The Whitworth Park (& adjoining Institute) are named after Sir Joseph Whitworth, a wealthy Victorian industrial magnate who lived at Stancliffe Hall in Darley Dale from 1872 until his death in 1887. The Joseph Whitworth Centre, as it is now collectively known, originally opened in 1890. In 2003, it received a £1M makeover courtesy of a Heritage Lottery Grant & the foresight of the Whitworth Trustees.
The Whitworth Centre is a magnificent grade two listed Victorian-gothic building that hosts a range of sporting, cultural & social events throughout the year. The Park consists of over ten acres of landscaped grounds with pleasant walks along tree-lined avenues, as well as a shallow lake including water features & an ornamental rustic wooden bridge. There are an abundance of rare & mature trees which stand beside the pathways throughout the park.
The park provides facilities for a range of sporting activities with football & cricket pitches, a bowling green & croquet lawn as well as a purpose-built skateboard arena. The children’s play area combines a series of wood sculptures with themed play equipment, whilst the wood-carving talents of artist Andrew Frost can be seen throughout the park.
BlLbo & I often visit this park as it is near to his Grandma's house. This cache is our first hide & was inspired by our very first find in Pilsley, Chatsworth. Hopefully you will enjoy searching for it in these lovely surroundings.
Congratulations to digweed for FTF!