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 will be able to make more use of Derby’s parks and open spaces from Wednesday 13 May.

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

The Ice Cream Kiosk at Mundy Play Centre Markeaton is open Mon - Fri 10.30am to 4.30pm, Sat - Sun 10.30am - 5pm, weather permitting.

There is also a new Pizza Kiosk at Mundy Play Centre Markeaton, open Mon - Fri 11.30am to 4.30pm, Sat - Sun 11.30am - 5.30pm, weather permitting.

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.