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Derby. A city for all ages

 









Parks and Recreation

Darley Park

Derwent in Darley ParkDarley Park is situated on the northern side of the city, between the A6 road and the river Derwent, with Darley Fields situated on the opposite side of the river.  There are also Nutwood (Local Nature Reserve), Chester Green, Parker's Piece and Derwent Park, all linked to the park and the surrounding area. At first appearance the park is made up mainly of a vast expanse of grass, but there are many hidden aspects, like the butterfly garden.

For more information contact Derby City Parks.

Telephone 01332 293111, or email parksadmin@derby.gov.uk

 

Darley Park view of Cathedral

Darley

At the Darley Abbey Globe icon end there is a weir, an old stone public house (which was  once part of the Abbey) and the walled gardens. From here to the city end the park is approximately a mile in length. At the city end of the park you will find Derby Rowing Club Globe icon.

 

History

The parks location was once home to the county's most important monastic institution - a house of Augustinian Canons established in

Main Path in Darley Park

1137 and dedicated to St Helena. It was much later owned by the famous Evans Family Globe Icon. William Evans had the area landscaped with flowers, shrubberies and lawns. The park was donated by the family to the city. 

The park was opened in 1931 by HRH Prince George by (Later Duke of Kent), on the same day that Markeaton Park was opened. At the time the Georgian red brick Darley mansion remained, (built in 1727), but it had to be demolished in the 1960s, many of its bricks are used in constructions around the 80 acres of park today. For further details see Darley Park History - PDF Icon 11.9kb

 

The Weir at Darley Park

Park Entrances

  • Darley Grove.
  • Darley Park Drive, off the small roundabout on the A6.
  • Poplar Row at the north end of the park.
  • through the bottom end of Darley Abbey (where there is also parking available but limited)
  • via the Derwent Riverside Walk.

 

Facilities and Features

  • Path by the Derwentfloral features, there are seasonal bedding displays, herbaceous border, roses, National Collection of Hydrangea, trees and shrubs and a wild flower meadow. A leaflet is available on the National Collection from tourist information centre
  • Darley tree trail leaflet - PDF Icon 312Kb, also available from the tourist information centre, and the receptions at Council buildings
  • orienteering course - Globe Icon 
  • cricket pitch and pavilion
  • children's play area including swings and seesaw
  • café, with terraced area having fine views over the park. Open, weather permitting, Monday - Friday 10am - 5pm and weekends 9.30am - 5.30pm.

Events 

Darley Park is also the host to one the cites most enjoyed annual events. The Darley Park Concert, (Part of Derby Festé), is an evening of classical music and a firework display. The last event was on Sunday 6 September 2009.

The Big Fun RunIn October both Darley and Markeaton Park host The Big Draw Globe Icon.

Darley is also the host, amongst other things, to a number of running events including, The Big Fun Run Globe Icon. The last one took place on the 8 August 2009.

For events in all of Derby's Parks go to the Parks Events page.

Barn

Darley Park is also home to the Darley Barn outdoor activity centre. This activity centre is relatively new to the park. It is situated at the Darley Abbey end of the park.

Friends & Activities

FoDOS ImageDarley Park, along with other surrounding open spaces, has a very active and keen friends group. The Friends of Darley Open Space (FoDOS). They have a quarterly newsletters and are strongly supported in their actions by Derby Parks. If you would like to become a member please contact Terry Lenton, telephone 01332 832210, mobile 07753 878903, email: terence1@btopenworld.com

British Military Fitness is a great fun way of losing weight and getting fit. They are running classes in the park on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 19.00 and Saturdays at 10.00. The trial class is FREE! For more information, please visit the BMF site - Globe Icon or call 0207 751 9742.

Race for Life Globe Icon, a charity event for Cancer Research also takes place each May.

Pictures & Links

For some great pictures of Darley Park visit Derby Photos Globe icon

also 360 images at- Derby Photos 360 degree images Globe icon

Click the thumbnails below to see full sized images.

Flowerbed 1 Flowerbed 2 Autumn Hill Cherry Tree View Expanse Crocus Wild Flower pathway in Autumn

Sledging at Darley ParkDerwent Trees in Autumn

Links

View a Map of the area Globe icon (Darley Park on the East of the Derwent)

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