MARKEATON PARK WALK
MARKEATON PARK
The Duke of Kent officially opened the park in June 1931. Since then, it has become one of the most popular parks in the East Midlands with an estimated one million visitors per year. The lake, which had been dug out in the 1920s to provide men with work during the Depression, was extended in 1933-34 and opened in July 1934. The pond that forms the source of Markeaton Lake is reputed to have been the site of the Mill Pond mentioned in the Domesday Book. Close by is a very pleasant Woodland Walk, particularly in the springtime when the daffodils, are in flower.
In the 21st century, the park is a popular venue for the young and not-so-young. The facilities have been enhanced over the years to include a children’s boating lake, amusement park, crazy golf and Derby’s biggest model railway, along with the ever-popular paddling pool. During peak periods, there is a bouncy castle available, canoes, rowing boats, electric cars and donkey rides. Other facilities have been added as part of the park restoration project. So if you get tired of feeding the ducks and want something more energetic and have brought your skateboard with you a visit to the skatepark will do the trick.
Markeaton Village
The history of Markeaton goes back much further than when the public park was created. In the Domesday Book, it was shown to be a large village with a church which may have been sited at Mackworth and a mill.
A small group of buildings on the western side of the park date from the late 18th century. Home Farm, The Green and the Farm, all being of architectural and historical interest. Markeaton Hall was a brick mansion, built around 1755 to replace an earlier Tudor building.
The park was originally part of the Markeaton Hall Estate, owned by the Mundy family from 1516. The Orangery, situated near the centre of the park, survived when the remainder of the hall was demolished in 1964. It was designed by Joseph Pickford, the Derby architect.
Craft Village
When Markeaton Hall was demolished, the stables were retained. In 1987, they became the home of the Markeaton Craft Village made up of several individual units. Where, at times, visitors can watch skilled craftspeople at work, making furniture, ceramics, stained glass and other products. The park has recently undergone a £3.5 million restoration project enabling significant improvements to be made to the craft village.
THE WALK
This lovely walk will be of particular interest to newcomers and those people who have not visited the park recently. Markeaton Park is a great place to take children who as they get older will want to explore the park to admire the beautiful trees and abundant wildlife.
LOOK OUT FOR
THE ROUTE
- Enter Markeaton Park at the Markeaton Lane Car Park entrance and turn right along a surfaced footpath. After a short distance turn sharp right to follow a path through Aldercar Wood. Where components of the old mill are to be seen. The wood is beautiful at all times and spectacular in the spring when the daffodils are in full bloom.
2. At the end of the wood turn right and cross a bridge, before going to the right past the former millpond. Continue straight on by the entrance to Markeaton Park Craft Village. Soon arriving at a small group of buildings that date from the late 18th century. Home Farm, The Green and the Farm, all being of architectural and historical interest. A few yards along Markeaton Lane is the Potting Shed a small garden centre and café and the Old Forge.
3. Retrace your steps back into the park turning right just before you get to the craft village. As soon as you reach a path intersection go to the right. From this point follow the path around close to the perimeter of the park before it eventually bends sharply towards the main Markeaton Car Park.
4. Continue along the path that runs between the car park and tennis courts. Ignore the main path into the park and follow the path in front of you. The Famous Trains attraction is to your right.
5. Remain on the same path as it curves around to follow Markeaton Lake back to the bridge you crossed earlier in the walk. Cross the bridge and retrace your steps back to the starting point of the walk.
REFRESHMENTS
The Potting Shed Café is on Markeaton Lane close to the disabled vehicular entrance. For more information visit: www.markeatongardencentre.co.uk or telephone 01332 492545.
Orangery Café overlooks formal gardens on the southern side of the Craft Village. For more information visit: www.inderby.org.uk or telephone 01332 611798.