Markeaton Park has over 207 acres of parkland and is one of Derby's largest parks attracting over 1 million visitors a year making it one of the most popular parks in the East Midlands. The Park offers a wide range of activities and attractions for people of all ages.
Location
The park is situated approximately 1.5 miles from the City Centre and borders on to the suburbs of Mackworth, along the A52, and Allestree, along Kedleston Road.
Access
Car
The main entrance to the park is off the Markeaton traffic island where the A38 and A52 cross, here you will find the park's main car park. Additional parking is located on the opposite side of the park by the Mundy play centre which is accessed off Markeaton Lane.
Car Parking charges: Up to 4 hours - £1.20. Up to 8 hours - £1.90.
Disabled Drivers - There are a number of allocated spaces for Disabled badge holders on both car parks, the ones on the main car park are near to the Pitch and Putt hut. Disabled parking is free even if you choose not to use a dedicated bay, as long as the permit is on display.
For use in Satellite Navigation systems, the main entrance - DE22 4AA (actually postcode of nearby fast food establishment). For Markeaton Lane the nearest property is - DE22 4NH, please do not venture onto their driveway, the park entrance is roughly opposite. There is also a postcode for the craft village on the park which is DE22 3BG, but there is no public parking here.
Foot
Again the main entrance to the park is via Markeaton traffic island and Markeaton Lane however access on foot can be gained at a number of locations around the periphery of the park in particular via Kedleston Road.
Bus
There are frequent buses to Markeaton Park. The park is located on the following bus routes bus routes: One, 29, 90, 108, 202, 414 and 422. For further details telephone traveline on 0871 200 2233.
Cycle
The traffic free cycle route, Derby cycle route 66 runs in close proximity parallel to the park’s eastern boundary. It links up to the National cycle route 54. For more information on cycling visit the Cycle Derby page.
View a Map of the Area.
History
Markeaton Park’s earliest reference comes from the Norman period when it was mentioned in William the Conqueror’s Doomsday book. The land known as Markeaton Park today was owned by the Earl of Chester by Goscelin, one of his Norman lieutenants, and then by his descendants, the Touchets, Lord Audley. There was a large wooden and stone house surrounded by a deer park.
The Markeaton Hall estate was bought by the Mundy family in 1516. In 1755 they rebuilt the house (Markeaton Hall), using Derby architect James Denstone, the Orangery and stables were added later in cira 1771. The Mundy family turned the deer park into landscape similar to Lancelo. On the death of Emily Mundy in 1929, her heir Rev Clark Maxwell, removed to Mackworth and gave 20 acres of land to the then borough council including the Hall. One year later the Council purchased 180 acres and Markeaton Park, along with Darley Park, was formally opened in 1931 by HRH Prince George (later to be the Duke of Kent). The lake was enlarged a few years later for boating and trout fishing and was opened by Edward Prince of Wales on July 4 1934. The Hall was demolished in November 1964 due to its dilapidated state.
Today
The area where the Hall once stood is known today as Markeaton Terrace, and features attractive floral displays including formal flower beds and a fountain. There is a café based in the former Orangery, which provides refreshments and a seating area where visitors can relax and take in the impressive bedding displays. The old stable yard now houses Markeaton craft village.
Events
The Park is host to a number of events throughout the year. One of the largest events held is the annual Bonfire and Fireworks display. There is also the Eco-Fest which takes place every two years, usually over two days in September. This year also saw the park host the Big Draw event, and the autumn walk for diabetes.
Markeaton was one of four parks which had a Detective trail 
- 156kb, during the 2008 Love Parks week, see the trail answers - 861kb.
For more details on future events on all of Derby's parks visit the Park Events page.
Facilities
- Mundy Play Centre - This is a children’s paradise suitable for under 13s. There are donkey rides, canoes (under 13s), crazy golf, bouncy castle (under 12s), electric cars/bikes (under 11s) and a large paddling pool.
- Craft Village - It was established in 1997 and is housed in the old stables of Markeaton Hall. Its contains a number of units selling a variety of crafts and services.
- Floral Displays - The park hosts a number of impressive horticultural displays, including a traditional herbaceous border and a collection of Narcissus varieties, which are a spectacular sight during spring. The Rose gardens feature both new and old varieties which provides a heady combination of fragrance and colour. There are also seasonal bedding displays, a demonstration garden and a wide variety of established trees and shrubs. Markeaton Park also houses the Council's nursery, which produces around half a million bedding plants for the city. It is generally not open to the public but once a year it is for the Glasshouse Open Day.
- Pitch and Putt -
This is a full 18 hole course. The course is varied with green
distances varying between 86 – 135 yards. The cost is £3.70 full price and £1.85 for reduced rates (concessions: under 16s, OAPs and students). Active member card rates are £3.40 and concessionarys at £1.70. A £3 deposit is required for hire of each club or putter. Tickets and equipment hire is available from the pitch and putt kiosk adjacent the course.
- Fishing Lake - The lake is actually part of the Markeaton Brook -
, which has been artificially widened as it passes through the park. All fishing tickets are interchangeable between sites on day of purchase. Day tickets are £3.70 and £1.85 for concessions. All users must hold a valid rod licence.
- Light Railway - A 15" minimum gauge steam train, the "Markeaton Lady" runs from Easter until September at weekends and during the school holidays. The engine is based on the Welsh Quarry service engine which was used at the beginning of the 20th century. The service is weather permitting.
- Cricket Pitch - For bookings and availability contact the Rangers Office at Darley Playing Fields.
- Football Pitches - For bookings and availability contact the Rangers Office at Darley Playing Fields.
- Tennis Courts - There are both tarmac and grass courts available. For bookings and availability contact the Rangers Office at Darley Playing Fields.
Wheeled sports facility - This is for the use of skateboards/, BMXs and rollerblades. The concrete structure includes ramps, rail and ½ pipes.
- Markeaton Terrace Café - A cafeteria based in the former Orangery on the park's terrace in front of the attractive gardens, flowerbeds and fountain which has both internal and external seating. Opening is both seasonal and weather permiiting but generally in winter months it is closed on Monday, open Tuesday to Friday 8.30am – 15.30pm and weekends 8.30am – 16.30pm. In summer months it is open every day 8.00 – 17.30pm or later. For more details telephone - 01332 205445
- Kiosk - In the Mundy play centre.
Pictures and Links
For some excellent pictures and information visit -
Pictures of Markeaton - or Markeaton Pictures - 
Have a look at the Markeaton Walk - or click on the thumbnails below to see large images of the flowerbeds and winter scenes.
You may also like to visit the Markeaton Recreational Ground.
Contact us
For more information contact Derby City Parks.
Telephone 01332 293111 during office hours
Park Rangers 01332 367800 every day, including weekends, from 9am until 9.30pm.
Fax 01332 641512
Minicom 01332 256666
email parksadmin@derby.gov.uk
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