Top things to do outdoors in Derby this spring

The Beast from the East has left, and now it’s time to get outdoors and enjoy the start of spring. There’s so much to do outdoors in Derby this spring, with events across Derby Parks, activities for kids and outdoor sports.

Everywhere in Derby there are beautiful parks to enjoy the warmer weather in, for those who enjoy a walk around the park can take in the nature at Chaddesden Park, Sinfin Moor Park and Derby Arobretum with nature walks and tree trails. Enjoy the beautiful Rose Garden, Pleasure Gardens and Walled Garden at Markeaton Park for a peaceful, relaxing afternoon. Alternatively, guests can visit one of Derby’s local nature reserves to spot interesting wildlife and geological features. Allestree Park, Darley and Nutwood and Chaddesden Park are three of the largest nature reserves in Derby and visitors will find unique wildlife when they visit these spots.

For anyone looking to get kids active and outdoors this spring Derby Parks offer plenty of activities across the city. At Markeaton Park kids can play at the Mundy Play Centre, with a free paddling pool open from 26 May, play areas with swings, sliders, a spider net and The Adventure Galley pirate ship and pay and play activities. Alvaston Park provides a fun play area with facilities for all ages, including a sand pit, zip wire, adizone gym and BMX park. For the hot weather kids can cool off at Chaddesden Park’s water play area from the end of May.

There’s no shortage of events on in Derby Parks this spring, from Easter Egg hunts to Family Fun days. From Saturday 24 March to Sunday 8 April visitors to Markeaton Park can ride the Twister, Waltzer and Tango as well as plenty of other rides at the Family Fun Park and Character Days from noon to 9pm every day.

For those looking to try something new they can try out Orienteering on Saturday 24 March at Markeaton Park, Saturday 7 April at Darley Park and Saturday 5 May at Allestree Park. For just £4 for adults and £2 for children and students between 1 and 3pm visitors can have their first try at orienteering around Derby Parks. On Sunday 3 June The Big 1 returns to Chaddesden Park with all the family favourites that guarantee a great day out for the whole family. With free entry there’s a fair with everything from children’s to scary rides and stalls to tempt visitors. This is not one to be missed!

Sport enthusiasts will find plenty to do outdoors in the coming months. Moorways Stadium is the perfect destination for sports fans this spring, with two full size grass pitches, a one mile cross country track, three seven a side sand based pitches, a hockey pitch and much more. Grass pitches can be found elsewhere across the city in Darley Fields, Alvaston Park, Chaddesden Park and Sinfin Moor Park. Tennis fans can book one of two hard tennis courts at Markeaton Park at inderby.org.uk/tennis with free courts until 31 March.

Derby has much to offer for golf enthusiasts, or those trying golf for the first time. Enthusiasts can now play golf, unlimited for a whole year at Allestree Golf Course for less than £8 a week with an annual season ticket. Allestree’s par 68 golf course offers everything for both the novice and experienced golfer. At Markeaton Park golfers can try out the 9-hole pitch and putt course, a great activity for all the family and for participants of all abilities. For golf with a twist Markeaton Park also offers the latest craze Footgolf, which replaces a golf ball with a football and a club with a foot. It’s a whole new take on golf, for just £6.

After enjoying all the activities across the parks visitors can enjoy a refreshing visit to one of Derby Park’s cafes. The Orangery at Markeaton Park is the ideal stop for anything from a cup of tea to a hearty lunch, offering drinks, cakes and hot food. For those visiting Alvaston Park the Waterside café provides the perfect break with plenty of food and drink to tantalise the taste buds. The Darley Park tea rooms is a great little spot to sit down and enjoy the view over the terrace of the whole park, and the city beyond.

For information on events in Derby Parks visit inderby.org.uk/parks and to find prices for the activities listed visit inderby.org.uk/about/prices/parks-prices

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