Derbyshire Dales District Council delights in managing and maintaining Ashbourne Park, with its Recreation Ground, Memorial Gardens and Fishpond Meadow.
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.
There is another chance to comment on the improvement and development of the park on Saturday 20th April, 10am to 12 noon at Ashbourne Methodist Church, in the Waterside Hall.
Facilities and features
- Children's play area
- Children's splash pad - open April to end September.
- Multi-use games area (2 tennis courts)
- 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.
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
