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United Kingdom
England
East Midlands
Nottinghamshire
Ashfield

Selston

Attractions and Places To See around Selston - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Selston, a village in Nottinghamshire, England, offers a blend of historical sites, natural beauty, and local points of interest. Situated within the Hidden Valleys area, the region provides excellent walking and cycling routes. Elevated positions in Selston offer views over the local countryside. Visitors can explore a mix of cultural landmarks and natural features.

Best attractions and places to see around Selston

  • The most popular attractions is Newstead Abbey, a historical site that was once a prosperous priory with beautifully curated gardens. It is known as the ancestral home of Lord Byron and features a rich history, including a Japanese water garden.
  • Another must-see spot is Mapperley Reservoir, a peaceful body of water surrounded by bluebell woodlands and rolling farmland. It is a location for wildlife and bird watching, with various species present.
  • Visitors also love Hardwick Old Hall, a historical site that is the remodelled family home of Bess of Hardwick. This impressive ruin stands next to the New Hall she built later.
  • Selston is known for its historical sites, natural parks, and reservoirs. The area provides a variety of options for those interested in local heritage and outdoor activities.
  • The attractions around Selston are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 240 upvotes and 127 photos shared.

Last updated: May 9, 2026

Hardwick Old Hall

Highlight • Historical Site

Beautiful estate with extensive hiking opportunities.

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Mapperley Reservoir

Highlight • Lake

Mapperley Reservoir is a peaceful body of water surrounded by bluebell woodlands, rolling farmland and some fascinating remains from the area’s coal mining heritage. The countryside around here is great for wildlife spotting, especially bird watching. Keep a lookout for coot, moorhen, mallard and kingfisher. In summer, listen out for the songs of chiffchaffs, willow warblers and blackcaps, plus the more familiar calls of robins and chaffinches. There is a visitor centre in nearby Shipley Country Park.

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Nutbrook Coffee Shop

Highlight • Cafe

Nice cafe with friendly staff. Good mid walk stops while exploring the local reservoirs and Shipley Country Park.
Open Fri: 9:30 - 14:30.
Sat & Sun: 9:00 - 16:00.

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Newstead Abbey

Highlight • Historical Site

Once a prosperous priory, today Newstead Abbey is a magnificent setting with beautifully curated gardens. A particular highlight is the Japanese water garden.

Back in medieval times, outlaws would often target the shipments coming in and out of the priory. Royalty were no strangers to the place either, with both King Richard I and King John using it as a base when hunting in Sherwood.

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The Miner Statue

Highlight • Monument

I once rode here on my mtb years ago from Chesterfield along the Five Pits Trail on a day very similar to the weather when I did this hike. I forgot how good the views are from the sculpture, breath taking :) Bring some sandwiches and a drink and enjoy the view.

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Tips from the Community

Chris Shannon
January 26, 2026, Newstead Abbey

Always worth a visit to Newstead Abbey it's a beautiful building with wonderful gardens to wonder around and get lost in the beauty

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Greg©️
January 14, 2026, The Miner Statue

Take the mtb route up/down through the wood to the North East of the statue, look out for it near the bench on the main gravel track

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Bondosan
August 30, 2025, Hardwick Old Hall

Harder than it looks. Easy to off track, but straightforward to get back on again. Beautiful scenery on untrodden paths. Best when dry

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Called at cafe not cheap

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Nice circular walk mainly on solid paths

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Newstead Abbey, located in Nottinghamshire, England, originally served as an Augustinian priory. After the Dissolution of the Monasteries, it was converted into a private residence. Today, it is most renowned as the ancestral home of Lord Byron. The priory of St. Mary of Newstead, established by King Henry II of England around 1170, was a house for Augustinian Canons. Despite its present name, Newstead was never an abbey but rather a priory.

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Cragsman Daz
November 17, 2023, The Miner Statue

Didn't have my glasses so couldn't read the plaque

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Stephen
August 2, 2023, Hardwick Old Hall

Never seen it open, run by English Heritage

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Frequently Asked Questions

What natural features can I explore around Selston?

