Best natural monuments around Staveley encompass a diverse landscape featuring significant geological formations, historical sites, and repurposed industrial areas now thriving with nature. This region offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, with ancient caves, serene lakes, and expansive nature reserves. Visitors can explore sites rich in prehistoric archaeology and observe varied ecosystems. The area provides opportunities to connect with both the natural environment and historical narratives.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
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Fascinating, beautiful spot. You can’t go in the caves without buying a tour
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Feels other worldly, beautiful setting. Fascinating history.
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Stubbing Pond's history is connected to the industrial past of the Wingerworth area. The pond was created as a source of water power for various activities, including the operation of a smithy. The dam for Stubbing Great Pond was constructed around 1700. From the pond, one can see Stubbing Court, the ancestral home of the Hunloke family.
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It was just a small Sunday stroll but it was lovely. We parked our car at the garden centre which worth to going in too! There is a big farm shop which is lovely and not too expensive compared to if you want to get a quality product!
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Well worth a visit. A circular walk taking in Northedge-Alton & Bolehill gives great views to Bolsover, Chesterfield, Hardwick and beyond.
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The Great Pond of Stubbing is a Dam of the Tricket Brook formerly used to power Wingerworth Saw Mills in the mid 1800's. Private fishing along the Western side
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You will need to book a tour to see inside Church Hole cave - it isn't open year round due to roosting bats. But if you are able to include it on your visit, you will get to see some fascinating Ice Age artwork.
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Among the most appreciated natural monuments are Creswell Crags: Gorge and Lake, a world heritage site known for its prehistoric history and stunning limestone gorge. Visitors also highly rate Pleasley Pit Colliery and Nature Reserve, a unique blend of industrial heritage and thriving nature, and Stubbing Pond Boathouse, a serene lake offering pleasant circular walks.
Yes, several natural monuments are great for families. Creswell Crags: Gorge and Lake is particularly family-friendly, featuring a playground and informative boards around the lake to engage children. Pleasley Pit Colliery and Nature Reserve also offers gravel trails suitable for families and a cafe on-site. Stubbing Pond Boathouse is another good option for a relaxed family walk.
The region is rich in history. Creswell Crags: Gorge and Lake is a world heritage site famous for its prehistoric animal remains and the earliest known evidence of modern humans in Britain. You can also visit Robin Hood's Cave and Church Hole Cave within the Crags, which contain fascinating Ice Age artwork. Pleasley Pit Colliery and Nature Reserve offers a glimpse into industrial history with its preserved colliery buildings and museum.
The area around Staveley's natural monuments provides various outdoor activities. You can enjoy easy hikes, explore running trails, or go cycling. Many routes pass by or are close to these sites, allowing you to combine nature exploration with your preferred sport.
Yes, several spots offer easy walking experiences. Pleasley Pit Colliery and Nature Reserve has well-maintained gravel trails and paths that are easy to navigate. Stubbing Pond Boathouse offers a pleasant circular walk with gentle terrain. The paths around the lake at Creswell Crags: Gorge and Lake are also generally easy and suitable for all ages.
At Pleasley Pit Colliery and Nature Reserve, you can observe various wildlife species that have reclaimed the former industrial site, particularly around its ponds. While the guide data doesn't specify exact species for this location, nature reserves are generally excellent for birdwatching and spotting small mammals. For a broader wildlife experience, the Staveley Nature Reserve in North Yorkshire (if you're in that region) is known for otters, bitterns, bearded tits, and over 200 bird species.
Yes, there are amenities available. Pleasley Pit Colliery and Nature Reserve has a cafe on-site within its preserved colliery buildings. At Creswell Crags: Gorge and Lake, there is a visitor centre with cafes nearby, including one at Welbeck. These provide convenient spots for refreshments during your visit.
The most prominent geological feature is the limestone gorge at Creswell Crags: Gorge and Lake. This impressive formation, carved by ancient waters, reveals layers of geological history and houses several significant caves like Robin Hood's Cave and Church Hole Cave, which are crucial for archaeological studies.
Yes, circular walks are available. Stubbing Pond Boathouse offers a pleasant circular walk with views towards Bolsover, Chesterfield, and Hardwick. Additionally, many of the trails within Pleasley Pit Colliery and Nature Reserve are designed for circular routes, allowing you to explore the site comprehensively.
Visitors frequently highlight the blend of natural beauty and historical significance. They appreciate the well-preserved industrial heritage at Pleasley Pit Colliery and Nature Reserve, often noting the great views and on-site cafe. At Creswell Crags: Gorge and Lake, the rich natural history, informative displays, and the opportunity for guided walks into the ancient caves are highly valued.
While specific public transport routes are not detailed in the guide data, major natural monuments like Creswell Crags are generally accessible by public transport or a short taxi ride from nearby towns with bus or train links. It's advisable to check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information when planning your visit.
Yes, Creswell Crags: Gorge and Lake offers scenic viewpoints of the limestone gorge and lake. Additionally, the circular walk around Stubbing Pond Boathouse provides great views towards Bolsover, Chesterfield, and Hardwick, offering expansive vistas of the surrounding landscape.


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