This superb District Council park in the heart of Matlock dates back to 1911. In 2025 Hall Leys Park gained its 18th consecutive Green Flag award from the Keep Britain Tidy Group, making it officially one of the best parks in the whole of the UK.
With well-surfaced paths, plenty of benches, good lighting and clear open spaces, the park is a regular venue for major events, competitions and festivals. There's also a popular café with indoor and outdoor seating.
Facilities and Features
- Cafe
- Children's play area
- Interactive splash pad – open daily 10.30am – 5.30pm until seasonal closure on Monday 29th September
- Boating lake
- Minature railway
- Bowling Green
- Skateboard park
- Tennis courts (To book)
- Multi-use games area
- Outdoor market (Wednesdays)
- Toilets
- Ice cream vans
- Bandstand
- Clock Tower
* Some of the above facilities are not available during the winter months
Location
There are numerous entrances to the park from Causeway Lane (A615) and opposite the roundabout on the Snitterton Road (A6) interchange with Causeway Lane (A615). There is a convenient entrance to the park via a bridge across the River Derwent from Olde Derwent Avenue.
Address - Causeway Lane, Matlock, DE4 3SX
Car parking
There are several car parks in Matlock town centre. There nearest car park to Hall Leys Park is Olde Englishe, off Dale Road.
Accessibility Information
Hall Leys Park is an accessible open space, with wide level paths and plenty of benches throughout the park. The entrances from Crown Square, Causeway Lane, Old Englishe car park and Knowleston Place have gentle gradients or ramps. Assess to the café is either by 3 wide steps with a rail or a ramp.
Toilets
There are 2 toilet blocks in Hall Leys Park. The main toilets are by the entrance from Causeway Lane. There are a separate accessible toilet and baby changing toilet, open 8.30am-5.30pm. The other toilets are within the children’s play area and the other end of the park, with shared accessible and baby changing toilet. There is a 20p charge for all toilets.
Car parking
The nearest car park is the Old Englishe car park, off Dale Road. There are two disabled parking bays and even path with a gentle gradient down to the bridge, and across into the park. Other nearby car parks, include by the bus & train station and there two on Imperial Road, all have disabled parking bays.
Play area
The play area has some accessible play equipment and a splash pad (open April to September)
History
- The Haw Lees (as the area was then called) was originally two fields on the east bank of the River Derwent lying between Matlock Bridge and Matlock Green through which ran a long established footpath linking the two settlements.
- This strip of land was acquired by Matlock Urban District Council from Henry Knowles in 1898 and the 'Broadwalk' was formed along the route of this riverside footpath.
- In 1908 the remainder of the two fields, (one of which was still in use as Matlock's football pitch) was purchased from Mr Perry of Manchester for £3,750. Local architect John Nuttall provided a design for the park, and Hall Leys Park was officially opened on 23 June 1911 to celebrate the Coronation of King George V.
- Derbyshire Dales District Council's Hall Leys Park in Matlock is officially one of the best UK parks. The Matlock park was again recognised as one of the country's best green spaces this year with an 11th consecutive Green Flag Award in July 2018.
- Green Flag Awards recognise and reward the best parks in the country and Hall Leys Park stood out after impressing the judges with its excellent use of green space, well-maintained facilities and high standard of safety and security.
FAQs
Is metal detecting allowed in Derbyshire Dales Parks?
No, metal detecting is not allowed on our parks
Is flying drones allowed in Derbyshire Dales Parks?
No, flying drones is not allowed on our parks
Is Geocaching allowed on Derbyshire Dales Parks?
Yes - please follow the guideline on the Geocaching website. Please respect the park and other users
Are BBQs allowed in Derbyshire Dales Parks?
We do not allow the use of barbecues in our parks as they can damage the grass and remain hot for a considerable time after use. If left unattended, they can be a hazard to other park users and to the wildlife. Please respect your parks.
How can I get involved?
We are always keen to hear from local people who want to get involved in their park or become part of a friends group, please email
