River Gardens - Image 1

River Gardens

Belper, United Kingdom•4.5(1.9k)•Country Park, Heritage Site

Explore historic gardens and parkland offering free outdoor family activities in a scenic natural setting.

River Gardens is a heritage site combining historic interest with accessible outdoor spaces, making it an ideal destination for families seeking cultural and natural experiences. The venue welcomes visitors of all ages, from young children in pushchairs to adults interested in history and horticulture. As a dog-friendly location with free entry, River Gardens provides an inclusive environment where families can enjoy leisurely walks through landscaped grounds and historic parkland. The availability of food facilities on-site means families can spend extended time exploring without needing to leave the venue. The combination of heritage significance and open-air recreation makes River Gardens suitable for families with varying interests—whether visiting for educational purposes, outdoor play, picnicking, or simply enjoying green space with pets.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Opening Hours

Monday: 00:00 – 23:59
Tuesday: 00:00 – 23:59
Wednesday: 00:00 – 23:59
Thursday: 00:00 – 23:59
Friday: 00:00 – 23:59
Saturday: 00:00 – 23:59
Sunday: 00:00 – 23:59

Venue Details

Venue Type

Outdoor

Typical visit duration

1-3 hours

Booking

Contact venue for details

What this place offers

ToiletsToilets
Public transportPublic transport nearby
Accessible toilets
Free WiFi
Baby changingBaby changing facilities
Food available
On-site parking
🐕Dog-friendly
Parking nearby
Pushchair friendlyPushchair friendly

Google Reviews

4.5(1.9k reviews)
P
Paul Robinson

Paul Robinson

3 weeks ago

The river gardens are a well kept green space, due to work being carried out on the river, it's diverted away from the gardens. The gardens are dominated by the big Struts mill building next to it.

R
Richard

Richard

4 months ago

Spent a lovely couple of.hours here relaxing. It's not a big park and you can only really walk one side of it. It's very well kept and the imposing mill adds some history to the place with it's interesting features if you look closer. The cafe was lovely too. Drinks were so nice and they do hot food and cakes. Would recommend a visit to it. The waterfall for the mill is there and it is a sight to see. Old bridges old streets and just a quaint place to have a walk into belper after walking the park

I
Izzy

Izzy

5 months ago

Easy to park. Very accessible. Lots of Belper history here. Interest all year round as changes with the seasons. Friendly cafe.

G
Govind Srivastava

Govind Srivastava

7 months ago

A lovely river side tearoom with great views and kind service from Hayley. Great on a cold winter day drive up to Belper.

D
dimaresi

dimaresi

9 months ago

Beautiful place! So, so beautiful! The wildlife is breathtaking! I don’t know who takes care of the gardens, but they are very beautiful! I was surprised to read that it’s part of the UNESCO’s heritage list. The mill building is so impressive too! It still looks well, but it might be better looked after. I would love visiting it inside. I loved the children’s enclosure too. There are toilets, parking and a cosy coffee shop. Everything you could need for a great family day!

Reviews last updated: 29 September 2026

Events at River Gardens

No upcoming events scheduled

Check back soon for new events at this venue.

This venue was last updated on 28 September 2026

Frequently asked questions about River Gardens

Is River Gardens free to visit?

Entry to River Gardens is completely free — there are no admission charges, making it a great no-cost option for a family day out.

Is River Gardens dog-friendly?

Yes, dogs are welcome at River Gardens.

Is there parking at River Gardens?

River Gardens doesn't have parking — public transport is recommended.

Is there food at River Gardens?

Yes, food is available on site at River Gardens.

Is River Gardens pushchair-friendly?

Yes, River Gardens is pushchair, pram and buggy friendly — most areas are step-free so you can navigate easily with little ones in tow.

How long should we plan to spend at River Gardens?

Plan 1–3 hours for a visit to River Gardens.

How do I get to River Gardens by public transport?

River Gardens is well-served by public transport.
Kiddy Compass