Top 5 Natural Monuments around Dalbury Lees
Best natural monuments around Dalbury Lees include a variety of natural features, from historical caves to expansive parklands. The area is characterized by its peaceful countryside setting, offering diverse natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Visitors can explore wooded areas, lakes, and unique geological formations. These natural monuments provide opportunities for outdoor activities and wildlife observation within the South Derbyshire area.
Best natural monuments around Dalbury Lees
- The most popular natural monuments is Anchor Church Caves, a historical site that features naturally formed caves extended to create a dwelling. These caves are notable for their historical use as a hermitage and later as a summerhouse.
- Another must-see spot is Allestree Park Lake, a natural monument within a large open space. Visitors can expect a mixed fishery with various species and easy access for families to explore the surrounding nature reserve.
- Visitors also love Allestree Park Woodland, a mature woodland with gentle elevation. This area is special for its numerous paths, offering ample opportunities for exploration and enjoying the natural environment.
- Dalbury Lees is known for its historical caves, diverse parklands, and ancient trees. The area offers a variety of natural features to explore, from tranquil lakes to mature woodlands.
- The natural monuments around Dalbury Lees are appreciated by the komoot community. With more than 28 upvotes and 34 photos, these locations are popular among outdoor enthusiasts.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
Allestree Park
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Anchor Church Caves
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Allestree Park Lake
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Poacher's Oak, Markeaton Park
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Heritage Wood
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Very scenic lake surrounded by picnic tables and populated by HUGE carp (absolutely no fishing!)
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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 7 acre lake is situated in Allestree Park which is some 320 acres, making it the largest open space in Derby. It is a mixed fishery with specimen carp, tench, bream, pike and silvers.
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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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Beautiful nature reserve, easy access, perfect for families, plenty of paths to explore
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Anchor Church caves are found in a Sandstone outcrop, close to Ingleby. The naturally formed caves have been extended by to form a dwelling (likely a hermitage around the 8th/9th century), complete with door and window holes. In more recent history (1840's) the owners of Foremarke Hall undertook some additional enhancements so they could use the caves as a summerhouse and picnic spot.
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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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Interesting rock formations but covered in graffiti, unfortunately.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of natural monuments can I explore around Dalbury Lees?
The area around Dalbury Lees offers a diverse range of natural monuments. You can find historical caves like Anchor Church Caves, expansive parklands such as Allestree Park with its lake and woodlands, and ancient trees like the Poacher's Oak in Markeaton Park. Further afield, destinations like Dovedale National Nature Reserve offer stunning limestone ravines and picturesque riverside walks.
Are there family-friendly natural attractions near Dalbury Lees?
Yes, several natural monuments are ideal for families. Allestree Park is perfect for families, offering open grass areas, a lake (Allestree Park Lake), and woodlands (Allestree Park Woodland) with plenty of paths to explore. The Poacher's Oak in Markeaton Park is another family-friendly spot with an interesting history. The Derwent Valley Riverside Path is also a popular, traffic-free route suitable for families to walk and cycle.
What historical natural sites can I visit in the area?
The most notable historical natural site is Anchor Church Caves. These naturally formed caves were extended to create a dwelling, likely a hermitage around the 8th/9th century, and later used as a summerhouse. The Poacher's Oak in Markeaton Park also has a rich history, once serving as a hiding place for illegal poachers.
Where can I find hiking trails near these natural monuments?
Many natural monuments offer excellent hiking opportunities. Allestree Park and its Woodland have numerous waymarked trails. For more structured routes, you can explore various easy hikes around Dalbury Lees, including loops from Mickleover and Ash. Find detailed hiking routes in the Easy hikes around Dalbury Lees guide.
Are there opportunities for cycling near Dalbury Lees' natural attractions?
Yes, cycling is a popular activity. The Derwent Valley Riverside Path offers an excellent, traffic-free route for cycling between Derby City and Elvaston Castle. Within Allestree Park, there are paths suitable for cycling, particularly for families. For more cycling routes, check out the Cycling around Dalbury Lees guide.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see at these natural monuments?
The natural monuments around Dalbury Lees support diverse wildlife. Allestree Park Lake is a mixed fishery with carp, tench, bream, pike, and silvers. Further afield, Priestcliffe Lees Nature Reserve is known for its rich variety of wildflowers, attracting numerous butterflies like the dark green fritillary. Birdwatchers there can spot summer visitors such as redstarts and blackcaps, as well as year-round residents like green woodpeckers and nuthatches.
Are there any natural monuments with lakes or significant water features?
Yes, Allestree Park Lake is a prominent natural monument within Allestree Park, offering a beautiful setting and fishing opportunities. Beyond Dalbury Lees, Carsington Water is an expansive body of water near Ashbourne, popular for outdoor activities and enjoying the countryside.
What are some accessible natural sights for visitors with limited mobility?
The Derwent Valley Riverside Path is mostly tarmac with some crushed limestone sections, offering a flat and accessible experience for walking and cycling. Allestree Park Lake also offers easy access, making it suitable for families and those seeking less strenuous paths.
When is the best time to visit the natural monuments around Dalbury Lees?
The natural monuments around Dalbury Lees can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and summer are ideal for wildflowers and lush greenery, especially at places like Priestcliffe Lees Nature Reserve. Autumn brings beautiful foliage to woodlands such as Allestree Park Woodland. Even in winter, many paths remain accessible for peaceful walks, though some facilities might be limited.
Are there options for running trails near these natural attractions?
Yes, the area provides several running trails. You can find various running loops around Etwall and Ash, offering moderate to difficult challenges. For detailed routes, refer to the Running Trails around Dalbury Lees guide.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the natural monuments in this region?
Visitors appreciate the diverse natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The historical significance of sites like Anchor Church Caves, the family-friendly atmosphere and varied landscapes of Allestree Park, and the tranquil beauty of places like Dovedale are frequently highlighted. The abundance of paths for exploration and the chance to observe wildlife are also popular aspects.
Most popular attractions around Dalbury Lees
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