Derby’s best spots for a picnic - from Britain’s first public park to the most popular park in the East Midlands
Derby has some beautiful outdoor spaces and recreational areas to consider for your next picnic spot
Derby boasts many beautiful outdoor spaces which would make the perfect backdrop for your next picnic.
There are countless picnic spots available at historical houses as well as some of the larger known country parks and recreational spaces.
As we edge closer to spring, it’s always good to have a few options ready for when you want to enjoy a picnic at a local beauty spot. Whether you’re a tourist to Derby or a local that wants to venture out of the busy town centre for some calm and beautiful views, there’s a green spot for you.
You may want to enjoy a romantic picnic date or take the children out for an active picnic, where they can play games and ride bikes after lunch. There’s plenty of options to consider before choosing a location.
Here, we reveal six of the best places to enjoy a scenic picnic in Derby.
Markeaton Park
Where: Markeaton Lane, Derby, DE22 4AA
Markeaton Park is Derby’s most visited park and is one of the most popular attractions in the East Midlands. It is home to a variety of amenities, including a children’s playground, lake, pitch and putt course, rowing boats, fishing and tennis courts.
The park can be traced back to the mediaeval period and there are many features that mark its history, including the ancient veteran trees and the remains of a Second World War army camp.
After a visit to the park, whether it be for golfing, tennis or playground fun, you’ll definitely work up an appetite, so it’s also the ideal spot to spread out a blanket and enjoy a much-deserved picnic.
Elvaston Castle Country Park
Where: Borrowash Road, Elvaston, Derby, DE72 3EP
Elvaston Castle Country Park consists of 321 acres of open parkland, woodland and more formal historical gardens. At the heart of the estate lies the gothic, Elvaston Castle, which is unfortunately not open to the public.
There is always something to do in and around the park, which is why it has remained so popular amongst visitors, whether they are walking, cycling, horse riding, kite flying or exploring the nature reserve.
The 19th century Gothic mansion and beautiful surrounding scenery would definitely make a picturesque backdrop for your next picnic
Darley Park
Where: Darley Abbey, Derby, DE22 1EN
Darley Park is a large, popular park situated within walking distance of Derby city centre, boasting natural slopes, a butterfly garden and Café/Tea rooms.
The park is popular with visitors from across the county and is a peaceful place to escape city life. There’s so much to do, from admiring the beautiful gardens and going on walking trails, to cycling and exploring the wildlife and nature reserve.
The acres of picturesque parkland and gardens at Darley Park are the perfect backdrop for your next picnic with friends and family in Derby.
Riverside Gardens
Where: The Cock Pitt, Derby, DE1 2BB
Riverside gardens are located in the heart of the city centre, along the west bank of the River Derwent, behind the Council House.The park is considered a quiet sanctuary for both visitors and locals to get away from modern day stresses of everyday life.
The park boasts various facilities, including a wide open space for walking and beautiful gardens landscaped with lawns and flowerbeds as well as plenty of seating areas to relax.There is also fishing downstream of the weir, and wildlife which is attracted to the River Derwent.
The Riverside Gardens is the perfect spot to sit and enjoy a picnic whether it be with friends, a partner or during the lunch break.
Allestree Park
Where: Duffield Rd, Derby, DE22 2EU
Allestree Park is the largest public open space in Derby and boasts some of the best views from the edge of ‘Derby’s Big Wood’, looking over the Derwent valley. There are lakeside walks, woodlands to explore, grasslands to picnic on, and wildflower meadows to sit with butterflies.
One third of the park was once used as a golf course, but this closed in 2020, and is now the subject of a rewilding project. With a multitude of different wildlife habitats ranging from woodland to the lake, the beautiful park has been designated as a local nature reserve.
Allestree’s large open space also makes it the perfect place to gather some friends for a catch-up, and enjoy a delicious picnic whilst admiring the picturesque surroundings.
Derby Arboretum (Arboretum Park)
Where: Arboretum Square, Rose Hill St, Derby, DE23 8FR
Derby Arboretum, also informally known as Arboretum Park, is famous for being Britain’s first public park. It is located about one mile south of the city centre, in the Rose Hill area.
The park is picturesque with a fine collection of trees and is Grade II* listed. You can stroll around the historic ground to admire the historic landscape and animals the park is home to. Or you can venture off the beaten track and follow the popular tree trail.
Next time you’re in the area, be sure to pack a picnic and head to this green flag park with the kids, as it also offers different play zones catering for toddlers, juniors and older children.