Parks and Gardens

Belper River Gardens

Belper River Gardens are located close to Belper Mills which form part of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site.

The gardens have a display of flowerbeds and rare trees. The water gardens attract swans, herons, Canada geese and all manner of ducks and moorhens. The children’s playground is also very popular.

During the summer brass band concerts and open-air theatre can be enjoyed along with the annual well dressings. Rowing boats can also be hired out for use on the River Derwent.

Click on the right to view the Amber Valley parks and gardens gallery.

Address

Belper River Gardens,
Matlock Road,
Belper,
Derbyshire
01773 841 488

Directions

Off the A6 Matlock Road at Belper adjacent to the East Mill.

Lea Gardens

Lea Gardens are home to a large collection of rhododendrons, azaleas and conifers that have been introduced to the gardens from across the globe.

The gardens are sited on the remains of a medieval millstone quarry and cover an area of approximately four acres. Maze-like footpaths lead visitors through various different varieties, with blooms around every corner.

Because of the short flowering season, the gardens are only open for a limited period of time. This can sometimes lead to busy periods, especially over weekends and on bank holidays. 

Parking is located in the adjacent field but this usually overflows onto the lane.

Click on the right to view the Amber Valley parks and gardens gallery.

Address

Lea Gardens,
Long Lane,
Derbyshire,
DE4 5GH,
01629 534 380

Directions

Leave A6 at Cromford signposted to Lea, pass Cromford Mill and Cromford Station. Follow all signposts to Lea. When village sign is reached take first road into long lane. Lea Gardens are 400 metres up on the right.

Shipley Country Park

The views across Shipley Country Park's 600 acres are a mix of woodlands, wildlife meadows and lakes; all interwoven with an extensive network of paths, some of which are suitable for wheelchairs.

The park spans 600 acres and has something on offer for everyone. The adventure playground and toddler area is popular with younger visitors, whereas the sculpture trail is great entertainment for all ages.

Click on the right to view the Amber Valley parks and gardens gallery.

Address

Shipley Country Park,
Slack Lane,
Heanor,
Derbyshire,
DE75 7GX,
01773 719961

Directions

Shipley Country Park is well signposted from Derby Road (A608) and from M1 junction 26. The park is off Slack Lane, Heanor.

Opening hours for 2004/2005

Winter Opening
1 November – 28 February
Mon – Fri 11:00 – 16:00
Sat – Sun 10:00 – 16:30

March
Mon – Fri 11:00 – 16:30
Sat – Sun 10:00 – 16:30

Summer Opening
1 April – 31 October
Mon – Fri 11:00 – 16:30
Sat – Sun 10:00 – 18:00

The car park is open 24 hours a day. There is no official charge but honesty boxes are located for all to use.

Crossley Park

Crossley Park is located in Ripley town centre and can be accessed from the Town Hall car park.

The park's bandstand is popular, especially in the summer months. Bands from all over the county travel to the park to perform and entertain the people of Ripley.

The play area is also popular, with a paddling pool and various other interesting slides and climbing frames.

Click on the right to view the Amber Valley parks and gardens gallery.

Address

Crossley Park
Victoria Road
Ripley
Derbyshire

Directions

The park can be accessed from the Town Hall car park.