Attractions and Places To See around Saxondale - Top 20

Saxondale offers several historical points of interest. You can visit the site of an ancient Anglo-Saxon fort and earthworks, visible from the A52, which provides a glimpse into the area's past. Another significant site is the former Saxondale Hospital Chapel, a Gothic Revival building from 1902, now home to the Catalyst Church. Additionally, a memorial marked by five mature trees commemorates a WWII bomber crash site near Saxondale Drive.

Yes, Upper Saxondale was developed on the former hospital grounds, retaining extensive semi-wooded areas and parkland with fine trees, including a 30-hectare conservation area. The village also features a recreation ground at its southernmost tip, offering public open space. For a more structured natural experience, consider visiting Netherfield Lagoons Nature Reserve, a local nature reserve with diverse wildlife and commanding views from its raised causeway.

Families can enjoy several attractions. Gunthorpe Riverside and The Unicorn Hotel is a charming village perfect for a snack by the river and taking photos. The Wilford Suspension Bridge offers a scenic pedestrian crossing over the River Trent, popular with walkers and cyclists. For active families, the National Water Sports Centre, Holme Pierrepont, provides a tarmac track for cycling and activities like white water rafting. Additionally, the Bingham Model Raceway in Saxondale is a unique spot for remote-controlled car enthusiasts.

You have a few options for refreshments. The Unicorn Hotel at Gunthorpe Riverside is a lovely spot for a snack. Caffe Velo Verde is a highly-rated, cycle-friendly cafe offering a variety of coffees, cakes, and breakfast sandwiches. In Upper Saxondale itself, the Sanctuary Restaurant and Bar, located in the original main block of the former hospital, is known as an upmarket food venue.

Yes, the area around Saxondale is excellent for cycling. You can find various routes for different types of cycling. For gravel biking, consider routes like the 'Grantham Canal Path – Holme Pierrepont Country Park loop from Rushcliffe'. If you prefer touring, options include the 'Scarrington Horse Shoe Stack – Bingham Butter Cross loop from Bingham'. Road cyclists can explore routes such as 'The Old Wharf – The Old Wharf loop from Bingham'. You can find more details and specific routes in the Gravel biking around Saxondale, Cycling around Saxondale, and Road Cycling Routes around Saxondale guides.

The semi-wooded grounds and conservation areas of Upper Saxondale support local wildlife. Notably, the rare flame brocade moth (Trigonophora flammea) has been spotted in the area. Netherfield Lagoons Nature Reserve is also a significant habitat, attracting waders, roosting gulls, terns, and various wildfowl, with smaller birds and warblers around the tank edges.

Saxondale is associated with several local ghost stories. Tales include Roman soldiers reportedly marching up Henson Lane. The grounds of the former Saxondale Hospital are also said to be haunted by the ghost of Lady Elinor Denison, adding a touch of intriguing folklore to the area's history.

Upper Saxondale offers several recreational amenities for residents and visitors. These include a recreation ground at the village's southernmost tip, providing open public space. For sports enthusiasts, there is a tennis club and an immaculately maintained bowling green.

The Millennium Walk is a designated pathway or trail within Upper Saxondale that contributes to the village's character and offers a pleasant route for walking and enjoying the local environment. It's part of the community's efforts to enhance public spaces.

While not directly in Saxondale, several significant attractions in Nottingham are a short distance away (approximately 10-11.5 km) and are often mentioned in guides for the broader Saxondale area. These include the historic Nottingham Castle, the Motorpoint Arena Nottingham for events, Wollaton Hall, Gardens and Deer Park, and the Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall for performances.

The best time to visit Saxondale for outdoor activities generally aligns with milder weather. Spring and summer offer pleasant conditions for exploring the semi-wooded grounds, cycling routes, and nature reserves like Netherfield Lagoons. Autumn also provides beautiful scenery for walks. Always check local weather forecasts before planning your visit.