Attractions and Places To See around Woodborough - Top 20

Woodborough itself boasts St. Swithun's Church, a Grade II* listed parish church dating back to the 12th century, and Woodborough Hall, a remodeled Victorian building that now serves as a restaurant. You can also explore numerous 18th and 19th-century framework knitters' cottages. Nearby, visit Newstead Abbey, a historical site that was once a priory and later home to Lord Byron, featuring magnificent settings and curated gardens. Another significant site is St Michael's Church, Linby, a 12th-century church in a charming village, and Southwell Minster, one of the smallest cathedrals in the country, noted for its architectural significance.

Yes, Woodborough offers several natural attractions. To the north, you can find the Fox Wood Earthworks, an early Iron Age hillfort. Ploughman Wood is an ancient woodland covering over 32 hectares, known for its wildlife and a carpet of bluebells in spring. Additionally, Governor's Field provides a small park setting within the village.

The area around Woodborough is great for outdoor activities. You can find various cycling and hiking routes. For road cycling, explore routes like the 'Smooth Tarmac Road – Picnic Spot by the River Trent loop' or 'Oxton Bank Climb – Greaves Lane loop'. Touring cyclists might enjoy the 'Horseshoe Building – Dover Beck Bridge loop'. For hikers, there are easy trails such as the 'Ploughman Wood loop' or 'Cross Keys Pub loop'. Mountain biking enthusiasts can check out Watchwood Berms MTB Trail for fun trails with berms and optional jumps. You can find more details on these activities in the dedicated guides for Road Cycling, Cycling, and Easy Hikes around Woodborough.

Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Newstead Abbey, with its extensive grounds and Japanese water garden, offers plenty of space for children to explore. Southwell Minster is also considered family-friendly, offering an educational experience. The natural woodlands like Ploughman Wood provide opportunities for easy walks and wildlife spotting, which can be enjoyable for all ages.

Spring is particularly beautiful, especially in Ploughman Wood when it is carpeted with bluebells. The curated gardens of Newstead Abbey are also vibrant during spring and summer. For general exploration of historical sites and walks, the milder weather of spring, summer, and early autumn is ideal.

Woodborough has a rich history tied to the framework knitting industry. Many 18th and 19th-century framework knitters' cottages, identifiable by their large windows, still stand in the village. The village is also reputed to be the birthplace of William Lee, the inventor of the stocking frame knitting machine, highlighting its important role in this historical industry. You can learn more about the village's history on the Woodborough Heritage website.

Yes, for cyclists looking for a challenge, Oxton Bank Climb is a notable highlight. It's described as the biggest hill on this side of Nottinghamshire, offering a long, slow drag from Southwell or a punchy, steep ramp from Oxton with a 12% gradient. The views from the top are considered worth the effort.

Woodborough village itself is home to The Four Bells Inn, a pub rebuilt in the Arts and Crafts style in 1927. Woodborough Hall also serves as a restaurant. For those exploring nearby, the village of Linby, home to St Michael's Church, has a charming atmosphere that may offer local establishments.

Ploughman Wood, an ancient woodland, offers an excellent habitat for various wildlife. While specific species are not detailed, ancient woodlands typically support a diverse range of birds, small mammals, and insects. In spring, the wood is particularly known for its bluebells, adding to the natural beauty.

Beyond the main church and hall, Woodborough boasts numerous other Grade II listed buildings. These include a former racehorse stable, various houses, cottages, and even a K6 telephone box, a water pump, and a pigeoncote with adjoining stables. Hall Farm House, built of brick in 1710, is another imposing structure with historical ties to the Woodborough Hall estate.

Many of the easy hikes around Woodborough are relatively short, making them accessible for various fitness levels. For example, the 'Ploughman Wood loop from Woodborough' is approximately 5 km (3.1 miles), and the 'Cross Keys Pub loop from Woodborough' is around 5.2 km (3.2 miles). These offer pleasant ways to explore the local scenery without requiring a full day's commitment. You can find more details on these and other routes in the Easy Hikes around Woodborough guide.