Weekend nearly coming to the end of this week and still thinking what to do and where to go this weekend? Here is an amazing place that you could visit that does not require you to spend too much money for your one day trip.
One think that came out in my mind before the weekend approached was going somewhere that could gave me a tranquility and loveliness of their surroundings. I did a research before I make a plan and discover how much that I should spend, time and money as I prefer to spend less for one day trip with children in this winter.
Derbyshire is quite popular in terms of their incredible country site and Peak District. I have been there twice only for an important trip and got no chance to do a proper visit to their historical places especially to Elvaston castle. I visited this castle last weekend with children and I paid only £2 for the car park up to two hours. The castle was closed permanently for visitors because it has been neglected and has fallen into disrepair; due to its condition, the building is not open to the public, and since 2008 has been listed on the Buildings at Risk Register. Its garden and park are open for public from 9am till 8pm. Entry to the garden and park is free.
Here is some of the history about the castle and its surrounding that amazed me. Elvaston Castle Country Park Located in Derbyshire, near to Derby and Nottingham, Elvaston Castle Country Park encompasses approximately 321 acres of open parkland, woodland and more formal historical gardens.
Another part about this castle that impressed me is Elvaston Castle, a gothic revival masterpiece designed by James Wyatt in the early 1800s based on the original house dating back to 1633.
Wyatt’s design, built for the third Earl of Harrington, became home to the Stanhope family until the estate was sold by the then Earl of Harrington to a quarrying company in 1968. In 1969 the then Derby Corporation purchased the estate from the company and in 1970 the estate was opened as one of the first country parks in England. Today both the buildings and gardens are registered (Grade 2 and Grade 2*) as being of special architectural and historical interest.
In addition, within the estate, structures such as the recently renovated golden gates, Moorish temple and ha-ha wall provide a fascinating glimpse of the past.
The gardens are locally renowned for their rockwork structures and fine examples of topiary, originally introduced and designed by William Barron in the 19th century.
Whatever the season there is always lots to see and do in and around the park − walking, cycling, horse riding, bird watching, picnicking, kite flying, photography, exploring the park and nature reserve and much more. Also the wild animals especially, ducks, swans, pigeons were benign to us which I and children truly enjoyed playing and feeding them.
In terms of other facilities they are extremely user friendly and easy to find. There is a cafe behind the castle open on weekdays from 10am till 3pm and weekend from 10am till 3.30pm. Public toilet are near to the car park and also there is a small playground close to the car park as well, very convenient area for those who have a children.
I stayed there for about two hours maximum since the weather was quite cold and cloudy but if in summer I would definitely stay longer than that. 4 hours maximum for me is a time that enough to do walking, site seeing, feeding the wild animals, photo shooting, chilling at the cafe and so on.
Overall, its an amazing place to visit with or without children. It has an enormous trees near to the castle if visitor fancy to sit under it or bench for visitor who fancy to sit comfortably.
One of an enormous tree that I found near to the castle. A maze outside the castle where visitor can enjoy walking and chilling in and out the maze. Children enjoying their day running and playing around the maze, while the elder glad to be accompany by their beloved pet.