Selston is nestled within the beautiful Hidden Valleys area, offering excellent walking and cycling routes. You can visit Mapperley Reservoir, a peaceful spot for wildlife and bird watching, surrounded by bluebell woodlands. The Miner Statue also offers breathtaking views from its elevated position.

Are there historical sites to visit in Selston?

Yes, Selston has a rich history. You can explore St Helen's Church, a Grade II* listed church dating back to 1150 AD, known for its Norman font and a monolith in its churchyard. The village also features the Selston War Memorial and remnants of the medieval Wansley Hall. The area's coal mining heritage is visible through various mining memorials, including a winding wheel in front of St Helen's Church.

What family-friendly attractions are available?

For families, Newstead Abbey offers magnificent gardens to explore. Selston Country Park is a Green Flag award-winning space with picnic areas, a wildflower meadow, a BMX track, and a play area. Mapperley Reservoir is also a great spot for a peaceful family outing to observe wildlife.

Where can I go for a walk or hike near Selston?

The Hidden Valleys area around Selston provides numerous walking and cycling routes. For easy hikes, you can find trails like the 'Pinxton Wharf – St Helen's Church, Selston loop' or the 'Erewash Meadows Nature Reserve – Jacksdale Old Stone Bridge loop'. You can find more options on the Easy hikes around Selston guide.

Are there cycling routes in the Selston area?

Yes, the region offers various cycling opportunities. You can find road cycling routes such as the 'Station Avenue, Newstead Abbey – Linby Village Main Street loop' or mountain biking trails like the 'Sandiacre Lock – Attenborough Nature Reserve loop'. Explore more options on the Road Cycling Routes around Selston guide and the MTB Trails around Selston guide.

What is the mining heritage of Selston?

Selston has a strong coal mining heritage. This is commemorated by memorials such as the mining memorial in front of St Helen's Church, which is shaped like a winding wheel. Jacksdale, part of Selston parish, also features a mining wheel memorial. Additionally, The Miner Statue is another significant monument reflecting this history.

Where can I find a cafe or place to eat near the attractions?

The Nutbrook Coffee Shop is a great option, especially if you're exploring local reservoirs and Shipley Country Park. It's known for its friendly staff and selection of cakes, with a lovely outdoor seating area. There are also local pubs like the Horse and Jockey that offer food and drink.

What are some notable landmarks near Selston?

Beyond Selston itself, you can visit Newstead Abbey, the ancestral home of Lord Byron with beautiful gardens. Another impressive site is Hardwick Old Hall, the remodelled family home of Bess of Hardwick, standing next to the New Hall she built later.

Are there opportunities for bird watching or wildlife spotting?

Yes, Mapperley Reservoir is an excellent location for wildlife and bird watching. You might spot coot, moorhen, mallard, and kingfisher. In summer, listen for chiffchaffs, willow warblers, and blackcaps. The surrounding bluebell woodlands and farmland also provide a habitat for various species.

What kind of views can I expect around Selston?

Parts of Selston are situated on elevated ground, offering immense views over the local countryside. Heading uphill from areas like the Horse and Jockey pub provides particularly good vantage points. The Miner Statue also provides panoramic views from its location on Silverhill.

Is Selston Country Park suitable for children?

Absolutely. Selston Country Park is a Green Flag award-winning park designed with families in mind. It features a dedicated play area with a climbing tree, ropes, bridges, and balance beams, as well as a BMX track. There are also picnic areas and a cafe, making it a great day out for children.

What is the significance of St Helen's Church?

St Helen's Church is a historically significant Grade II* listed building, with parts dating back to 1150 AD. It features a Norman font and two carved stone slabs from its early history. The presence of a monolith in its churchyard suggests the site may have been used for pagan worship before the church was built. Its tower, roofed with oak shingles, is a prominent local landmark.

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