Best attractions and places to see around Bulcote include historical landmarks and natural features within a designated conservation area. This small village, historically a farming community, is situated near the River Trent and offers a glimpse into its past with structures dating back to the Domesday Book. Visitors can explore the village's protected environment and its proximity to the River Trent, known for bird sightings. Bulcote maintains its independent character while providing access to a variety of local points of…
Last updated: May 4, 2026
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The Domesday Book records a church and priest at Colwick in 1086. The church that now stands in ruins was largely built by Sir John Byron in the 16th Century but incorporates 14th and 15th Century sections from an earlier church. The building at that time probably had a spire not a plain tower. By 1912 the roof of the church was in a poor state. Although repairs made the building serviceable again for a few years, the condition of the church continued to deteriorate and by 1920 some of the services were being held in the Schoolrooms in wintertime and later in a newly built Parish Hall. From 1923 some marriages were conducted in the Parish Hall. In Mar 1924, the down-pipes were repaired and the walls pointed. The roof was again repaired but its condition continued to give concern and in 1933 the church was abandoned as dangerous. It was finally closed as being unsafe in March 1936, and in November 1936, the principal beam of the roof gave way.
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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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The now derelict St John the Baptist Church was built by Sir John Byron in the 16th century, incorporating 14th and 15th century sections from an earlier church. It was restored again in 1684 by Sir John Musters and was in use until the mid-1930s when it was no longer repaired, the nave roof collapsed and it was abandoned as dangerous and left to ruin. source: https://travellerj.com/2018/12/18/ruins-of-st-johns-church/
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Lovely beer garden behind the pub, nice for a summers drink
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Features now restored in the middle of the wood, including small gap-jumps with chicken line, flowing great (April 2022).
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Bulcote and its surroundings offer several historical sites. You can explore the impressive Southwell Minster, one of the smallest cathedrals in the country with significant architectural and historical ties. Another notable spot is Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem – The Oldest Inn in England, a pub steeped in history. Within Bulcote itself, the Grade 2 listed Holy Trinity Church, built in 1862, stands on a hill offering good views, and the Bulcote Model Farm, constructed between 1904 and 1905, features 24 Grade 2 listed barns.
Yes, Bulcote is situated within a designated conservation area, offering a picturesque environment. The River Trent flows nearby, and the stretch between Burton Joyce and Bulcote is known for bird sightings, including Whooper Swans. For a challenging climb with rewarding views, consider Oxton Bank Climb, which offers expansive vistas of the Nottinghamshire countryside.
The area around Bulcote is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find dedicated trails for mountain biking, such as the Watchwood Berms MTB Trail, which offers fun berms and optional jumps. For hiking, running, and road cycling, there are numerous routes that explore the local landscape and the River Trent. You can find more details on these activities in the hiking guide, running guide, and road cycling guide for Bulcote.
Several attractions around Bulcote are suitable for families. The village of Gunthorpe Riverside and The Unicorn Hotel is beautifully maintained with a pub and a pier, perfect for a stroll by the river. Southwell Minster is also considered family-friendly, offering an educational and historical experience. Additionally, the nearby outdoor routes for hiking and cycling provide opportunities for active family outings.
Bulcote itself is a small village, but amenities are available nearby. The Gunthorpe Riverside and The Unicorn Hotel features a pub by the river. You can also visit Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem – The Oldest Inn in England for a historic pub experience. The nearby village of Burton Joyce offers additional amenities, and Nottingham, just 7 miles away, provides a wider range of dining options.
You'll find a variety of walking routes near Bulcote, ranging from easy riverside strolls to more moderate trails. Popular options include the Gunthorpe Lock and Weir – Tom Browns Brasserie loop (5.7 km, easy) and the BJ's Fish Bar loop from Burton Joyce (4.2 km, easy). For longer walks, consider the Gunthorpe Lock and Weir – Railway Pit Lakes loop (15.1 km, moderate). These routes often follow the River Trent or explore the local countryside. More details can be found in the hiking guide for Bulcote.
Yes, Bulcote and its surrounding areas are popular for cycling. Road cyclists can enjoy routes like the The Old Forge – Picnic Spot by the River Trent loop from Burton Joyce (52 km, moderate) or the River Trent Embankment – Nottingham Station loop from Lowdham (54 km, moderate). For mountain biking enthusiasts, the Watchwood Berms MTB Trail offers a fun experience with berms and optional jumps. You can explore more cycling options in the road cycling guide for Bulcote.
Bulcote was designated as a conservation area in 1974 and extended in 1984 to include Bulcote Farm. This status helps protect the village's unique character, historical buildings, and natural environment, ensuring that its picturesque qualities and traditional layout are preserved for future generations. It highlights the area's importance for its architectural and historical interest.
While the main attractions are well-known, exploring the village's Old Main Road can offer a glimpse into its traditional layout and charm. The small village green, which hosts the Christmas tree during the festive season, is a focal point for local life. The Bulcote Model Farm, with its unique arrangement of Grade 2 listed barns, is also a fascinating, perhaps lesser-explored, historical site.
Visitors frequently praise the charm and historical significance of the area. For instance, Gunthorpe Riverside and The Unicorn Hotel is appreciated for being a beautifully maintained village with a lovely pier for photography. The Watchwood Berms MTB Trail is loved for its fun berms and opportunities to practice cornering. The historical depth of places like Southwell Minster and Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem also receives high acclaim for their unique stories and architecture.
Bulcote is located on the main A612 road between Southwell and Nottingham. While specific public transport details for every attraction might vary, local bus services typically connect Bulcote with nearby towns like Burton Joyce and the city of Nottingham. From Nottingham, you can access a wider network of public transport. It's advisable to check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information on routes and timings.


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