Elvaston Castle Country Park

Description

Located in Derbyshire, near to Derby and Nottingham, Elvaston Castle Country Park encompasses approximately 321 acres of open parkland, woodland and more formal historical gardens. It's also the venue for our popular woodland festival.

At the heart of the estate lies Elvaston Castle, a gothic revival masterpiece (not open to the public) designed by James Wyatt in the early 1800s based on the original house dating back to 1633.

Wyatt's design, built for the third Earl of Harrington, became home to the Stanhope family until the estate was sold by the then Earl of Harrington to a quarrying company in 1968. In 1969 the then Derby Corporation purchased the estate from the company and in 1970 the estate was opened as one of the first country parks in England. Today both the buildings and gardens are registered (Grade 2 and Grade 2*) as being of special architectural and historical interest.

Within the estate, structures such as the recently renovated golden gates, Moorish temple and ha-ha wall provide a fascinating glimpse of the past.

The gardens are locally renowned for their rockwork structures and fine examples of topiary, originally introduced and designed by William Barron in the 19th century.

Whatever the season there's always lots to see and do in and around the park - walking, cycling, horse riding, bird watching, picnicking, kite flying, photography, exploring the park and nature reserve and much more.

Please be aware we do not allow barbecues, gazebos or drones within the park.

Entry and car parking

Entry to the park is free at all points of entry on foot.

Car parking charges apply unless you are a blue badge holder.

Occasionally we'll apply pre-advertised special event charges, for example, the Derbyshire Woodland Festival.

Pay and display machines

There are 5 pay and display machines in the public car park off Borrowash Road:

Three accept coin, card and contactless payments:

• on entry, next to the public toilets and eagle sculpture
• next to the children's play area
• next to the site information board (at the entry point to the lakeside walk, near the ice cream van)

Two accept card only:

• on entry to the showground
• next to the coach and horse-box parking area

Opening times

The park is open all year round. Opening times are:

• 9am to 5pm from 1 November to 31 March
• 9am to 8pm from 1 April to 31 October