Best attractions and places to see around Car Colston include a variety of historical sites, natural landscapes, and recreational facilities. Located in Nottinghamshire, the area features riverside villages and nature reserves, offering diverse outdoor experiences. Visitors can explore architectural landmarks and enjoy activities around lakes and waterways. The region presents many opportunities for discovery, with more than 20 notable spots.
Last updated: July 2, 2026
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The earliest church on the site is believed to have been founded in 627 by Paulinus, the first Archbishop of York, when he visited the area while baptising believers in the River Trent. The legend is commemorated in the Minster's baptistry window. In 956 King Eadwig gave land in Southwell to Oskytel, Archbishop of York, on which a minster church was established. The Domesday Book of 1086 recorded the Southwell manor in great detail. The Norman reconstruction of the church began in 1108, probably as a rebuilding of the Anglo-Saxon church, starting at the east end so that the high altar could be used as soon as possible and the Saxon building was dismantled as work progressed. Many stones from this earlier Anglo-Saxon church were reused in the construction. The church was originally attached to the Archbishop of York's Palace which stood next door and is now ruined.
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A Local Nature Reserve in Nottinghamshire The Netherfield Lagoons, Local Nature Reserve is situated on the Trent Valley Flood Plain in Nottinghamshire and has been partly used as a dump for coal slurry but with two remaining gravel ponds. The two slurry pits are separated by a raised causeway, which is elevated some 50 feet (15 m) above the pits, giving a commanding view of the area. The largest tank is virtually full but retains some water, with muddy edges attractive to waders and roosting gulls and terns. The smaller tank is mainly deep water, attracting good numbers of wildfowl, with smaller birds, especially warblers, feeding and breeding around the tank edges. The site consists roughly of three compartments, the Slurry Lagoon, the Deep Pit and the two Gravel Pits. (source: https://www.gedlingconservationtrust.org/netherfield-lagoons/)
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Bike parking, plenty of space, its surprising who you bump into when your sat refueling! Cakes and sausage sandwiches are great ( They do other things that look good but I'm a simple man) and I always enjoy the coffee.
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They provide lots of bike parking and can even supply locks should you forget yours. The food and drink is awesome too (their bacon rolls rock).
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Great food with a great setting, well worth a visit because I really can’t fault the place!
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Lovely location on the Trent. Lots of easy, flat, traffic-free roads around here. Regularly use this as a lunch stop on rides in the southern half of the Vale of Belvoir. There is an easy 30 mile loop to Newark and back, going through quiet lanes up one side of the Trent and back down the other. I have used the riverside Unicorn pub as an overnight base for cycle-touring in this area.
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Very nice village next to the Trent. Easily accessed by the cycle way. Suitable for all riders.
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Yes, several attractions around Car Colston are suitable for families. Gunthorpe Riverside and The Unicorn Hotel offers a charming village setting by the river. The National Water Sports Centre, Holme Pierrepont, features a flat, traffic-free tarmac track perfect for kids to cycle or walk. Additionally, Netherfield Lagoons Nature Reserve provides an opportunity to explore nature.
The most prominent historical site is Southwell Minster, a religious building with significant architectural and historical interest. It's one of the smallest cathedrals in the country, with origins dating back to 627 AD, and is well worth a visit for its rich history and architecture.
For nature lovers, Netherfield Lagoons Nature Reserve is a Local Nature Reserve situated on the Trent Valley Flood Plain, offering views of gravel ponds and diverse birdlife. Gunthorpe Riverside also provides a pleasant natural setting by the river, ideal for walks and enjoying the scenery.
The area around Car Colston offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for hiking, cycling, and mountain biking. For hiking, explore options like the 'Sunset View Over the Fields loop from Scarrington' or 'Woodland Path – St Peter's Church loop from Newton'. Cyclists can enjoy routes such as 'Scarrington Horse Shoe Stack – Bingham Butter Cross loop from Bingham'. Mountain biking trails include 'Wheels on Wheels Coffee Truck – Hillside Church loop from Burton Joyce'. You can find more details on these activities in the easy hikes, cycling, and MTB trails guides.
Yes, you can find welcoming spots for refreshments. Caffe Velo Verde is a highly-rated, cycle-friendly cafe offering a variety of coffees, cakes, and breakfast sandwiches, with both indoor and outdoor seating. The Unicorn Hotel at Gunthorpe Riverside is also a popular pub where you can stop for a snack or meal by the river.
Absolutely. The National Water Sports Centre, Holme Pierrepont, is a dedicated facility for water sports. Here you can engage in activities like white water rafting, and it's also a training ground for elite rowers and canoeists.
Visitors particularly appreciate the charm of places like Gunthorpe Riverside, noting its beautifully maintained village and scenic riverside setting. The architectural and historical significance of Southwell Minster is also highly valued. For outdoor enthusiasts, the flat, traffic-free tarmac track at the National Water Sports Centre is a big draw, especially for families and cyclists.
The best time to visit Car Colston attractions largely depends on your preferred activities. For outdoor pursuits like hiking, cycling, and enjoying nature reserves, the spring and summer months (April to September) offer the most pleasant weather. However, historical sites like Southwell Minster can be visited comfortably year-round.
The National Water Sports Centre, Holme Pierrepont, offers a tarmac track around its lake, which is flat and virtually traffic-free, making it suitable for various users, including those with prams or wheelchairs. It's a great place for a leisurely stroll or cycle in an accessible environment.
Netherfield Lagoons Nature Reserve could be considered a hidden gem. While known locally, it offers a unique natural experience with its diverse birdlife and tranquil setting on the Trent Valley Flood Plain, providing a peaceful escape from more bustling locations.
Yes, Car Colston is well-suited for cycling. There are various routes available, ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. Examples include the 'Scarrington Horse Shoe Stack – Bingham Butter Cross loop from Bingham' and the 'Grantham Canal Path – Cotgrave Country Park Lake loop from Bingham'. The National Water Sports Centre also has a flat, traffic-free tarmac track perfect for a leisurely ride. More cycling routes can be found in the Cycling around Car Colston guide.
Yes, you can find hiking trails for various difficulty levels around Car Colston. For easy walks, consider routes like the 'Sunset View Over the Fields loop from Scarrington' or the 'Woodland Path – St Peter's Church loop from Newton'. These trails are generally shorter and have gentler terrain. You can explore more options in the Easy hikes around Car Colston guide.


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