Attractions and Places To See around Kimberley - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Kimberley include a variety of historical sites, natural landscapes, and cultural points of interest. The region offers opportunities to explore ancient ruins, tranquil reservoirs, and significant historical buildings. Visitors can find a blend of natural beauty and historical depth, making it suitable for various outdoor activities and explorations.
Best attractions and places to see around Kimberley
- The most popular attractions is Newstead Abbey, a historical site that was once a prosperous priory and later home to Lord Byron. It features beautifully curated gardens, including a Japanese water garden, and is open to visitors.
- Another must-see spot is Hermitage Cave (Hermit's Wood, Derby), an intriguing cave carved by a local baker. This historical site is located within Hermit's Wood and was once a place of solitary prayer, with a small chapel built nearby.
- Visitors also love Dale Abbey Arch, the remaining arch of a former Premonstratensian abbey. This man-made monument stands in the village of Dale Abbey, serving as a reminder of the abbey's historical grandeur.
- Kimberley is known for its historical sites, natural features like reservoirs, and unique cultural points. The area provides a diverse range of attractions to see and explore, from ancient ruins to peaceful natural settings.
- The attractions around Kimberley are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 310 upvotes and 81 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Hermitage Cave (Hermit's Wood, Derby)
Highlight • Forest
In around 1130, he was led to this spot after a vision of the Virgin Mary. She told him to come to this spot and live a life of solitary prayer. Later, he also built a small chapel on the site, one of the smallest churches in England.
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Dale Abbey Arch
Highlight • Religious Site
Today, the magnificent arch of the east window is a dramatic sight. It is a poignant reminder of the faded grandeur of the monasteries.
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Mapperley Reservoir
Highlight • Lake
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Nutbrook Coffee Shop
Highlight • Cafe
Open Fri: 9:30 - 14:30.
Sat & Sun: 9:00 - 16:00.
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Newstead Abbey
Highlight • Historical Site
Back in medieval times, outlaws would often target the shipments coming in and out of the priory. Royalty were no strangers to the place either, with both King Richard I and King John using it as a base when hunting in Sherwood.
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Tips from the Community
Always worth a visit to Newstead Abbey it's a beautiful building with wonderful gardens to wonder around and get lost in the beauty
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Newstead Abbey, located in Nottinghamshire, England, originally served as an Augustinian priory. After the Dissolution of the Monasteries, it was converted into a private residence. Today, it is most renowned as the ancestral home of Lord Byron. The priory of St. Mary of Newstead, established by King Henry II of England around 1170, was a house for Augustinian Canons. Despite its present name, Newstead was never an abbey but rather a priory.
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Nice cafe with friendly staff. Good mid walk stops while exploring the local reservoirs and Shipley Country Park. Open Fri: 9:30 - 14:30. Sat & Sun: 9:00 - 16:00.
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The Mapperley Reservoir is a very large fresh water lake that spans 17-18 acres and includes a nature reserve that spans 2 acres. The venue, surrounded by trees and situated in a very nice setting, is a nice place to fish throughout the year.
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"The wood contains the Hermitage which was made around 1130 AD by a Derby Baker called Cornelius who had a vision to worhip God here at Deepdale, as the area was formely known."
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Newstead Abbey was a 12th centaury monastery. Over the years it became home to Romantic Poet Lord Byron. The abbey and the grounds are open to visitors.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore around Kimberley?
The region around Kimberley is rich in history. You can visit Newstead Abbey, a former priory and home to Lord Byron, featuring beautiful gardens. Another intriguing spot is Hermitage Cave (Hermit's Wood, Derby), a cave carved by a local baker for solitary prayer. Don't miss the Dale Abbey Arch, the impressive remaining arch of a 13th-century Premonstratensian abbey.
Are there any family-friendly attractions near Kimberley?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Newstead Abbey offers extensive grounds and gardens to explore. The Dale Abbey Arch is part of an easy, interesting hike for all abilities. For nature lovers, Mapperley Reservoir is a peaceful spot surrounded by woodlands, perfect for wildlife spotting.
Where can I enjoy nature and wildlife spotting around Kimberley?
For nature enthusiasts, Mapperley Reservoir is an excellent choice. It's a peaceful body of water surrounded by bluebell woodlands and rolling farmland, offering great opportunities for bird watching. Keep an eye out for coot, moorhen, mallard, kingfisher, and listen for chiffchaffs, willow warblers, and blackcaps in summer.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Kimberley's attractions?
The area around Kimberley is great for outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including several easy hikes. For cyclists, there are dedicated road cycling routes and gravel biking trails to explore the countryside.
Are there hiking trails suitable for all abilities near Kimberley?
Yes, there are many hiking options. For example, the area around Dale Abbey Arch offers easy and interesting hikes. You can also find a variety of easy hikes around Kimberley, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Where can I find a coffee shop or a place to rest during my visit?
The Nutbrook Coffee Shop is a great spot for a mid-walk stop, especially if you're exploring the local reservoirs and Shipley Country Park. It's known for its friendly staff, good selection of cakes, and outdoor seating, and is located right next to Sustrans Route 67.
What is the significance of Hermitage Cave?
The Hermitage Cave in Hermit's Wood, Derby, is an intriguing historical site. It was carved by a local baker named Cornelius around 1130, who was inspired by a vision to live a life of solitary prayer. He later built a small chapel nearby, making it a place of significant religious history.
Can I cycle to attractions around Kimberley?
Absolutely! Many areas around Kimberley are cycle-friendly. The Nutbrook Coffee Shop, for instance, is only accessible by walking or cycling and is conveniently located next to Sustrans Route 67. You can find various road cycling routes and gravel biking trails that connect different points of interest.
What makes Newstead Abbey a notable attraction?
Newstead Abbey is notable for its rich history, having been a prosperous priory in medieval times and later the ancestral home of the Romantic poet Lord Byron. It features magnificent architecture and beautifully curated gardens, including a unique Japanese water garden, offering a blend of historical and natural beauty.
What are some unique historical facts about the attractions in the Kimberley area?
The area boasts several unique historical facts. Hermitage Cave was carved by a baker in the 12th century for solitary prayer. Newstead Abbey was frequented by royalty like King Richard I and King John for hunting, and later became Lord Byron's home. The Dale Abbey Arch is the last standing remnant of a significant 13th-century abbey, with parts of the old abbey even built into nearby houses.
Are there any viewpoints or scenic spots around Kimberley?
Yes, the Dale Abbey Arch itself offers a scenic viewpoint within the pleasant village of Dale Abbey. Additionally, the areas around Mapperley Reservoir provide picturesque views of bluebell woodlands and rolling farmland, ideal for enjoying the natural landscape.
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