Best natural monuments around Denby, Derbyshire, showcase the diverse natural features of the English countryside. This region offers a variety of landscapes, including elevated viewpoints, nature reserves, and historical quarry sites. Visitors can explore areas with significant geological formations, rich biodiversity, and scenic river settings. These locations provide opportunities to experience the area's varied natural heritage.
Last updated: June 1, 2026
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Very pretty little wood, unusual due to the Duke's Quarries rockfaces. Nearby Cliff Quarry is the last one still working today, extracting Sandstone & Gritstone.
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The area known as Allestree Park was enclosed in about 1818. The house begun by Bache Thornhill was completed by John Giradot (High Sheriff of Derbyshire) with three storeys and five bays, the central three bowed with an ionic columned porch. A large part of the estate was sold for housing development in 1928. The neglected house now stands in a 300-acre (1.2 km2) wooded parkland with lake, grasslands and former golf course, owned by Derby City Council. Allestree Park is designated as a Local Nature Reserve.
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The 18-hole Golf Course opened in 1955, was closed in December 2020 and has now disappeared. There are several colour-coded & waymarked walking, running & nature trails to enjoy. Allestree Park is perfect for families to enjoy some fresh air and a stroll.
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There are eight transmitter masts visible on the top of the hill (one of them is shorter).
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Car Park has been reopened with an automatic electronic gate that's only open between set times March-Oct 8am - 7pm Nov-Feb 8am - 5pm
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Still a lovely park but the golf course has closed and the Pro shop is no more so little opportunity for refreshments. In summer there is sometimes an ice cream van near the Hall. Park is due for "rewilding" which means there will be less open space for cycling and, for some obscure reason, a lot more fencing.
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Oxhay Wood is a forest in Derbyshire. Oxhay Wood is situated nearby to the village Crich Carr and the hamlet Wakebridge. Duke's quarries were a large network of 19th century stone quarries with tracks leading down to the Cromford Canal and railway.
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The National Trust have now closed the car park (since 2020, still closed in Spring 2022) apparently due to "anti-social behaviour". No car parking nearby but can still be accessed by walkers and, after climbing over a mound of earth, by cyclists.
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Among the most popular natural monuments in the Denby area is Duke's Quarries Rockfaces in Oxhay Wood, known for its 19th-century quarry network and proximity to the Cromford Canal. Another highly-rated spot is Alport Heights Summit, offering expansive views as a high point managed by the National Trust. Visitors also enjoy Wyver Lane Nature Reserve, an important wetland site for wildlife observation.
Yes, several natural monuments in the Denby area are suitable for families. Alport Heights Summit, Allestree Park, Wyver Lane Nature Reserve, Duke's Quarries Rockfaces in Oxhay Wood, and Belper River Gardens and the Stone Bridge are all categorized as family-friendly, offering diverse experiences from viewpoints to nature walks and historical sites.
The Denby area offers a variety of natural features. You can find elevated viewpoints like Alport Heights Summit, which provides panoramic views. There are also significant wetland habitats and lakes at Wyver Lane Nature Reserve and Allestree Park. Historical quarry sites such as Duke's Quarries Rockfaces in Oxhay Wood showcase geological formations within forested areas. Additionally, river settings like the Belper River Gardens and the Stone Bridge highlight the natural beauty of the River Derwent.
Yes, some natural monuments in the Denby area also have historical significance. Duke's Quarries Rockfaces in Oxhay Wood is a former quarry site with a network dating back to the 19th century, connected to the Cromford Canal. Belper River Gardens and the Stone Bridge are part of the Derwent Valley Mills UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflecting the region's industrial history. Allestree Park also features historical elements alongside its natural beauty.
The natural monuments around Denby, located in the English countryside, can be enjoyed throughout the year. Spring and summer offer lush greenery and warmer weather, ideal for walks and wildlife spotting at places like Wyver Lane Nature Reserve. Autumn brings beautiful foliage to forested areas like Oxhay Wood. While winter can be colder, it offers crisp views from summits like Alport Heights Summit, though some trails might be muddy.
The area around Denby offers various outdoor activities. You can find easy hikes, such as the 'View of Denby – Drury Lowe Millennium Green loop', which is detailed in the Easy hikes around Denby guide. For cycling enthusiasts, there are road cycling routes like the 'Coxbench Village – Denby Pottery Factory Shop loop' in the Road Cycling Routes around Denby guide. Gravel biking options include the 'High Peak Trail and Derwent Valley Loop', found in the Gravel biking around Denby guide.
Yes, there are several hiking trails available near the natural monuments. For instance, you can explore easy hikes like the 'St James' Church, Codnor – Red River Local Nature Reserve loop' or the 'Ripley Greenway – Ripley Greenway loop'. These and other routes are detailed in the Easy hikes around Denby guide, providing opportunities to experience the local landscapes.
Visitors frequently praise the diverse experiences offered by Denby's natural monuments. Many appreciate the rewarding views from high points like Alport Heights Summit. Wildlife lovers particularly enjoy Wyver Lane Nature Reserve for its bird species and otters. The unique atmosphere of historical sites like Duke's Quarries Rockfaces in Oxhay Wood and the tranquil setting of Belper River Gardens are also highly valued.
Absolutely. Wyver Lane Nature Reserve is an excellent spot for birdwatching, being an important wetland site home to Canada geese, tufted ducks, little grebes, and various gulls in winter. Otters are also a glorious sight here. The reserve includes a bird hide open to the public. Allestree Park also offers opportunities to observe local wildlife within its woodlands and around its lake.
Yes, Alport Heights Summit is a notable intermediate summit and viewpoint, recognized as the highest point in the local area. It offers expansive views and is a rewarding destination for those seeking elevated perspectives. Visitors are encouraged to head up the gravel path to the very top for the best vistas.
The terrain around Denby's natural monuments varies. You can find easy-grade trails suitable for leisurely walks, such as those mentioned in the Easy hikes around Denby guide. For cycling, there are moderate road cycling routes and more challenging gravel biking options, including the 'High Peak Trail and Derwent Valley Loop' which is rated difficult in the Gravel biking around Denby guide. Some areas, like the path up to Duke's Quarries Rockfaces, may involve steep sections.
Yes, Allestree Park is a significant natural monument that functions as a large park. It features open grass areas, a lake, and extensive woodlands, making it ideal for strolls and enjoying fresh air. While it once included a golf course, it is now undergoing 'rewilding' efforts, enhancing its natural appeal as a green space.


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