Things to do in Derbyshire, England: The Best Playgrounds

June 11, 2021 Rebbecca Marino

Discover the best top things to do in Derbyshire, United Kingdom including Markeaton Park, The Play Mill, Alvaston Park, Lunar Lift-Off, Cliffe Park, West Park, Foremark Reservoir, Staunton Harold Reservoir, Norfolk Road Play Area, Little Monkeys Play Centre.
Restaurants in Derbyshire

1. Markeaton Park

Kedleston Road, Derby England +44 7810 301795 [email protected] http://www.inderby.org.uk/parks/derbys-parks-and-open-spaces/markeaton-park/
Excellent
49%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 298 reviews

Markeaton Park

Markeaton Park is Derby’s most visited park and is one of the most popular attractions in the East Midlands. It offers a place to escape from day to day living and city life and experience a little bit of countryside on Derby’s doorstep. But behind the modern day park lays a fascinating history that is waiting to be discovered. The park as we know it today can be traced back to the medieval period, when the first park was laid out. Over the following centuries the park went through many changes, from arable fields to an enclosed designed 18th century park and hall and finally at the beginning of the 20th century into the public park of today. The park has many features that mark this history: ancient veteran trees, historic lost roads, old arable field patterns, the 18th century park and buildings and the remains of a Second World War army camp.

Reviewed By adyval - Long Eaton, United Kingdom

Visited here today Sunday 1st Sept 2019. Its 20 mins in the car from home and not been here for about 20 years ago when our children were younger. It was busy but manged to get a blue badge space. There was a 5k run on the park so lots of stalls and of course people. We went for a drink first in a lovely coffee shop. Coffee wasnt the best weve had but was ok. Only a few shops open in the craft centre. Lovely newish toiulet block. We walked thro to the play area which had changed a lot with plenty of free playground areas and also golf and boating which was payable and a large climbing place. Overall we enjoyed the walk and i visited the model railway exhibition. We shall return with the grandchildren at some stage.

2. The Play Mill

Via Gellia Mill Via Gellia Road, Cromford, Matlock DE4 2AJ England +44 1629 824777 [email protected] http://WWW.PLAYMILL.CO.UK
Excellent
67%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 18 reviews

The Play Mill

Reviewed By mezdem - Matlock, United Kingdom

Had an amazing time today for our daughters birthday with all her friends and family. Staff were brilliant, was a busy rainy day and we were a large group.. staff did everything to make this a special day for us and daughter. Was busy due to the rain, and we even had to borrow extra table from the office to seat us all! Thank you. Now onto the food, it was fantastic, fresh tasty and priced as it should be for fresh quality food - you get what you pay for remember, this was brilliant, every parent friend commented on this. Kids party food (we opted for hot buffet) was also brilliant, the kids scoffed it all, the fresh made pizzas and everything! Again keep doing this, its exactly what should be offered. Oh and the halloumi burger with beetroot and humous is out of this world, gorgeous! Play centre perfect size for this age party (5) they had plenty enough to do, dont think that you have to go to these large play centres, this is exactly what you need, and perfect for parties! Well done . Thank you. No photos sorry as children!

3. Alvaston Park

Meadow Lane, Alvaston, Derby DE24 8QQ England +44 1332 293111 [email protected]
Excellent
57%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 114 reviews

Alvaston Park

Reviewed By trevori286 - Belper, United Kingdom

I decided to have spend a couple of hours looking round alvaston lake while my wife was at a meeting in Derby.I had a cup of coffee in the cafe there and spent an hour watching the model boat club sailing there radio controlled boats of all different models.I then spotted an angler[im one myself] so i decided to watch him for an hour.he managed to land several carp in that time so i had a very enjoyable morning and will try it again soon.

4. Lunar Lift-Off

Runway Business Park Moor Farm Road Runway Business Park, Ashbourne DE6 1HD England +44 1335 345735 [email protected] http://www.facebook.com/lunarliftoff
Excellent
76%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 37 reviews

Lunar Lift-Off

Lunar Lift Off is a warm, inviting, exciting environment, for families to come, play, socialise, learn, and create in a relaxed atmosphere. Serving fresh, homemade, healthy food, drinks, snacks and cakes

Reviewed By clairesN9555MP - Ashbourne, United Kingdom

My daughter is now 3 & we’ve had a party for her each year with 9 of her friends, All you need to do is provide a cake and an optional balloon, Lunar take care of the rest! The team are always friendly and ensure you have a fab day! The food is perfect for a toddlers party and the party bags are also ideal, I would recommend anyone book their parties here for a stress free time & no cleaning up after ????

5. Cliffe Park

Callywhite Lane, Dronfield S18 2XP England +44 1246 416539 https://www.facebook.com/Cliffe.Park.Dronfield/?fref=nf
Excellent
59%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 27 reviews

Cliffe Park

Reviewed By C2944PNchristinef - Dronfield, United Kingdom

Folks are travelling from both Sheffield and Chesterfield to visit this well maintained park. Recently upgraded play areas. Lovely sand pit. Cafe with indoor and outdoor seating. Other facilities include a bowling green, tennis courts, an all weather pitch and small crazy golf area.

