Elvaston Castle

I was looking for somewhere nearby to go for not-too-long a walk last week, and decided to visit Elvaston Castle. It's a country park on the eastern edge of Derby, with a lake-side walk and walled garden, though the old hall isn't open to visitors.

  

It's a while since I've been, and during that time the city council have been trying to decide what exactly to do with a country estate which has become a bit of a financial liability. Perhaps as a result, a lot of it has become run down - the walls of the walled garden are in desperate need of repair, there are weeds among the flowers, paths seem worse for wear. 

It's still quite good for a local walk though. The roses still flower and perfume the air in the sensory garden. 

   

By the lake we saw cygnets who didn't seem at all perturbed by us walking close by.

The old fake ruins still give glimpses across the water.

During the pandemic lockdowns the park was rumoured to be crowded as people looked for places to go, but now it's back to its normal quieter self (though if you're looking for peacefulness I'd still advise avoiding sunny weekends and school holidays).