Markeaton Park
Craft village
Mundy Play Centre
Footgolf
Skyline at Markeaton
Markeaton Park is Derby’s most visited park and is one of the most popular attractions in the East Midlands. It offers a place to escape from day to day living and city life and experience a little bit of countryside on Derby’s doorstep.
But behind the modern day park lays a fascinating history that is waiting to be discovered. The park as we know it today can be traced back to the medieval period, when the first park was laid out. Over the following centuries the park went through many changes, from arable fields to an enclosed designed 18th century park and hall and finally at the beginning of the 20th century into the public park of today. The park has many features that mark this history: ancient veteran trees, historic lost roads, old arable field patterns, the 18th century park and buildings and the remains of a Second World War army camp.
Forthcoming events
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Join AVP Theatre and their cast of puppets as they return with a brand new set of fairytales. More
Rome 44BC. Egotistical Emperor Julius Caesar is sweating (and it’s not just the heatwave). More
Markeaton Park, the city’s most-visited outdoor destination, will host the first-ever TK Maxx presents Derby Summer Sessions. More
This modern presentation of Shakespeare’s tragic masterpiece will be performed by Derby Shakespeare Theatre Company in Summer 2024. More
Armed with nothing but a hatful of dreams, young chocolatier Willy Wonka manages to change the world, one delectable bite at a time. More
Eccentric and individualistic, Barbie is exiled from Barbieland because of her imperfections. More
Derby Pride is an LGBT+ Festival, celebrating LGBT+ people and culture. More
What to do
Markeaton Restoration Project
The Markeaton Restoration Project was carried out between February 2012 and July 2015 and included the following:
- Restoration of the formal gardens and new planting
- New tennis courts and multi-use games court
- New parkland and lakeside footpaths
- New main entrance feature and new entrances from Ashbourne Road
- Complete refurbishment of the Craft Village to create an event space, Community Room, extra craft unit and new toilet block
- New play area
The project cost £3,435,749 which included a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and BIG Lottery Fund under the Parks for People programme of £2,535,900 and representing 74% of the total project cost. A further 26% of the budget was covered by Derby City Council from increased revenue funding, Section 106 contributions and volunteer time.
Accessibility
There is disabled access to the park and level paths around the park that are suitable for wheelchair users. There is a car park with ramped access. Play areas, the Craft Village and the Orangery Cafe are all accessible by wheelchair.
Get involved
Book or plan an event
Due to its great transport links Markeaton Park is easily accessible and attracts a regional audience. If you would like to hold an event at Markeaton Park, please head to our space hire page.
Schools and colleges
If you are interested in visiting as a school or group please contact us at parks@derby.gov.uk.