Best attractions and places to see around Bunny, Nottinghamshire, include a mix of historical landmarks, natural reserves, and scenic waterways. This charming village, with its pre-Norman history and Roman presence, offers a rich blend of cultural and natural points of interest. Visitors can explore ancient woodlands, picturesque rolling countryside, and significant architectural sites. The area provides diverse opportunities for outdoor activities and historical exploration.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
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just a short detour off the route but worth the stop. quite stunning - and very noisy 😁
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A lovely place for a gentle cycle or stroll. It's a popular spot!
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Love this place. On both sides! Beeston side offers a café on the lock (+ Marina Club a little further down). Clifton side offers beautiful woodlands nearby.
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Djanogly Gallery in the Lakeside Arts Centre
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The present day church consists of a medieval chancel with north vestry (now housing an organ) and south wall chancel door, clerestoried nave, north and south aisles, south porch, west tower and spire, and west-end vestries and galilee added in the 20th century. It is set within a conventional churchyard that is walled and gated on Church Lane (north side). A chapel is said to have existed on the banks of the River Trent at Attenborough n 964 AD and was overbuilt with the stone chancel of the present day church.
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Highfields Park was part of an estate built and landscaped in the late 18th and early 19th century. In 1920 Sir J Boot bought the estate and used it as the site of the East Midlands University (now Nottingham University). Highfileds House became part of the university and is currently used as a staff annexe. The landscape was re-modelled to suit the setting, with the joining of the fishing pond and small boating lake to become the larger lake we see today. The public can walk around Highfields Park. The circuit of the lake is a nice, gentle walk within the city.
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Bunny is rich in history. You can visit Bunny Hall, a Grade I listed country house with an 80-foot-high tower, and St Mary's Church, often called the 'Cathedral of the Wolds,' which is also Grade I listed and features a 14th-century oak screen. Additionally, several historic buildings in the village, such as The Old Vicarage and the Rancliffe Arms public house, were designed by Sir Thomas Parkyns in the early 1700s.
Sir Thomas Parkyns, known as the 'Wrestling Baronet,' was a prominent figure in Bunny. He extensively rebuilt Bunny Hall in 1720 and was responsible for designing and constructing numerous other historic buildings in the village. His passion for wrestling is immortalized in his monument within St Mary's Church, and he organized annual wrestling matches in Bunny Park until 1810.
For nature lovers, Bunny Old Wood Nature Reserve is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and an ancient woodland mentioned in the Domesday Book. It offers walking trails and is home to diverse wildlife and a carpet of bluebells in spring. Another excellent option is Attenborough Nature Reserve, known for bird-watching and tranquil river paths.
Yes, you can enjoy pleasant paths along Bunny Brook, which allows you to explore the surrounding countryside and open fields. For more extensive waterway exploration, Trent Lock marks a significant canal junction where the River Soar, Erewash Canal, and River Trent meet, offering scenic views and a pub/cafe. Beeston Lock on the River Trent is another popular spot for boats with a riverside cafe.
The rolling countryside around Bunny is ideal for outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for hiking and cycling. For detailed routes, explore the hiking guides around Bunny or the cycling guides around Bunny. These include easy to moderate trails through woodlands, along brooks, and across farmland.
Yes, there are several easy walking options. The Bunny Old Wood Nature Reserve has walking trails suitable for a gentle stroll. Additionally, the paths along Bunny Brook offer easy routes through the countryside. For specific easy hiking routes, you can check the hiking guide for Bunny, which includes routes like the 'Old Wood Loop near Bunny' which is rated easy.
Many attractions around Bunny are suitable for families. Attenborough Nature Reserve is a great spot for bird-watching and gentle walks. The canal junctions like Trent Lock and Beeston Lock offer interesting views of boats and have cafes. Highfields Lake, University Park also offers a pleasant walk around the lake with a cafe, and you can even hire rowing boats in spring and summer.
Bunny is charming year-round, but spring is particularly beautiful when the Bunny Old Wood Nature Reserve is carpeted with bluebells. The warmer months are ideal for enjoying walks along Bunny Brook and exploring the rolling countryside. For specific events or opening hours of historical sites, it's always best to check directly with the venues.
Yes, you'll find options for refreshments. Trent Lock has a pub and cafe, making it ideal for a break. Similarly, Beeston Lock features a riverside cafe and bar. At Highfields Lake, University Park, there's a lakeside cafe and arts centre, perfect for a coffee with a view.
Visitors frequently appreciate the tranquil river paths and bird-watching opportunities at Attenborough Nature Reserve. The scenic views and the presence of pubs and cafes at canal junctions like Trent Lock and Beeston Lock are also highly rated. The gentle walks and historical significance of the area, particularly around the Bunny Conservation Area, are also popular.
While Bunny's most prominent history is medieval and 18th-century, the area does have a history stretching back to Roman times. Discoveries of Roman artifacts and a Roman well indicate early settlement, suggesting a Roman presence, though no major Roman ruins are publicly accessible as specific attractions.
Many of the natural areas around Bunny are suitable for dog walking. The paths along Bunny Brook and through the Bunny Old Wood Nature Reserve offer pleasant routes for you and your dog. When visiting nature reserves, always ensure dogs are kept on leads and follow any local signage regarding pet access.


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