머카스톤‬에서 가장 멋진 ‪8‬개의 천연기념물

The Old Poachers Oak, Markeaton Park: This ancient oak tree, behind the Famous Trains building, is hollow in the middle. Its imaginative name comes from its use as a hiding place by illegal poachers when it was part of Markeaton Estate. Although it looks like a small tree, it is probably one of the oldest on the park and could tell some stories – perhaps the next one will be yours.

The area known as Allestree Park was enclosed in about 1818. The house begun by Bache Thornhill was completed by John Giradot (High Sheriff of Derbyshire) with three storeys and five bays, the central three bowed with an ionic columned porch. A large part of the estate was sold for housing development in 1928. The neglected house now stands in a 300-acre (1.2 km2) wooded parkland with lake, grasslands and former golf course, owned by Derby City Council. Allestree Park is designated as a Local Nature Reserve.

The 18-hole Golf Course opened in 1955, was closed in December 2020 and has now disappeared. There are several colour-coded & waymarked walking, running & nature trails to enjoy. Allestree Park is perfect for families to enjoy some fresh air and a stroll.

There are eight transmitter masts visible on the top of the hill (one of them is shorter).

Car Park has been reopened with an automatic electronic gate that's only open between set times March-Oct 8am - 7pm Nov-Feb 8am - 5pm

Still a lovely park but the golf course has closed and the Pro shop is no more so little opportunity for refreshments. In summer there is sometimes an ice cream van near the Hall. Park is due for "rewilding" which means there will be less open space for cycling and, for some obscure reason, a lot more fencing.

The National Trust have now closed the car park (since 2020, still closed in Spring 2022) apparently due to "anti-social behaviour". No car parking nearby but can still be accessed by walkers and, after climbing over a mound of earth, by cyclists.

At the heart of the Derwent Valley Mills UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town of Belper has a fascinating industrial history. Hot on the heels of Cromford to the north, it was home to some of the world's first water-powered cotton spinning mills, built by Jedediah Strutt. In 1803, Strutt's North Mill was rebuilt using the world's first fireproof iron frame. This was to become the blueprint for modern skyscrapers. The town is beautifully situated on the River Derwent and is an important stop on the Derwent Valley Heritage Way. There are plenty of places to eat and drink, as well as good accommodation options in the town.