Top 3 Castles around Rufford

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

Thoresby Hall is a grade I listed 19th-century country house. It is one of four neighbouring country houses and estates in the Dukeries in north Nottinghamshire all occupied by dukes at one time during their history. The hall is constructed of rock-faced ashlar with ashlar dressings. It is built in four storeys with a square floor plan surrounding a central courtyard, nine window bays wide and eight bays deep. Robert Pierrepont, 1st Earl of Kingston-upon-Hull acquired the Thoresby lands in 1633, but was killed in the Civil War in 1643. His son Henry Pierrepont, the 2nd Earl, built the first grand house, circa 1670. The house was remodelled for William Pierrepont, the 4th Earl, during 1685–87, after the earl had been granted the right to create the park by enclosure from Sherwood Forest. The house was destroyed by fire in 1742, rebuilt...and then demolished again in 1868. The current building was completed in 1871.

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.

The former Palace of the Archbishop of York stands next door to the Minster, adjoining the present official residence of the Bishop of Southwell. The Palace as we see it today dates from the 14th Century and was wrecked during the Civil War. The ruined part can be admired up-close from the Palace Gardens. The surviving built part of the Palace – the Great Hall – was restored in the Edwardian era. The Hall retains its original proportions and the beams of the magnificent vaulted ceiling of the State Chamber are mostly medieval originals.

Impressive building but run as an adults only hotel so not easily accessible on a bike ride. Run separately from Thoresby Park but can be viewed from the Park which is open to all.

Newstead Abbey was a 12th centaury monastery. Over the years it became home to Romantic Poet Lord Byron. The abbey and the grounds are open to visitors.

Entering Newstead Abbey Park from the Ravenshead/ Nottingham Rd entrance there is a sign suggesting entrance fee for cyclists, as well as cars. I just cycle through, never been challenged! I always pass through to Annesley without stopping, maybe the charge provides a ticket for visiting the gardens?

Lovely scenic ride through the grounds of Newstead Abbey.