The estate was purchased by the Drury-Lowe family in 1747 and has remained in the same lineage for over 275 years.
The private chapel on-site contains rare 17th-century wood carvings and is considered one of the best-preserved family chapels in the region.
William Emes, the landscape designer, famously incorporated the estate’s natural valley topography to create the illusion of a much larger, uninterrupted vista.
Locko Park’s name is derived from a 13th-century hospital for lepers known as the 'Lazar House' or 'Locko,' which once occupied the site.
Locko Park is a privately owned Grade II* listed Palladian-style country house and estate located between Derby and Nottingham. The current structure incorporates 18th-century work by architects Joseph Rykwert and William Richardson, following the earlier Tudor foundations. The grounds feature an extensive parkland landscape originally designed by William Emes, a follower of Capability Brown. A prominent serpentine lake serves as the central water feature of the estate. The estate remains a private family residence for the Drury-Lowe family, who have held the land since the 18th century. Much of the site is managed as a working agricultural and sporting estate rather than a public municipal park. Access to the grounds and house is strictly regulated and typically restricted to pre-booked guided tours or private event hire. The estate includes a private chapel dating back to the medieval period, significantly restored in the 17th century.
The elevated vantage point overlooking the serpentine lake and the main house facade.
Check the official website well in advance, as the park is not open for general public wandering.
If attending a pre-booked tour, ensure you arrive exactly at the designated time, as the gate remains locked for security.
Wear comfortable, water-resistant footwear, as the terrain consists of unpaved parkland and grassy areas that can become muddy.
Attempting to enter the estate grounds without a pre-booked appointment, as it is a private residence with restricted access.
Open only for specific pre-booked guided tours and private events; closed to the general public during winter months.
Strictly follow paths during guided tours; do not wander toward the private residence areas; refrain from photography inside the house unless explicitly permitted by the guide.
