ALLESTREE PARK
THE PARK
Allestree Park is the wildest and most scenic of Derby’s parks. And comprises a mixture of woodland, open parkland, a lake, a hall and a golf course.
The Hall, a Grade II* listed building, partly surrounded by tall trees provides a wonderful habitat for wildlife.
PARK LOCATION
Allestree Park is located on the north side of Derby and is accessed off the A6, Derby to Matlock road. The drive from the A6 lies just beyond the 30mph speed restriction area when you are heading northwards. It leads to a large car park. There is also an entrance off Woodlands Road, where a car park and picnic benches are provided. In addition, there are several other pedestrian entrances.
HISTORY
It was Bache Thornhill of Stanton-in-Peak who bought and enclosed Allestree Park. He had a house built at the beginning of the 19th century but died before it was complete. After remaining empty for some time it was eventually occupied by John Giradot, a man of great wealth.
Subsequently, it passed through several hands, including those of Sir William Evans, whose generosity to the village included the gift of a vicarage.
When Allestree became a parish in its own right in 1864, Evans paid for Henry Isaac Stevens to almost completely rebuild the church. In 1928, a firm of builders bought the Park, but although some houses were built, the war intervened. First, the army and then the fire brigade used Allestree Hall during the war, the latter only leaving in 1950.
The Council then stepped in and bought the 323 acres of the park, including the hall. A nine-hole golf course was established in 1948 and extended to 18 holes in 1955. The golf course is now permanently closed.