Derby Arboretum
🏟 Playground & park · Arboretum, Derby
Derby Arboretum
England's first public park, free to enter, with a large play area, a giant climbing boulder and water play among historic gardens.
🕑 Opening & entry
🌱 Open daily: Apr-May and Sep-Oct 8am-8pm; Jun-Aug 8am-9pm; Nov-Mar 8am-6pm. · Free · No booking needed
About Derby Arboretum
Derby Arboretum is a free, public park just south of the city centre, managed by Derby City Council and famous as England's first purpose-built public park, opened in 1840 and now Grade II* listed. A Green Flag Award park, it combines historic landscaped gardens and a notable collection of specimen trees with strong facilities for families. The large play area has play equipment for all ages, including a massive climbing boulder and a water play area that is popular in warm weather, making it one of the better central Derby destinations for children. There are also chess tables and sports facilities within the grounds, plus a cafe and toilets on site. The park has generous daily opening hours that extend into the evening in summer (8am to 9pm in June to August). There is no dedicated car park, but free on-street parking is available nearby on Rosehill Street (DE23 8FZ) and Reginald Street (DE23 8FQ). Its central location and free entry make it a convenient choice for a family visit combined with the city centre.
⭐ What makes this place special
- Cafe
- Chess tables
- Sports facilities
- Historic landscaped gardens and specimen trees
🏞 Facilities
- Free entry
- Parking: Free on-street parking on Rosehill Street (DE23 8FZ) and Reginald Street (DE23 8FQ); no dedicated car park.
- Toilets on site
- Café / refreshments
🧒 Ages & play
- Large children's play area
- Play equipment for all ages
- Giant climbing boulder
- Water play area
📍 Nearby places to play
- Racecourse Playing Fields · approx 1.0 miles · Chaddesden
- Normanton Park · approx 1.2 miles · Normanton
- Sherwood Recreation Ground · approx 1.2 miles · Normanton
Explore more:
❓ Frequently asked questions
Is Derby Arboretum free to visit?
Yes. Derby Arboretum is a free, public park managed by Derby City Council, and parking nearby is free on-street.
What's in the playground?
There is a large play area with equipment for all ages, including a giant climbing boulder and a water play area used in warm weather.
Are there toilets and a cafe?
Yes. There is a cafe and toilets on site.
Where is Derby Arboretum?
It is at Arboretum Square, Derby, postcode DE23 8FZ, just south of the city centre.
Is there parking for families?
There is no dedicated car park, but free on-street parking is available on Rosehill Street (DE23 8FZ) and Reginald Street (DE23 8FQ).