Two of Derby’s favourite parks are both winners in the 2020 Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards.
The accolades for Markeaton Park and Darley Park put them in the top 10% of similar destinations around the world, based on exceptional visitor reviews during 2019.
Markeaton Park is Derby’s most visited park and is one of the most popular attractions in the East Midlands. It can be traced back to the medieval period, when the first park was laid out, and has seen many changes over the years. Many features that mark this history can still be seen today, such as ancient trees, historic roads, old arable field patterns, and remains of the 18th Century Hall and a Second World War army camp.
Today, with facilities including the Mundy Play Centre and Markeaton Park Craft Village, it remains a popular destination for families, with many of its attractions able to reopen following lockdown.
Darley Park is a large, picturesque and popular park situated within walking distance of the city centre. It is located on the River Derwent at the gateway to the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site.
Popular with visitors from across the county, it is a peaceful place to escape city life. The park’s Hydrangea Collection is the largest in the country, another highlight is the Wildlife Garden next door, both tended by enthusiastic volunteers from Hydrangea Derby and Friends of Darley Open Spaces respectively. Usually it hosts many events, and the classical Darley Park Concert is set to return there next year after becoming a virtual event this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Councillor Robin Wood, Derby City Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism said:
Nowhere has had public parks for as long as Derby – Derby Arboretum is recognised as the first in the country and celebrates its 180th anniversary this month. We are very fortunate to have some beautiful parks and open spaces in the city and it is wonderful that they have been recognised, particularly as these awards are based on visitors’ experiences. The judging for these awards may pre-date the pandemic, but our parks have been here for us throughout these difficult months and we look forward to welcoming more visitors back in the future.
Kanika Soni, Chief Commercial Officer at Tripadvisor, said:
Winners of the 2020 Travellers’ Choice Awards should be proud of this distinguished recognition. Although it’s been a challenging year for travel and hospitality, we want to celebrate our partners’ achievements. Award winners are beloved for their exceptional service and quality. Not only are these winners well deserving, they are also a great source of inspiration for travellers as the world begins to venture out again.