Natural monuments around Trusley offer diverse natural features for exploration. The area's landscape includes woodlands, lakes, and ancient trees, providing opportunities for outdoor activities. This guide details 4 natural monuments, helping visitors plan their adventures.
Last updated: May 17, 2026
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The Old Poachers Oak, Markeaton Park: This ancient oak tree, behind the Famous Trains building, is hollow in the middle. Its imaginative name comes from its use as a hiding place by illegal poachers when it was part of Markeaton Estate. Although it looks like a small tree, it is probably one of the oldest on the park and could tell some stories – perhaps the next one will be yours.
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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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A massive old Oak tree next to the path between Osmaston and Ashbourne.
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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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A wood that has been created for remembering various people who have passed away (their friends and relatives can buy and dedicate a tree in their memory). The wood is open to all and is a nice place to stop for a picnic. There are many, many picnic tables spread throughout the site. https://www.heritage-wood.co.uk/ Very scenic lake surrounded by picnic tables and populated by HUGE carp (absolutely no fishing!)
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Careful if you’re tempted to climb!
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Lovely park with open grass areas, a lake, a municipal golf course, an old Hall (now derelict and up for sale) and lots of woodland. Great area for easy mountain biking in the woods. Very popular with families cycling on the paths. Refreshments (drinks and ice creams) available in the golf pro shop at the back of the old Hall.
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The natural monuments around Trusley offer a diverse range of features, including woodlands, lakes, and ancient trees. You can explore expansive parklands like Allestree Park, serene water bodies such as Allestree Park Lake, and mature woodlands like Allestree Park Woodland. There are also historic trees like the Poacher's Oak.
Yes, one notable historic natural feature is the Poacher's Oak in Markeaton Park. This ancient oak tree, hollow in the middle, is believed to be one of the oldest in the park and has a rich history, once serving as a hiding place for poachers.
Many of the natural monuments in the area are very family-friendly. Allestree Park, for instance, is ideal for families with its open grass areas, lake, and extensive woodland, offering various walking and running trails. Allestree Park Lake and Allestree Park Woodland also offer easy access and plenty of paths suitable for all ages.
Yes, several natural monuments offer easy walks. Allestree Park Lake has easy access and numerous paths for exploration. Allestree Park Woodland features gentle elevation and waymarked, color-coded walks. For more options, you can explore easy hikes around Trusley, which include routes like the Kedleston Hall & Park loop.
Beyond exploring the natural monuments themselves, the area around Trusley offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous options for hiking, including moderate trails like the Vicarage Road Park loop. There are also running trails, such as the Running loop from Etwall CP, and opportunities for easy mountain biking in the woods of Allestree Park.
Yes, natural monuments like Allestree Park Lake, a 7-acre mixed fishery, are home to various fish species including carp, tench, bream, and pike. The extensive woodlands of Allestree Park Woodland also provide habitats for local wildlife, offering opportunities for observation.
While specific dog-friendly designations are not always listed, large parks with extensive trail networks like Allestree Park and its associated woodland and lake areas are generally welcoming to dogs on leads. Always check local signage for any specific restrictions or designated off-leash areas.
Yes, for popular sites like Allestree Park, parking facilities are typically available. Visitors often access the park from various points, and while specific details for each highlight are not provided, large public parks usually offer parking for convenience.
The natural monuments around Trusley can be enjoyed year-round. The woodlands, such as Allestree Park Woodland, are particularly idyllic in the summer. However, the diverse landscape of lakes, woodlands, and ancient trees offers unique beauty and experiences in every season, from vibrant spring foliage to crisp winter walks.
While the main highlights like Allestree Park are well-known, places like Heritage Wood offer a unique and serene experience. It's a wood created for remembrance, featuring a scenic lake and many picnic tables, providing a peaceful retreat that might be considered a hidden gem by some.
Heritage Wood features a serene lake populated by large carp (no fishing allowed) and is surrounded by numerous picnic tables. The wood itself is a growing forest dedicated to remembrance, offering a peaceful natural setting for visitors.
Yes, within areas like Allestree Park and its woodland, you'll find waymarked and color-coded walks, many of which are circular, allowing for varied exploration without retracing your steps. These are suitable for different fitness levels.


Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones around Trusley: