathersage Open Air Heated Pool is warm water and you can swim throughout the season from March to September. Queens Park Sports Centre has a 33m pool with diving areas and a waterslide that is 185ft long. The kids will love this water park. Why not come along to the fun Gulliver's Kingdom, a fantasy-based theme park, phone them on 01925241308 and then there is the Pride Park Stadium, the famous football stadium that has lots of outdoor events. Lastly there is also the Donnington Park Circuit which is one of the most prestigious race tracks in the UK.

Events at Derby Parks

Derby Parks have many events to go along with their outstanding parks. Here are some of the types of events taking place in Derby's parks:

Bonfire Night - Derby LIVE's Bonfire & Fireworks. The funfair opens at 2pm. Fireworks start at 6pm. The stage entertainment starts from 4:45pm. The bonfire will be lit at 5:45. This takes place at the Markeaton Park.

Remembrance Day Services at Chaddesden Park. It starts at 10am to 11am. Local schools send a group to attend this. It is Remembrance at the World War II Memorial. The Mayor of Derby will lead the service of Remembrance with a minute of silence to follow. Tea and coffee are available in the Age Concern building. You can contact Park Rangers at 01332 293111 everyday from 9 am until 9:30 pm. You can also email Park Rangers at parksadmin@derby.gov.uk

Derby City Council manages 68 full-size football pitches across the city's parks. The football season for the City Council's pitches start in September and finishes in April. To find out if weekend matches will take place, contact the Parks Football on 01332 641600 on the Friday before your match.

For a full list of Parks & Gardens in Derby see the list below:

Below is a comprehensive list of Parks in Derby (For more information please call Derby City Parks on 01332 293111)

Allestree Park
Allestree Recreational Ground
Alvaston Park
Arboretum/Derby Arboretum
Balfour Road Park
Bass Recreation Ground
Bendall Green
Borrowood Recreational Ground
Bramblebrook Open Space
Brierfield Way Open Space
Brunswood Rec
Cambridge St Rec
Chaddesden Park Chellaston Park
Chellaston Rec
Chester Green
Cheviot Street Rec
Church Streey Open Space
Craddock Ave Rec
Dale Road Open Space
Darley Fields
Darley Park
Elvaston Lane Rec
Derwent Park
Field Lane Rec
Fieldsway Drive
Handford St Space
Haven Baulk Lane Rec
High View Park
Inglebrook Avenue Open Space
Keldholme Lane
King George V Park & Clemson's Park
Knightsbridge Recreational Ground
Mackworth Park
Markeaton Park & Mundy Play Centre & Craft Village
Markeaton Recreational Ground
Moorway Lane Normanton Park Nutwood
Priory Park
Oregon Way Rec
Pit Close Lane Rec
Race Course Playing Fields
River Gardens
Roe Farm Rec
Rowditch Rec
Rykneld Rec
Sinfin Ave Playing Fields
Sinfin Lane Rec
South Ave Rec
Stockbrook Street Rec
Sunnydale Park
Sunny Hill Rec
Vicarage Road Rec
Waterford Drive