The best running trails around Stanley And Stanley Common

One of England’s smallest and most unique parish churches, measuring just 25 by 26 feet. Dating back to the mid-12th century, it is literally semi-detached, sharing a roof and a wall with a private, historic farmhouse. Originally functioning as the infirmary chapel for the neighboring, now-ruined medieval abbey, the adjoining house was later used as a pub called the "Blue Bell Inn". Legend has it the vicar used to change in the pub's bar and nip through a gallery door to preach. Despite its size, the interior houses well-preserved, late 13th-century wall paintings depicting the Annunciation, Visitation, and Nativity. The chapel is packed with historic character, including a prominent 1634 pulpit placed behind the altar, tiered gallery seating, and 17th-century box pews. The surrounding village and abbey ruins are famously known in folklore as the site where Allan-a-Dale married his sweetheart in the Robin Hood legend.

A scenic, peaceful, and popular, privately-owned, man-made lake situated within the historic Locko Park estate. It is surrounded by lush green parkland, making it ideal for quiet walks, picnicking, and wildlife watching.

Ownership of the estate and surrounding area is recorded back as early as the Doomsday book of 1086, when the land is recorded as belonging to a Saxon called Stori. Following the Norman Conquest, the Manor of Spondon was one of 210 manors awarded to Baron Henri de Ferriers, a Norman companion of William the Conqueror, for his bravery and support during the Battle of Hastings. In 1180, descendant William de Ferriers gave the land to the Burton Lazars of Leicestershire, an order of St. Lazarus monks dedicated to the care and nursing of lepers. The monks founded a leper hospital on the Locko Estate to the rear of the existing Locko Hall building. Indeed, the name Locko derives from the hospital, coming from the old French word 'loques', meaning rags.

Really lovely every time we have been staff have been wonderful, food is lovely and the venue itself is very well planned out for seating, especially like the hooks outside for your dog to be attached to rather than worrying your dog is going to take the table with them when a squirrel catches their eye 😆

A fantastically beautiful water landscape

This Grade II listed lodge house was built in 1861 for the Miller-Mundys of Shipley Hall. Red brick with yellow brick and blue brick bands, also with stone band at sill level on ground floor and stone dressings, now painted. Steeply pitched red plain tile roof.

Really nice food and staff

Locko Hall is a privately owned 18th century grade II listed mansion. The chapel, built in 1669 is the oldest part of the house. Substantial additions were made to the house in the 19th century. The majority of the garden and parkland design was completed in the late 1700s.