Miller Park is the smaller and more formal of Preston’s two city centre parks. It lies on the banks of the River Ribble, between Avenham Park and Preston Train Station.
Derby Walk runs along the northern edge of the park. At its centre stands a large statue of the Edward Smith-Stanley, the 14th Earl of Derby, Member of Parliament for Preston (1826 – 1830) and three times Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
The centrepiece of the park is a magnificent Victorian fountain. Its base features figures representing earth, air, water, and fire. When it opened it reputedly produced a jet of water that shot more than sixty feet into the air. Today’s display is much more modest.
The West Grotto and East Grotto are at opposite ends of the park. Both are rockwork features and secluded retreats. The West Grotto boasts a small waterfall.
There’s no playground or café at Miller Park. These facilities can be found at Avenham Park.
Avenham Park is immediately east of Miller Park. It can be accessed from the northern end of the park by walking along Derby Walk and passing under the Ivy Bridge. From the southern end, walk along Riverside Walk and through the East Lancashire Railway Viaduct.
The park has several entrances but many choose to access it via Avenham Park’s Ribblesdale Place entrance. Another entrance is at the south-eastern corner of the park on South Meadow Lane. There’s also a free, but very small, car park here (postcode PR1 8JP).
