There are over 300 parks and open spaces across Derby covering almost 700 hectares of land. It is home to the oldest surviving public park, the Arboretum, which was donated to the people of Derby in 1840 by local mill owner and former mayor, Joseph Strutt.
Whether you want to walk, picnic, BMX or golf, there are parks and open spaces in Derby to suit everyone. There are nature reserves and even a butterfly garden and the parks are a great place to get fit, are open to everyone and are free to use.
Here are some of the most popular:
Allestree Park
Allestree Park is the first and oldest surviving public park in England. Take a walk around the acres of picturesque parkland or have a picnic by the lake. There is a wonderful local nature reserve and it’s also possible to play a round of golf. There are lots of organised activities such as nature walks and conservation days held on the Park and it is the largest open space in Derby. It has had several owners in the past, including wealthy land owners, Army occupation, the National Fire service, the Derby Corporation and now Derby City Council.
Alvaston Park
This park is a riverside park covering 85 acres, situated in the south Derby, approximately 2 miles from the city centre. It has a brand-new science garden you to explore, so whether you want to learn, be active or relax, there’s something for everyone. There is a cafe, Lake, fishing, an outdoor gym, a cycle route, BMX track and skateboard park.
Derby Arboretum
Derby Arboretum is also in formerly known as Arboretum Park and is famous for being Britain’s first public park with a fine collection of trees and is grade 2 listed. There is are part of the Park building which is used as the centre of community activity in the area and it contains a cafe, sports changing facilities and community building. Arboretum Park cafe is the home for members of Derby’s deaf community and it opened in June 2010 and is managed and staffed by deaf people with British sign language been the main communicated language.
Chaddesdon Park
This has been a popular open space for the community for over 70 years. The brook and water play area which has recently replaced the paddling pool are favourite spots and the bluebells and cherry trees in the spring make the Park even more picturesque. It is an important place in the community with a popular cafe, youth shelters and lots of events put on the friends group. There are lots of sports facilities in the park, including a BMX track, football and cricket pitches, a multiuse games area, which are all set in a historic parkland.
Darley park
Darley Park is a very large and popular park situated within walking distance of the city centre, located on the River Derwent at the gateway to the world heritage site. It is popular with visitors from across the county and is a very peaceful place to escape city life, hosting many events throughout the year, including the classical Darley Park concerts. It is surrounded by many public open spaces of local historic importance and there is a cafe, tree trail, nature reserve, cycle route, children’s play area, orienteering course and sports facilities and changing rooms.
These are just four of the many parks within walking distance of the city centre but there are several more not too far away.