Ashbourne Memorial Gardens
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Ashbourne Memorial Gardens

4.4
·377 reviews·, United Kingdom

A beautifully maintained park on Ashbourne's edge, featuring a war memorial, children's playground, pond, and access to the scenic Manifold Valley Tra...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Saturday mornings

Parkrun and lively atmosphere

CrowdMedium
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Ashbourne Memorial Gardens

Ashbourne Memorial Gardens

Best Time

Saturday mornings

Parkrun and lively atmosphere

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A beautifully maintained park on Ashbourne's edge, featuring a war memorial, children's playground, pond, and access to the scenic Manifold Valley Trail.

4.4
(377 reviews)

"Brilliant park with lots to see and do, including a cafe, playground, and a massive war memorial."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Parking Convenience

Paid parking is available at the nearby supermarket for a small fee. :car:

👟 Wear suitable shoes

The parkrun course is partly on grass, so wear appropriate footwear, especially after rain. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

War Memorial

War Memorial

Front of the park

A massive and impressive war memorial stands proudly at the park's entrance, a poignant focal point.

Children's Play Area

Children's Play Area

Central area

A large and well-equipped playground offers fun for kids with a variety of attractions.

Fishing Pond

Fishing Pond

Near the football pitches

A tranquil fishing pond is home to friendly geese, ducks, and moorhens, perfect for a peaceful stroll.

Manifold Valley Trail

Manifold Valley Trail

Edge of the park

Explore the gorgeous walking country of the old railway line, offering scenic views, especially when dry.

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Planning Your Visit

Parking & Access

Paid parking is available at the adjacent supermarket for around £1.50. While the park offers lovely green spaces, some pathways might be challenging for mobility scooters, requiring out-and-back routes in certain sections. Reddit

Best for Parkrun & Picnics

The park is a popular spot for the Saturday morning parkrun, a flat, multi-loop course. It's ideal for picnics on dry days, with plenty of seating and green space. Reddit

Best Times

When
Saturday mornings
Why
Parkrun and lively atmosphere
Crowd
Medium
When
Dry summer days
Why
Ideal for picnics & walks
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Ashbourne pros and cons?

🚗 Parking Convenience

Paid parking is available at the nearby supermarket for a small fee. Reddit :car:

👟 Wear suitable shoes

The parkrun course is partly on grass, so wear appropriate footwear, especially after rain. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

reddit.com

Visiting London with kids and a car - suggestions for areas of town to stay, and activities for the family?

🎣 Fishing License Needed

A license is required if you plan to fish in the pond. :fishingpoleand_வத:

🚶‍♀️ Paths for all abilities

While beautiful, some paths may be tricky for mobility scooters; plan accordingly. Reddit :wheelchair:

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking Convenience

Paid parking is available at the nearby supermarket for a small fee. Reddit :car:

👟 Wear suitable shoes

The parkrun course is partly on grass, so wear appropriate footwear, especially after rain. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

🎣 Fishing License Needed

A license is required if you plan to fish in the pond. :fishingpoleand_வத:

🚶‍♀️ Paths for all abilities

While beautiful, some paths may be tricky for mobility scooters; plan accordingly. Reddit :wheelchair:

What Travellers Say

4.4
(377 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Ashbourne Memorial Gardens for its well-maintained grounds, featuring a lovely pond with wildlife, a good playground for children, and a significant war memorial. It's also a popular spot for the Saturday parkrun. Some find certain paths less ideal for mobility scooters.

"Visited here for the Saturday morning parkrun. Plenty of paid parking in the adjacent supermarket carpark and only £1.50. Parkrun was well attended, and is a very flat 3 looper, a lot on grass, so great on a dry day. Probably tricker when it rains!"

Paul

"Brilliant park lots to see and do a small cafe playground big with lots on there 4 big football pitches with goals in a bamington pitches a fishing 🎣 pond but you need a licence a massive war memorial on the front brilliant lovely park lots of flowers 💐 and trees"

Matthew Brookes

"A beautiful well maintained park in Ashbourne Derbyshire visited whilst on a short break here
Plenty of green space with seating and picnic benches
Play area for children and a beautiful pond with various friendly geese ducks and moor hens nice band stand and gardens a nice summers walk"

Debbie Goss

What People Like

Beautifully maintained park
Great playground for kids
Peaceful pond with wildlife

What People Dislike

Some paths tricky for scooters

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Ashbourne Memorial Gardens is located on the edge of Ashbourne town. If arriving by car, paid parking is available at the adjacent supermarket for approximately £1.50. Reddit

Information on direct public transport links to the gardens is limited, but the park is on the edge of Ashbourne town, which may have local bus services. It's best to check local transport schedules.

