News 26 June 2023

National Picnic Month in Derwent Valley

Celebrate National Picnic Month in Derwent Valley with our top places to eat al fresco.

Hall Leys Park

This popular park in Matlock is just a 5 minute walk from the train station. Facilities include a boating lake, miniature railway, skateboard park, toilets, café and a paddling pool which is open from April-October. It’s a great family destination in the heart of Matlock, with bridges over the River Derwent perfect for playing pooh sticks and views of Riber Castle. On Wednesdays there is an open air market here.

Belper River Gardens

Enjoy a picnic in the heart of a World Heritage Site! 10 minutes from Belper Station, the River Gardens are a lovely waterside park, with a café, toilets, boating lake and children’s playground set beside historic Strutt’s North Mill and the River Derwent.

Duffield Millenium Meadows/Eyes Meadow Playing Fields

June-August is the perfect time to picnic in these stunning wildflower meadows in full bloom. A 10 minute walk from the station will bring you to this well loved wildlife haven, created by local residents. Keep an eye out for butterflies, dragonflies and a variety of birds and wildflowers.

Attenborough Nature Reserve

Cared for by Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, this nature reserve couldn’t be easier to reach by train, just a ten minute walk from the station past St Mary’s Church. The reserve is accessible for wheelchairs and buggies, with toilets and a café at the visitor centre.

Respect, protect, enjoy

Look after our countryside: barbeques and fires should never be used in the countryside or parks. Remember to take all your litter home with you after your picnic and be considerate to wildlife and other people.

For more ideas of where to spend time in nature in Derwent Valley, visit derwentvalleyline.org.uk

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