Derbyshire Dales District Council delights in managing and maintaining Ashbourne Park, with its Recreation Ground, Memorial Gardens and Fishpond Meadow. The park won its first Green Flag Award from Keep Britain Tidy in 2024.
Ashbourne Park is 14.55 hectares in size and is the town’s main open space. It is situated between Cokayne Avenue and Park Road and forms a green wedge from the countryside into the town centre.
Fishpond Meadow area in Ashbourne Park in Spring 2023 will have a wild flower meadow and a woodland community tree planting area.
2022 saw the official opening of the new Pavilion in the Park. The District Council are proud to have supported ASCP in the realisation of this project. Working with Ashbourne Sports & Community Partnership from the start the District Council contributed match funding of up to £325,000 towards the project. Spending a further £42,000 on improvements to the park's three football pitches.
Results of Ashbourne Park Survey
The Survey Results for Ashbourne Park, carried out in August/September 2023 are now available.
Facilities and features
- Children's play area
- Children's splash pad - please note the splash pad has now closed until Spring 2025
- Multi-use games area (2 tennis courts- nets are up Arpil to October Half Term)
- To book tennis courts (for free) register for a free LTA advantage membership.
- Bowling Green (members only)
- 3 football pitches
- Cricket pitch & nets
- Rugby Pitch
- Fishpond
- Pavilion/refreshments
- Cathryn Booth bust
- Memorial gates
Location
Ashbourne Park is located off Park Road and Cokayne Avenue
Address - Cokayne Avenue, Ashbourne, DE6 1EJCar parking
There are a number of car parks in Ashbourne, the nearest car park is Cokayne Avenue.
Accessibility information
Toilets
The toilets in the park are situated in the pavilion on the recreation ground, they are free of charge and open Tuesday-Sunday from 10am until the evening. There are also public toilets in Shawcroft car park, with a 20p charge. Both have a separate accessible toilet.
Car parks
There are three parking areas adjacent to the park. To access the Memorial Gardens and Recreation ground, use Cockayne Avenue car park, by the pavilion or road side parking. The other carpark is on Shawcroft, opposite the park on Park Road. The two car parks have disabled parking bays. There is a charge for Shawcroft but the Pavilion car park is currently free of charge.
Memorial Gardens
There are two entrances, one by the Memorial gates and the other near the recreation Ground. The paths are all tarmac and there are many benches to stop and enjoy the gardens. The top path between both these entrances is mainly level gradient, however there is a gentle slope to the bandstand and a steeper gradient to reach the lower section of the Gardens. Some of the paths are raised in areas by tree routes.
The newly refurbished bandstand is a performance space, shelter and a good location to view the rest of the gardens. It has a slope for easy access, although wheelchairs will need assistance.
Recreation Ground
There is access across the grass in recreation grounds but no formal paths. The top half is on a gradient but the lower section with the pitches is level. There is a stand to watch the matches.
The pavilion is not owned by the Council but is used by visitors to the park. Level access to the building is from the car park, the entrance onto the park has steps. Once inside there is easy access around the building and out into the outdoor area. It provides refreshments and hosts a whole range of events.
The play area is level and has some accessible play equipment, including the splash pad and ground level roundabout.
Fishpond Meadow
The meadow is level and there is access across the area, mainly grass with some informal stone paths. There is a stone path round the fishpond and a timber slatted bridge.
If you require more information on the accessibility of the park, please contact
History
Ashbourne Park was once a royal hunting ground before becoming part of Ashbourne Hall estate in 1150.
The Park had a number of royal visitors including King Charles I in 1645 and a hundred years later Bonnie Prince Charlie troops camped here on his way to take the crown in London.
In 1784 the grounds were transformed by Brooke Boothby with extensive tree planting and the reshaping of the fishponds into ornamental lakes.
Following a request from Shrovetide Committee the Hall’s owner Capt RN Holland opened the gates in 1863 to allow the game to be played across the park where it has been played ever since.
The Hall later became a hotel but in 1922 the estate was sold off and much of the ornamental gardens turned into housing and the remaining land given to Ashbourne Urban District Council. It became Memorial Gardens, Recreation Ground and Fishpond Meadow and the war memorial gates were unveiled in the same year.
The original bandstand was built in 1952 which was replaced in 2023 with a similar design. In 1961 The Salvation Army erected a copper bust of Catherine Booth from Ashbourne, the “Army Mother”, wife of William Booth, the founder of Salvation Army.
FAQs
Is metal detecting allowed in Derbyshire Dales Parks?
No, metal detecting is not allowed on our parks
Is flying drones allowed in Derbyshire Dales Parks?
No, flying drones is not allowed on our parks
Is Geocaching allowed on Derbyshire Dales Parks?
Yes - please follow the guideline on the Geocaching website. Please respect the park and other users
Are BBQs allowed in Derbyshire Dales Parks?
We do not allow the use of barbecues in our parks as they can damage the grass and remain hot for a considerable time after use. If left unattended, they can be a hazard to other park users and to the wildlife. Please respect your parks.
How can I get involved?
We are always keen to hear from local people who want to get involved in their park or become part of a friends group, please email
