from Derby city centre
Sitting on the banks of the River Derwent, Darley Abbey offers a quiet village setting, lush green parklands and a range of charming properties to choose from. And, all the attractions of a modern city are just a stone’s throw away.
Darley Abbey is arguably Derby’s most charming suburb. At its heart is a collection of gorgeous brick cottages dating back to the 1790s, originally constructed for the people working in the mills on the Derwent.
They constitute some of the most desirable properties in Derby today, and are surrounded by more modern homes, many of which have been built in sympathy with these 18th century gems. The village takes its name from an Augustinian abbey that stood at the site from around 1160 until 1538. The Abbey Pub in the heart of the leafy village is one of the last remaining monastic buildings and still serves ale some 800 years later.
Local amenities
Darley Abbey offers residents a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of Derby city centre, which is just a mile-and-a-half away and has everything from art galleries and cinemas to restaurants, bars, shopping and the main supermarkets.
Part of the village is in the catchment area for the highly rated Ecclesbourne School, and Darley Abbey is also served by a good set of primary schools and the Saint Benedict Catholic Voluntary Academy.
Via Derby, there are excellent rail, bus and road links to the Midlands, the North West, Sheffield, Leeds and London.
Area highlights
Darley Park and the old red-brick mill buildings are two key ingredients giving Darley Abbey its sublime character. The park features a variety of gardens and wildlife areas and boasts the largest collection of hydrangeas in Britain.
Darley Park Tearooms provides views across to Derby Cathedral, and in the summer the park hosts an annual rowboat regatta on the Derwent. Nearby, the old mill structures now house a range of small businesses as well as restaurants and cafés, and form part of the Darley Abbey Heritage Trail. With its mature trees, wonderful park, historic homes and the mills, much of Darley Abbey lies in a conservation area, protecting its heritage and beauty for centuries to come.
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