6. West Park

Wilsthorpe Road, Long Eaton England +44 115 907 2244 http://www.erewash.gov.uk/culture-leisure/parks-and-open-spaces/west-park
Excellent
66%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 64 reviews

West Park

Reviewed By J2120ONmartinb

The park, is a great place for both peace and quiet, or a bit of recreation. The car park, is situated with the gym/swimming pool. With easy walking distance of the train station/town centre. Saturday's it holds the adult parkrun, Sunday's, the Junior parkrun. Long Eaton Rugby Club, a number of council maintained Cricket and Football pitch. It does come with a surrounding berm. Designed as a flood defence. Taken to capacity, it can hold 65 million gallons. It is used more regularly for that, but not to 65 million gallons. The area down towards the cemetery/canal, is the area generally affected. Erewash Council, do a great job with it. West Park, along with the park in Ilkeston, holding the Green Flag Award.

7. Foremark Reservoir

Milton DE65 6EG England +44 1332 865081 [email protected] http://www.stwater.co.uk/leisure-and-learning/reservoir-locations/foremark/
Excellent
41%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
5%
Terrible
10%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 125 reviews

Foremark Reservoir

Foremark Reservoir is a haven for wildlife and offers many outdoor and leisure activities, such as a play area, fishing, bird watching and sailing. In addition there are a number of countryside walks for those who want to explore and discover the magic of the growing National Forest. Supporting a rich diversity of wildlife with over 200 species of birds, 27 species of butterflies and 300 species of moths recorded on site, Foremark is a interesting place to visit. The many footpaths and trails are a great starting point to explore the reservoir and surrounding woodland. The site is open every day from dawn until dusk apart from Christmas Day.

Reviewed By jeanbT8017IH - Leicester, United Kingdom

Monday 21st June I took a trip out today in trepidation after the negative reviews. I am pleased to say firstly I found parking easy but we arrived at 10.30am within an hour the carpark was filling up. There wasn't any litter to be seen. The water was crystal clear with no algae. The cafe was open. It was well thought out, you go In one door and out of the other. Everyone followed the social distancing. The toilets are spotless and the cleaner went in regularly to keep them hygienic..it was one in and one out. There was hand gel on the way in and on the way out. There were a lot of families enjoying the sunny day and everyone kept their distance. Our dogs enjoyed a good walk. You could easily spend a whole day here just having a picnic and enjoying the beautiful view.

8. Staunton Harold Reservoir

Calke Road, Melbourne DE73 8DN England +44 1332 865081 [email protected] http://www.stwater.co.uk/leisure-and-learning/reservoir-locations/staunton-harold/
Excellent
31%
Good
51%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 120 reviews

Staunton Harold Reservoir

Staunton Harold Reservoir near Melbourne, Derbyshire is in the heart of the growing National Forest and offers a range of attractive walks and leisure activities. The site is open every day from dawn until dusk apart from Christmas Day. Car parking Car parking is £2.50 per vehicle all day at the main car park. The ticket machines do not accept cash, but you can pay by credit or debit card. Frequent visitors may wish to purchase annual car parking permits which includes access to Foremark Reservoir. The cost for an annual permit for both sites is £35 which includes a £5 deposit for a swipe card that allows access to Foremark Reservoir.

Reviewed By ldgp14 - Walsall, United Kingdom

We visited the reservoir on a Sunday afternoon the car park is a decent size and costs £3 for the day. On our visit we did a perimeter walk of the reservoir meaning a walk through the lovely Calke Abbey. There is a cafe on site with plenty of outdoor seating, a really nice setting and a great place to enjoy the sun.

9. Norfolk Road Play Area

Norfolk Road Long Eaton Derbyshire Ng10 7aw, Long Eaton England http://www.erewash.gov.uk/index.php/parks-and-gardens/playgrounds.html
Excellent
0%
Good
100%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 1 reviews

Norfolk Road Play Area

10. Little Monkeys Play Centre

Darley Moor Landal Darwin Forest, Two Dales DE4 5PL England +44 1629 736212 http://www.little-monkeys.co.uk/
Excellent
48%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
7%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 42 reviews

Little Monkeys Play Centre

Little Monkeys is a fantastic soft play centre at Landal Darwin Forest with lots of slides, tunnels and a ball pit to explore. Open every day except Christmas Day. Children's Parties.

Reviewed By PC608 - Coventry, United Kingdom

Fabulous well staffed soft play area suitable for babies upwards. Place is nice and clean which is no mean feat for a soft play .Staff were all over safety issues and would intervene appropriately when little ones were doing anything dangerous such as climbing up the slides. Nice little menu for kids including a slice of toast with jam for £1.00 which is often all a little one needs/wants. Coffee was good as well.

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