Attractions and Places To See around Erewash - Top 20

Erewash is rich in history. You can visit the impressive Dale Abbey Arch, the dramatic remains of a Premonstratensian abbey. The village of Dale Abbey also features the unique Hermitage Cave, carved by a local baker. Don't miss the multi-award-winning Erewash Museum in Ilkeston, housed in a Georgian-era property, which offers exhibits on local history, including World War II and the Stanton Iron Works. Another significant historical landmark is the Breadsall Railway Station Ruins, part of the former Derbyshire and Staffordshire line.

Yes, Erewash offers numerous routes for walking and cycling. The Erewash Canal, stretching nearly 12 miles, provides a peaceful path for both activities. The Trent Lock area is a popular starting point, offering picturesque routes where four waterways meet. You can also enjoy the Erewash Valley Trail and River Trent Towpath, known for its good quality path through nature reserves. For traffic-free options, the 10-mile Nutbrook Trail and the 5.2 km Great Northern Greenway are excellent choices.

Erewash boasts diverse natural beauty, including 12 designated nature reserves. The Erewash Canal and River Erewash are important wildlife corridors. Key reserves include Erewash Meadows, known for bird watching and water voles, and Pewit Carr Local Nature Reserve, featuring wetlands and reedbeds. You can also explore St Chad's Water Nature Reserve, Forbes Hole Local Nature Reserve, and Manor Floods Local Nature Reserve, which offers a 4.7km circular walk.

Families will find plenty to do in Erewash. Many of the walking and cycling trails, such as the Breadsall Greenway and the Erewash Valley Trail, are suitable for all ages. Nature reserves like St Chad's Water Nature Reserve are also great for family outings. For a more interactive experience, Bluebells Farm Park offers farm animals, play areas, and tractor rides. Spring Lakes Watersports & Leisure provides activities like an aquapark, wakeboarding, and kayaking, with a beach area for relaxation.

For extensive views over the Trent and Erewash Valleys, visit Stoney Clouds Local Nature Reserve, which provides dedicated 'Walk in the Clouds' viewpoints. The Bennerley Viaduct, known as 'The Iron Giant,' also offers unique views from 60 feet above the valley floor as you walk or cycle across it.

Yes, for those seeking watersports, Spring Lakes Watersports & Leisure is a prime destination. It offers a variety of activities including an aquapark, wakeboarding, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The site also features a beach area for relaxation.

Visitors frequently highlight the historical significance and natural beauty of Erewash. Places like the Hermitage Cave and Dale Abbey Arch are appreciated for their unique history. The scenic quality of areas like Trent Lock and the well-maintained paths of the Erewash Valley Trail are also popular, especially for cycling and walking. The presence of pubs and cafes near key attractions, such as at Trent Lock and Sawley Lock, is often mentioned as a welcome convenience.

Yes, several attractions in Erewash have convenient access to cafes and pubs. The Trent Lock area is well-known for its pub and cafe, making it an ideal spot for a break during a walk or cycle. Similarly, The Kiosk at Sawley Lock offers facilities for refreshments. The Bottle Kiln is another unique destination that features boutique shops and a cafe with a Japanese tea garden.

Beyond walking and cycling, Erewash offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, including routes around Mapperley Reservoir and the Attenborough Nature Reserve. For road cycling, there are routes connecting Elvaston Castle Country Park and Sawley Cut. Mountain biking enthusiasts can explore trails around Manor Floods Nature Reserve and the Bennerley Viaduct. You can find detailed routes for these activities in the komoot guides for Running Trails around Erewash, Road Cycling Routes around Erewash, and MTB Trails around Erewash.

For a unique cultural and shopping experience, visit The Bottle Kiln, which combines boutique shops with a cafe and a Japanese tea garden. The Erewash Museum also hosts various events throughout the year, from fairy tales to steampunk festivals, offering a diverse cultural calendar. Additionally, the Derby College Equestrian Centre (Broomfield Hall) provides opportunities for those interested in equestrian activities, and the Broomfield Plant Centre allows visitors to purchase plants grown by students.

Many of Erewash's outdoor spaces and trails are suitable for dog walking. The Erewash Canal towpaths, the Nutbrook Trail, and the Great Northern Greenway are popular choices for walks with pets. It's always advisable to keep dogs on a lead, especially in nature reserves, to protect wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors.

The Bennerley Viaduct, affectionately known as 'The Iron Giant,' is a magnificent Grade II listed railway viaduct. It's a quarter of a mile long and towers 60 feet above the Erewash Valley. Recently reopened for walkers and cyclists, it offers unique views and connects to extended routes, making it a fantastic spot for an outing.