Attractions and Places To See around Bestwood Village - Top 20

Bestwood Village is surrounded by natural beauty, offering numerous walking trails. The expansive Bestwood Country Park is a highlight, with 650 acres of woodland, heathland, and grassland, including Mill Lakes. You can also explore Thieves Wood, known for its gravel trails and folklore ambience, and Harlow Wood, which offers many trails for walks and bike rides. For more detailed routes, you can find various running trails in the area on the Running Trails around Bestwood Village guide.

Bestwood Village has a rich industrial and royal history. Key historical sites include the Bestwood Winding Engine House, a restored museum showcasing a unique 1873 steam engine from the former Bestwood Colliery. Bestwood Lodge, now a hotel, has royal connections as a former hunting lodge. The Clock Tower, originally the head office for the Bestwood Coal and Iron Company, and the historic Colliery Village conservation area, with its 1870s workers' housing, also reflect the area's mining past. Additionally, Newstead Abbey, a former priory and home to Lord Byron, is a significant historical site nearby.

Yes, Bestwood Village offers several family-friendly options. Bestwood Country Park is ideal for walks, picnics, and exploring nature. Newstead Abbey features beautiful gardens that families can enjoy. Thieves Wood and Harlow Wood provide engaging walking and cycling trails. The unique Hemlock Stone is also an interesting natural landmark for all ages to discover.

Adjacent to the Bestwood Winding Engine House, you'll find the Dynamo House Cafe. This community-run cafe is operated by volunteers and offers refreshments, with profits supporting Bestwood Country Park. For those exploring Thieves Wood, there's a refreshment cabin conveniently located at the car park.

Bestwood Country Park is a haven for wildlife due to its diverse habitats, including woodland, heathland, and grassland. Visitors can enjoy bird-watching and exploring wildflower meadows. The park's varied environment supports a range of local flora and fauna, making it a great spot for nature observation.

Absolutely. The area around Bestwood Village is well-suited for cycling. Thieves Wood and Harlow Wood offer gravel trails and singletrack routes. For dedicated mountain biking, explore the MTB Trails around Bestwood Village guide, which includes routes like the 'Outlaw MTB Trail Start – Hellfire Alley Trail loop'. Road cyclists can find routes in the Road Cycling Routes around Bestwood Village guide, such as 'A loop of Newstead Abbey, Nottingham & Derby'.

The Bestwood Village parkrun is a free, all-inclusive 5 km event held every Saturday morning within Bestwood Country Park. It's popular with runners, joggers, and walkers of all abilities, offering a great way to enjoy the park and engage with the community.

Yes, parking is available at Bestwood Country Park. For Thieves Wood, there is a car park with a refreshment cabin. While Harlow Wood does not have an official car park, visitors often find ways to access its trails.

Yes, St Michael's Church, Linby is a notable 12th-century church located in the charming village of Linby. It features traces of Norman work and is built of local limestone. The church was part of the colliery village development, with land and funding provided by the Duke of St Albans and the colliery company.

The Hemlock Stone is a striking outcrop of red sandstone, rising 31 feet (10 m) on the flanks of Stapleford Hill, west of Nottingham. It's a unique natural monument with legends of ancient religious rites associated with it. It's worth viewing from all angles, approaching from the woods and then heading down to the field below.

Visitors particularly enjoy the blend of natural beauty and rich history. The serene walking trails in places like Bestwood Country Park and Thieves Wood are highly appreciated. The historical significance of sites like Newstead Abbey and the Bestwood Winding Engine House also draws considerable interest, offering insights into the region's past. The overall peaceful and picturesque countryside is a recurring highlight.