Top 10 things to do in Derby Parks!
Wed 1 May 2019
1. Explore Derby’s history at Derby Arboretum
Derby Arboretum opened its doors to the public in 1840 as the first public park in the country. Take a walk around this historical part of Derby with the historical tree trail and the historical monuments such as the 1849 Handyside Fountain.
2. Learn all about science at Alvaston
Alvaston Park’s Science Garden is made up of a series of installations around the park that provides free, interactive entertainment for all ages. Explore the solar system with the scale model, learn about time with the human sundial, try out the whispering dishes and listen to the singing stone.
3. Turn the pages at Chaddesden
Did you know Chaddesden Park has a library? Why not take a book out of The Philip Whitehead Memorial Library, find a nice spot in the park and have a good old read.
Why not enjoy a spot a fishing at Allestree Park? The 7 acre lake is a mixed fishery with specimen carp, tench, bream, pike and silvers.
You can hone your skating skills at Bass’ Recreational Ground’s regionally significant and popular concrete skate park. The skate park is designed with a large skate bowl and a range of challenging rides for skate boarders, BMX riders and skaters.
6. Take tea at Darley tea rooms
After taking a stroll around the beautiful Darley Park, you can treat yourself to a spot of tea and cake at the Darley Park tea rooms. The café based in the last remaining room of Darley Park’s former mansion is a great little spot to sit down and enjoy the view over the terrace of the whole park.
7. Play a game of cricket at Sunnydale
Sunnydale Park is a great place for a game of cricket with its 1 synthetic cricket wicket and grass outfield so while the weather is good, why not book some time on the cricket pitch at Sunnydale?
8. Stroll through nature at Sinfin Moor
Take a stroll through this wildlife haven with plenty of different habitats to see and explore. The extensive area includes scrub, grassland, woodland and ponds, which attract a variety of wildelife to the area. Try our detailed guide to take you on the best route around Sinfin Moore Park and Local Nature Reserve.
9. Master Mini Golf at Markeaton
Try the brand new mini golf at Markeaton Park, with two 9-hole courses with challenging features such as ramps, bends, slopes and bumps, the course has been designed to be fun for all the family – especially those who like a little healthy competition!
10. Volunteer at your local park
Give back to our parks by becoming part of our volunteer groups. You can join a ‘Friends of’ group and be part of the local community giving back to our parks, helping manage the Local Nature Reserves around the city.
*This article has been modified to reflect that Chellaston Park does not have a cricket wicket
