Derby Arboretum

Derby Arboretum Park

Derby Arboretum Park, water fountain

Derby Arboretum Park in Spring

Derby Arboretum Park

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) updates - Following the Government’s change in guidance, visitors can enjoy and make more use of Derby’s parks and open spaces.

The Derby Parks team are asking all park users to be considerate and continue to use social distancing to keep themselves and each other safe. Some facilities remain closed, please visit the news story for up to date information. You can contact the parks team by email at parksadmin@derby.gov.uk

The Orangery at Markeaton Park Craft Village will be open Monday to Friday 9.30am-4.00pm, Weekends 9.30am-5.00pm until 1 Nov. From 2nd Nov the times will change to Monday to Friday 9.30am-3.30pm, weekends 9.30am-4.00pm.

Chaddesden Park will be only open at the weekends 10am-5pm until 1 Nov, then from 2 Nov onwards will be weekends only 10am-4pm.

Alvaston Park is open Monday to Friday 10am-4pm and weekends 9am-5pm until November 1st. Then from 2 Nov onwards Monday to Friday 10am-3:30pm weekends 9am-4pm.

The Waterside Café at Alvaston Park are opening for takeaway Mon to Fri 10am to 4pm, and Weekends 9am to 5pm.

Only open at the weekends 10.00-5.00 until 1st November, and then they close until February half term.

The Ice Cream Kiosk at Mundy Play Centre Markeaton is open weekends 10am-5pm until 1st November, and then they close until February half term.

There is also a new Pizza Kiosk at Mundy Play Centre Markeaton, which is open weekends 10am-5pm until 1st November, and then they close until February half term.

Park Public Toilets

Toilets at the Markeaton Park Craft Village are open between 10am – 5pm and are being monitored throughout the day. To ensure staff and public safety, one male, one female and one disabled toilet will be available with appropriately distanced queues and enhanced cleaning in place. We are constantly reviewing these procedures.

Toilets are also open at:
Allestree Park 7:30am – 5pm
Alvaston Park 10am – 4pm
Chaddesden Park 11am - 4pm
Darley Park 10am – 4pm

Enhanced cleaning operations and social distancing are key to their successful operation.

Paddling Pool and Water Play

Owing to safety concerns caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, Markeaton Park paddling pool, and the splash pad at Chaddesden Park, will stay closed for the summer season.

For more information visit Derby Parks COVID-19 updates news page.

We apologise for not being able to provide water play this summer, but your safety is our priority.

Read our full story on new guidelines for enjoying Derby Parks and open spaces here and all updates.

Derby Arboretum, also informally known as Arboretum Park and The Arboretum, is famous for being Britain's first public park. It is picturesque with a fine collection of trees, and is Grade II* listed.

The Arboretum was the first specially designed urban park in Britain. Joseph Strutt commissioned and donated the park for the benefit of citizens of Derby in 1840. The intention was a botanical tree garden for instruction as well as leisure.

John Claudius Loudon designed, constructed and planted the gardens, while EB Lamb designed the two Tudor style lodges. Some of the trees are listed on the British Isles Tree Register, a catalogue of notable trees in the country recorded by the Forestry Commission.