CATEGORY · FRESH AIR INCLUDED
Gardens & Arboretums in Derby
Derby Arboretum, about a kilometre from the centre, is the easy default: free, no ticket, no time limit, just lawns and mature trees for a picnic and a wander. For something grander, Kedleston Hall sits north of Derby with parkland from about £4.25, and a longer trip out to Bakewell brings you to Chatsworth, where garden tickets from £10 buy fountains, sculpture, a farmyard and a woodland playground with proper slides. If cost matters, Derby Arboretum and Nottingham Arboretum (a drive out to Nottingham) are both free, with the latter's flat, pushchair-friendly paths through 800-plus trees handy for buggies and right by the tram stops. Calke Abbey, out at Ticknall, suits older legs with 600 acres to explore and a house to poke round when they tire. Felley Priory Garden, a drive out to Underwood, is free for under-16s with free parking, but leave the dog and the picnic at home, there's a tea room instead.
8 places 3 upcoming events 5 free to visit
What's on: gardens & arboretums
Places for gardens & arboretums
from £4.25Calke Abbey
Ticknall
A 600 acre parkland estate with natural play, cycling trails and a faded stately house to poke around when legs need a rest.
Accessible toiletBlue badge parkingCaféChanging Places+12 more
from £10Chatsworth
Bakewell · ages 3-16
A vast garden of fountains and sculpture to roam, a farmyard for animal handling, and a woodland playground with big slides and water play.
Accessible toiletBooking requiredCaféDog friendly+8 more
FreeDerby Arboretum
Derby
A free public park with lawns and mature trees for a picnic and a wander, no ticket, no time limit.
ToiletsOutdoor playParkingPicnic area+1 more
FreeFelley Priory Garden
Underwood · ages 0-16
Underwood - Felley Priory gardens near the M1, under-16s free, free parking, tea room (no dogs or picnics).
Accessible toiletBooking requiredCaféFree parking+7 more
FreeGreen's Windmill & Science Centre
Nottingham · ages 0+
Free-entry restored windmill, science centre and garden in Nottingham, climb the mill (when not under repair), try science experiments, and let the kids run round the community garden.
Birthday partiesBooking requiredGift shopGroup bookings+6 more
from £4.25Kedleston Hall
Derby · ages 0+
National Trust neoclassical hall and parkland north of Derby - house, grounds and cafe from about £4.25 parkland.
Accessible toiletBaby changeBike parkingBlue badge parking+12 more
FreeNaturescape Wildflower Farm
Langar, Nottingham
A free-to-visit wildflower garden with two ponds, a play area and a tearoom for cake afterwards.
CaféDog friendlyGift shopIndoor play+6 more
FreeNottingham Arboretum
Nottingham
Free tree trail walks through 800-plus trees on flat paths, right by Nottingham's tram stops.
CaféDog friendlyFood on siteOutdoor play+5 more
Good to know: gardens & arboretums in Derby
Are any of them free?
Yes, Derby Arboretum, Felley Priory Garden, Green's Windmill & Science Centre, Naturescape Wildflower Farm and 1 more are free to visit.
What does a paid visit cost?
Paid entry starts from £4.25 at Calke Abbey. Prices, ages and facilities are listed on every place page, taken from each venue's own published price list.
Whereabouts are they?
You'll find gardens & arboretums in Ticknall, Bakewell, Derby, Underwood, Nottingham and 1 more. Every place we list is in or around Derby, and each listing has the full address and directions.
More ways to plan a day out
KEEP EXPLORING
Not a gardens & arboretums day? Try another lane
THE WEEKENDER
Next weekend, sorted. Every Thursday, free.
The best family things happening around Derby, one hidden gem, and a rainy-day backup plan, from a dad who's been there with a bored seven-year-old.
Free forever. One brilliant email a week. Unsubscribe anytime.