Elvaston Castle

Elvaston Castle showing a castle and heritage architecture
Elvaston Castle featuring forests and a park
Elvaston Castle showing heritage architecture, a garden and château or palace
Elvaston Castle which includes a castle, heritage architecture and a garden
Elvaston Castle showing a park


Take a leisurely stroll around the grounds of a stately home to admire its formal gardens, enjoy a picnic on the lush lawns and spot varied wildlife.

Spend a day exploring the gorgeous park of Elvaston Castle (official Elvaston Castle Country Park). Monuments, ornamental gardens and woodland decorate the 321 acres (130 hectares) that encompass this 17th-century landmark. Whatever the season, Elvaston Castle is a wonderful location to relax within the confines of nature and enjoy recreational activities along miles of marked trails.

A house was first built here in 1633 for the noble Stanhope family, who were later given the title of Earls of Harrington. Architect James Wyatt redesigned and enlarged the house in the 1800s and created a Gothic Revival-style masterpiece. Despite being closed to the public you can still appreciate the castle-like features of the exterior. In summer it’s a popular backdrop for wedding photos.

Wide pathways and bridleways lead from the house and travel around themed gardens, heath and wooded areas. They are popular among everyone from cyclists and dog walkers, to joggers, horse riders and families with strollers. Pause to admire the topiary displays and tree species such as a huge Cedar of Lebanon. Admire architectural landmarks, including a boathouse and Moorish temple.

Visit the pedestrian-only nature reserve, with lakes, marshland and wildflower meadows. There’s excellent bird-watching here spot buzzards, heron, kestrels and kingfisher. Most of the park’s picnic tables are spread around the reserve.

Events take place throughout the year, the most celebrated of which is September’s Derbyshire Woodland Festival. Listen to storytellers and have a go at pole lathe turning and willow weaving, among other ancient crafts. Festive activities take place during December.

Get here by catching a public bus from Derby’s city center the journey time is about 45 minutes. Check with the driver before boarding because some bus lines stop a 20-minute walk from the park. There’s a large parking lot where you can park for a fee.

The country park at Elvaston Castle is open year round and admission is free. A schedule of events is available from the information center. Maps and factsheets can be downloaded to your smartphone via the official website of Derbyshire County Council.

Plan a trip to see Elvaston Castle

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Things to do near Elvaston Castle

Elvaston Castle in Derby offers a delightful mix of activities for visitors. You can explore the beautiful grounds and gardens, indulge in a relaxing spa experience, and enjoy shopping in nearby areas. One highlight to consider during your visit is the Derbyshire Woodland Festival, which showcases local crafts, food, and the region's rich natural heritage. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, Elvaston Castle has something for everyone.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Elvaston Castle, visit intu Derby and Derbion, both located 2.5km away, offering a mix of business and family-friendly vibes. If you're up for a drive, Denby Pottery, 5.6km away, is perfect for unique gifts and souvenirs.

Recreation

Pride Park Stadium offers an exhilarating atmosphere for sports enthusiasts, located 1.9km from Elvaston Castle. For a lively entertainment experience, Rock City Nottingham, 6.8km away, showcases vibrant music events. For ultimate relaxation, visit The Risley Park Spa, only 2.5km from Elvaston Castle, providing a tranquil wellness retreat.

Adventure

Donington Park Racing Circuit offers thrilling motor racing experiences only 3.1km from Elvaston Castle, perfect for adrenaline seekers. For water sports enthusiasts, the National Water Sports Centre is 8.1km away, providing exciting outdoor activities. Meanwhile, The Snow Dome, located 13.7km away, promises indoor skiing fun for the whole family.

Nightlife

Experience a cinematic night at Quad, just 2.5km from Elvaston Castle, offering a family-friendly atmosphere. For a cultural touch, Derby Theatre is also 2.5km away, showcasing diverse performances. For a more relaxed vibe, head to Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, 6.8km away, for drinks and romance.

Find the best attractions near Elvaston Castle

Elvaston Castle offers a delightful mix of attractions, including historic houses and universities, appealing to culture enthusiasts and families alike. Visitors can explore the expansive Elvaston Castle Country Park, ideal for leisurely strolls. For convenience, consider searching for hotels near Elvaston Castle, and check the distance from the castle for easy access to local points of interest.

  • University of Nottingham: A historic institution located 5.6km from Elvaston Castle, the University of Nottingham boasts stunning architecture and rich cultural heritage, making it a delightful spot for a leisurely stroll and a taste of academic history.
  • University of Derby: Situated 3.1km away, the University of Derby offers a modern campus vibe, blending contemporary design with vibrant student life, perfect for those looking to experience a lively educational atmosphere.
  • Derby Cathedral: Just 2.5km from Elvaston Castle, this magnificent cathedral features breathtaking architecture and a serene environment, inviting visitors to explore its historic interiors and enjoy a moment of reflection.

Best time to go to Elvaston Castle

The best time to visit Elvaston Castle can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Elvaston Castle falls in July, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Elvaston Castle falls in January, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January38.7°F (3.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
February39.7°F (4.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
March42.6°F (5.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April46.6°F (8.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageAverage
May52.2°F (11.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighAverage
June57.7°F (14.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly High
July61.3°F (16.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly High
August60.8°F (16.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
September57.0°F (13.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
October51.4°F (10.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November44.6°F (7.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage
December40.6°F (4.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Elvaston Castle

To save money on your visit to Elvaston Castle, consider travelling during the off-peak months from December to February, when accommodation prices are lower. Sundays tend to be the cheapest days for stays, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Use tools like Expedia to compare hotel prices and look for special offers, including package deals for flights and activities. Opt for Eco-certified hotels for more sustainable choices. Additionally, explore free activities in the area to enhance your experience without overspending.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Elvaston Castle are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to July and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Elvaston Castle is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Elvaston Castle is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to set your budget and choose your desired location, among other preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodations available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your Elvaston Castle hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.