Yes, cycling is a great way to explore the area. The Manifold Valley trail, which is accessible from the park, is a popular cycling route. Reddit

Specific coach parking information is not readily available. It's advisable to contact the local council or tourist information for Ashbourne regarding coach access.

The nearest major train stations are in Derby or Uttoxeter, both of which would require onward travel by bus or taxi to reach Ashbourne.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Ashbourne Memorial Gardens is a public park and entry is free for all visitors. Reddit

As a public park, it is generally open from dawn till dusk. Specific hours for facilities like the cafe may vary.

The children's playground is free to use for all visitors. Reddit

While park entry is free, there is a charge for parking at the adjacent supermarket. Reddit

Information on booking private events is not widely available. For specific inquiries, it's best to contact the local Ashbourne council.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Visitors can enjoy the parkrun, explore the war memorial, relax by the pond with ducks and geese, use the children's playground, and walk or cycle the Manifold Valley trail. Reddit+1

Absolutely! The large playground is a major draw for families, and there's plenty of open space for children to play. Reddit

Dogs are generally welcome in public parks, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific local by-laws regarding pets. Please ensure dogs are kept under control.

Some pathways are paved, but others may be grass or uneven. Mobility scooter users might need to navigate carefully or use out-and-back routes in certain areas. Reddit

The parkrun is a well-attended, flat, 3-loop course, largely on grass, making it great on dry days but potentially trickier when wet. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a small cafe located within the park, offering refreshments. Reddit

Definitely! The park has plenty of green space, seating, and picnic benches, making it a perfect spot for a picnic. Reddit

As the park is on the edge of Ashbourne town, you'll find various dining options within a short walk or drive. The adjacent supermarket may also have food facilities.

Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks for picnics. Please remember to dispose of any litter responsibly.

Specific menu details for the cafe are not readily available online. It's recommended to check with the cafe directly for current offerings.

📸 📸 Photography

The war memorial offers a grand subject, the pond with its wildlife is picturesque, and the little bridge over the water is noted as very scenic. The Manifold Valley trail also provides beautiful natural backdrops. Reddit

Yes, the pond with its geese, ducks, and moorhens, along with the surrounding flowers and trees, provides opportunities for nature photography. Reddit

Generally, casual photography for personal use is permitted in public parks. However, commercial photography or drone usage may require special permission.

Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer light, ideal for landscape and wildlife photography. The war memorial can be photographed effectively at various times.

Yes, casual photography of the parkrun is usually allowed. If you plan to take photos for publication or commercial use, it's best to check with the parkrun organizers.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Ashbourne Memorial Gardens is a fantastic destination for families. The large and well-equipped playground is a major highlight, ensuring hours of fun for children. Reddit Beyond the playground, there's ample green space for running around, and the pond with its friendly geese and ducks provides a gentle wildlife encounter. Reddit The park is also a popular spot for the Saturday morning parkrun, which can be a fun event for active families to participate in or watch. Reddit

Consider packing a picnic to enjoy on the grass or at one of the many picnic benches, making for a cost-effective and enjoyable family outing. Reddit While some paths might be a bit uneven for strollers or mobility aids, the main areas are generally accessible. The overall atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, making it a great place for a family day out.

🏃‍♀️ Runners & Fitness Enthusiasts

For those who love to stay active, Ashbourne Memorial Gardens hosts a Saturday morning parkrun. This event is a well-attended, flat, 3-loop course that is largely on grass. Reddit It's a great opportunity to get a timed run in a pleasant environment. The park also offers open spaces for general running or training.

Beyond the parkrun, the Manifold Valley Trail provides a longer, scenic route for runners. Reddit This old railway line offers a relatively flat and well-maintained path, perfect for longer runs or interval training amidst beautiful countryside. Remember to check the weather, as the trail is best enjoyed when dry.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Manifold Valley Trail

The Manifold Valley Trail offers a fantastic opportunity for walkers and cyclists, following the route of an old railway line. This trail is described as gorgeous walking country, particularly when the weather is dry. Reddit It provides a scenic escape into nature, with the climb offering a good workout for those who enjoy a bit of exertion. Reddit

This trail is a key feature for those looking to extend their visit beyond the immediate park grounds. It's a chance to experience the natural beauty of the region and is a popular choice for day-trippers and locals alike. The old railway line format means it's generally a well-maintained and relatively gentle path, making it accessible for many.

Tips for the Manifold Valley Trail



* Check the weather: The trail is best enjoyed when dry. Reddit
* Wear appropriate footwear: Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
* Consider cycling: It's a popular route for cyclists looking for a scenic ride.
* Bring water and snacks: Especially if planning a longer excursion.

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