Darley 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
At the Darley Abbey 
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 .
History
The parks location was once home to the county's most important monastic institution - a house of Augustinian Canons established in
1137 and dedicated to St Helena. It was much later owned by the famous Evans Family . 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 - 
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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
floral 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 -
312Kb, also available from the tourist information centre, and the receptions at Council buildings
- orienteering course -
- 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.
In October both Darley and Markeaton Park host The Big Draw .
Darley is also the host, amongst other things, to a number of running events including, The Big Fun Run . 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
Darley 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 - or call 0207 751 9742.
Race for Life , a charity event for Cancer Research also takes place each May.
Pictures & Links
For some great pictures of Darley Park visit Derby Photos
also 360 images at- Derby Photos 360 degree images
Click the thumbnails below to see full sized images.
Links
View a Map of the area (Darley Park on the East of the Derwent)
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