Attractions and Places To See around Basford - Top 20

Basford offers a rich history with several notable sites. You can visit the Church of St. Leodegarius, a 12th-century parish church in Old Basford, known for its Gothic doorway and unique dedication. Nearby, Basford House, built around 1700, holds literary significance. Further afield, you can discover the John Wedgwood Monument, Bignall Hill, a Grade II listed obelisk offering sweeping 360-degree views, and the Sandbach Saxon Crosses, elaborately carved 9th-century stone crosses.

Yes, Basford is close to natural features and offers tranquil outdoor spaces. The area is historically linked to the River Leen, a tributary of the River Trent. You can also visit Winterley Pool, a picturesque lake popular with anglers and nature enthusiasts, home to a resident flock of mute swans. The eastern parts of Basford parish rise towards the Mapperley Hills, offering scenic views.

Several attractions around Basford are suitable for families. Winterley Pool is a great spot for a relaxing visit with wildlife. The Salt Line Trail Entrance leads to a path that is fabulous for families, running through farmland and woodlands. Additionally, the Nantwich Aqueduct and Sandbach Saxon Crosses are historical sites that can be interesting for all ages.

Yes, the Salt Line Trail Entrance provides access to a trail that is marked as wheelchair accessible. This trail runs through diverse landscapes, offering an enjoyable experience for those with prams or wheelchairs.

Yes, the John Wedgwood Monument, Bignall Hill is a dog-friendly historical site where you can enjoy the monument and the surrounding views with your canine companion. The Salt Line Trail is also generally suitable for walks with dogs, though cyclists are asked to dismount in parts due to rabbit burrows.

Basford is a great base for outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking routes, including easy loops like the 'Wybunbury Moss – Wybunbury Tower loop' (2.6 km) or more moderate options like the 'Wesleyan Methodist Church – Wybunbury Tower loop' (10.5 km). For cycling, there are gravel biking routes such as the 'Wheelock Rail Trail – Salt Line Trail Entrance loop' (26.1 km). Explore more options on the Hiking around Basford and Gravel biking around Basford guide pages.

For a unique historical monument with expansive views, visit the John Wedgwood Monument, Bignall Hill. This monument, dedicated to a former local employer, is the highest point in the area and offers sweeping 360-degree views across the Cheshire Plains, to Cannock Chase, Stoke-on-Trent, Mow Cop Castle, the Peak District, and even the mountains of North Wales and Snowdonia on a clear day.

The Church of St. Leodegarius is a significant historical landmark in Old Basford, dating back to the 12th century. It is one of only four churches in England dedicated to St. Leodegarius and retains many objects of interest, including a Gothic doorway, a low side window, a credence table, and a kissing stone. Its tower stands as a testament to its enduring legacy, despite parts being restored in the 1850s.

Yes, the Nantwich Aqueduct is a remarkable engineering marvel. This Grade II listed bridge, completed in 1828 by Thomas Telford, gracefully carries the Shropshire Union Canal and is considered a masterpiece of its time. It's often referred to as the 'Gateway to Nantwich' and underwent significant restoration in 2015.

Visitors appreciate the blend of historical interest and natural beauty. The tranquil setting of Winterley Pool is loved by nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers. The John Wedgwood Monument is highly rated for its fantastic 360-degree views. The Salt Line Trail is praised for its natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and suitability for families and hikers.

Absolutely. Winterley Pool is an excellent spot for wildlife, particularly known for its resident flock of mute swans and other birdlife. The Salt Line Trail also offers opportunities to observe wildlife, with areas managed as wildflower meadows and sightings of Bullfinches and Yellowhammers.

Basford House, originally known as Manor House, is a historic red-bricked building near St. Leodegarius Church, built around 1700. It gained literary significance as the place where Thomas Bailey compiled his 'Annals of Nottinghamshire' and where his son, Philip James Bailey, wrote 'Festus,' a poem favored by Queen Victoria. A memorial plaque commemorating the 1832 Reform Act, erected by Thomas Bailey, is located in the old cemetery opposite the house.