Elvaston Castle and Country Park is situated on the outskirts of Derby and consists of approximately 300 acres of open parkland, lakes, woodland and more formal historical gardens. The hall , known as Elvaston Castle and a gothic revival masterpiece , is not open to the public.
The present Elvaston castle building and gardens were designed by James Wyatt and built for the 3rd Earl of Harrington in around 1817. The estate belonged to the Stanhope family who held until the mid 20th century, 3 earldoms, those of Chesterfield, Stanhope and Harrington. Some of the splendid tombs of the Harrington branch of this family can be found in the church, which is situated close to the Castle, including Canova's beautiful monument to the 3rd Earl who died in 1829.
Though the building itself is strickingly handsome, it is the grounds which are the greatest glory of Elvaston. The are famous for long avenues, the serpentine lake, a Moorish temple, the large and unexpected example of rocaille and the Golden Gates from a french royal palace.
Elvaston Castle |
Elvaston Castle |
Golden Gates at Elvaston Castle |
Elvaston Castle |
Elvaston Castle |
In the 20th century, the then Earl of Harrington sold the estate to the local authorities and it is now administered by the Derbyshire County Council and the Derby City Council as a country park providing a nature trail and field study facilities, a caravan park, car park, picnic area and the castle itself providing a cafe and an information centre.
In the grounds there is also a Riding School. It holds a wide range of annual events including exhibitions, craft and other fairs, the County Show, and a Steam Rally. There is always lots to see and do and explore in and around the park.
In 1969, Elvaston was used as a location for Ken Russell's film adaptation of the D. H. Lawrence novel Women in Love.
In recent years there have been many attempts to sell the estate on to a private company due to rising maintenance costs and to turn the castle into a hotel and the park into a golf course. These plans have been fiercely contested by "The Friends of Elvaston Castle" on behalf of the local community.
The park is open to the public all year round. Opening times are 9am to 5pm from October to March and 9am to 8pm from April to September. Admission is free though a small car parking fee applies.
For more information on Derby in Derbyshire visit Derby City Guide
