Although not officially opened as a public park until 1929, Hexthorpe Flatts was a popular recreational spot from the early 20th century with a tea house and bandstand. It contains 'The Dell', a former quarry which was laid out in 1928/29 and is noted on the English Heritage Register Of Parks and Gardens. The area was extensively quarried before this, with references recorded from at least 1568. Prior to this the riverine location probably meant the area was utilised as pasture or meadows. Legibility of the former character is partial.