Melbourne Hall and Pool Walk - Derbyshire
This circular walk explores the area to the south of the Derbyshire town of Mlebourne. It's a very pretty area with parkland and the popular Melbourne Pool to see.
Start the walk at the southern fringes of the town where you can pick up a public footpath heading around the pool. You can also branch off to the east to visit Chestnut Park near Wilson.
These paths are free to access but for a fee you can explore the adjacent Melbourne Hall. The gardens here are certainly noteworthy with broad sweeps of lawn, avenues and fine vistas. It's regarded as one of the best known historic gardens in the country and the best surviving early 18th century English garden in the manner of Le Notre. The gardens surround the Georgian hall which is notable as the former home of prime minister Lord Melbourne. His name was then given to the city of Melbourne, Australia.
It's easy to extend the walk if you have time. Staunton Harold Reservoir is located just a few metres south west of the pool. There's a super walking trail here and an excellent cafe for refreshments. The National Trust's beautiful Calke Abbey and the expansive Foremark Reservoir are also nearby.
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Melbourne Hall and Pool Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Melbourne Hall and Pool Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Melbourne Hall and Pool OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Melbourne Hall and Pool Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
Just over a mile north of the town you can pick up the Trent and Mersey Canal near Weston-on-Trent. There's some nice easy cycling and walking along the towpath here.
Just to the south east of the town you'll find the noteworthy little village of Breedon on the Hill. Here you can try the circular Breedon Hill Walk which climbs to the village's limestone hill. Here you'll find a fascinating ancient church and an Iron Age Hillfort. You can also visit a splendid 16th century village pub after your exercise.
Just to the north east there's the interesting market town of Castle Donington to explore. Here you can visit Donington Park which is famously used as a motor racing track and is also the venue for the Download Music Festival.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Derbyshire Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
The Pool, Melbourne, Derbyshire. A popular spot in the summer, the Pool was frozen when this picture was taken. The seagulls in the distance are standing on the ice.
Melbourne Hall was originally the rectory house for the Bishops of Carlisle. It was substantially rebuilt by Thomas and George Coke in the early 18th century. The first Coke to live in Melbourne was Sir John Coke, Secretary of State to King Charles 1. He rebuilt the medieval house in 1629-31. Some of his work still remains. Lord Melbourne, Prime Minister to Queen Victoria, inherited the house and estate in 1828. His name was given to Melbourne, Australia.
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Courtyard at Melbourne Hall
The hall was the seat of William Lamb, 2nd Viscount Melbourne, after whom the more famous Melbourne in Australia was named.
Garden at Melbourne Hall. View over the lake towards the Birdcage.
Visitors Centre Melbourne Hall. Entrance gates to the visitors centre shops and workshops.
Wall and Hedge, Melbourne Hall. This shows the incredibly dense foliage on the hedge at Melbourne Hall
The Lamb Inn, High Street, Melbourne The Inn sign shows a picture of Viscount Melbourne. William Lamb, 2nd Viscount Melbourne, who resided at Melbourne Hall. He was Prime Minister of the United Kingdom briefly in 1834 and again from 1835 to 1841.