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England
East Midlands
Nottinghamshire

Broxtowe

Attractions and Places To See around Broxtowe - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Broxtowe include a diverse range of historical landmarks, cultural sites, and expansive natural features. This borough in Nottinghamshire, England, offers visitors opportunities to explore significant heritage sites and tranquil nature reserves. The landscape features notable natural formations and extensive green spaces, providing varied experiences for exploration.

Best attractions and places to see around Broxtowe

  • The most popular attractions is Nottingham Canal, a river that offers a relatively quiet trail for cycling and…

Last updated: April 23, 2026

Attenborough Nature Reserve

Highlight • Lake

This is a river path that's really easy and tranquil to ride along. There are numerous ponds and it's a really popular bird-watching spot. From the trail you'll reach a …

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The Hemlock Stone

Highlight • Natural

A striking outcrop of red sandstone, the Hemlock Stone rises 31 feet (10 m) on the flanks of Stapleford Hill. Legend has it that this beguiling rock formation has associations …

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St Mary the Virgin Church, Attenborough

Highlight • Historical Site

Do ensure when you visit the nature reserve you take this route up to the church. Brilliant spot in fron of the church where when the water is still you can get a cracking mirror image photo in the lake.

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Beeston Lock

Highlight • Bridge

Beeston Lock is a pretty section of canal which carries boats from the River Trent to the centre of Nottingham. There's a riverside cafe and a bar to stop for …

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Nottingham Canal Nature Reserve

Highlight • Natural

The Nottingham Canal is a canal in the English counties of Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. As built, it comprised a 14.7-mile long main line between the River Trent just downstream of Trent Bridge in Nottingham and Langley Mill in Derbyshire.

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Canalside Heritage Centre at Beeston Lock

Highlight • Historical Site

The historic weir cottages at Beeston Lock were once the family homes of people who made their living on the canal. They were occupied for two hundred years but unfortunately, …

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Brinsley Colliery Headstocks

Highlight • Monument

The twin headstocks and nearby disused mineral railway track are all that remains of an extensive coal mining enterprise carried on by Barber, Walker & Company, who first leased and …

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Swingate Water Tower

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Just outside the city, a tower stands at nearly 100 feet that helped bring drinking water into Nottingham.

Built more than 70 years ago, the Swingate Water Tower dominates the skyline around the town Kimberley just off the A610.

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Bennerley Viaduct

Highlight • Bridge

Great walk or ride or run if you like over the new refurbished Bennerley viaduct Awesworth. Stunning views day or evening. Very windy today 👊🏻

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Nottingham Canal

Highlight • River

The Nottingham Canal originally travelled a distance of 14 miles (22.5 km) from the Cromford Canal to the River Trent at Nottingham, but most of it is now in a …

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Popular around Broxtowe

Hiking the Robin Hood Way — Merry trails steeped in legend

Hiking around Broxtowe

Road Cycling Routes around Broxtowe

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Hiking the Robin Hood Way — Merry trails steeped in legend

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Alex Foxfield

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Stuart Hutchinson
January 24, 2026, Bennerley Viaduct

Still closed at the far end

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The Canal side Heritage Centre also has a nice tea room with a garden and nice clean toilets. Over the canal next to the Marina Chandlery is another cafe and a licensed bar. On street parking is available behind the Marina. Beeston Railway Station is only a couple of minutes bike ride away.

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The Nottingham canal is a hidden gem in this area! Relatively quiet compared to other similar trails. Great to cycle along and forget all your worries.

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just a short detour off the route but worth the stop. quite stunning - and very noisy 😁

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Martin
April 25, 2025, Beeston Lock

Love this place. On both sides! Beeston side offers a café on the lock (+ Marina Club a little further down). Clifton side offers beautiful woodlands nearby.

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Despite its striking neo-Georgian design, the tower was actually constructed in the 1940s and became operational in 1950.

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The headstocks have gone... Removed in Dec 2023 due to health and safety. Apparently they're going to be rebuilt at some point in the future at an estimated cost of £220k. 😅 Typical local council shenanigans... Don't make the structure safe or put a fence around it... Spend quarter of a million quid to build a new replica. 🤡

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There is a small, free car park just up from the nature reserve area, and another lay-by about 1/2 mile up. Several bridges and loop back paths cross over at various points and tracks are mainly gravel and soil. In addition, there are footpaths over fields moving away from the canal . Wildlife includes Moorhens, swans, ducks, birds, butterflies, damsel and dragonflies in various months. Lovely ‘Lord of the rings-esque’ tree tunnel when you turn right away from the canal opposite the ‘short cut’ route that takes you to Ilkeston houses and the railway bridge. Bulrushes, various flora. Level, easygoing trails. Several deep ponds are marked with signs at reserve (Trowell) end.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What natural attractions can I explore in Broxtowe?

Broxtowe offers several natural highlights, including the highly-rated Attenborough Nature Reserve, known for its ponds and river paths, and the Nottingham Canal, which provides a quiet trail for walking and cycling. You can also visit the unique Hemlock Stone, a striking red sandstone outcrop steeped in local legend.

Are there good spots for bird-watching in Broxtowe?

Yes, Attenborough Nature Reserve is a premier destination for bird-watching in the UK. It features numerous ponds and tranquil river paths, making it a significant habitat for various bird species. The visitor center, opened by David Attenborough, can provide more information on local wildlife.

What historical sites are there to visit in Broxtowe?

Broxtowe is rich in history. You can explore the D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum in Eastwood, dedicated to the renowned author. The Canalside Heritage Centre at Beeston Lock tells the story of the waterways, while the remains of Greasley Castle offer a glimpse into a medieval fortified manor. Don't miss the impressive Bennerley Viaduct, a historical railway bridge.

Can I learn about the region's industrial heritage?

Absolutely. The Brinsley Colliery Headstocks stand as a monument to the area's mining past. The Swingate Water Tower, built in the 1940s, played a crucial role in Nottingham's water supply. Additionally, the Bennerley Viaduct is a significant piece of industrial engineering.

Are there family-friendly attractions around Broxtowe?

Many attractions in Broxtowe are suitable for families. The Attenborough Nature Reserve offers easy paths and wildlife spotting. The Nottingham Canal is great for leisurely walks or bike rides, with stops like Beeston Lock where you can feed ducks. The Canalside Heritage Centre also provides an engaging educational experience.

What outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?

Broxtowe offers excellent opportunities for outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking on routes like the 'Nottingham Canal Nature Reserve & the Hemlock Stone loop' or the 'Attenborough Nature Reserve loop'. For cycling, there are road cycling routes such as 'Bryer's Deli & Cafe – Love & Piste Coffee Shop loop' and gravel biking options like the 'Bennerley Viaduct viewpoint – Nottingham Canal loop'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the Hiking around Broxtowe, Road Cycling Routes around Broxtowe, and Gravel biking around Broxtowe guides.

Are there hiking trails near Broxtowe's attractions?

Yes, there are several hiking trails. For example, you can hike the 'Nottingham Canal Nature Reserve & the Hemlock Stone loop' (easy, 4.6 km) or explore the 'Attenborough Nature Reserve loop' (moderate, 9.8 km). The 'Erewash Valley and Trent Valley Trail Loop' offers a longer moderate hike (17 km). Discover more trails in the Hiking around Broxtowe guide.

What do visitors enjoy most about Broxtowe's attractions?

Visitors frequently praise the tranquility and natural beauty of areas like Attenborough Nature Reserve, highlighting its peaceful river paths and bird-watching opportunities. The Nottingham Canal is appreciated for its quiet cycling and walking trails, often described as a 'hidden gem'. Historical sites like the Bennerley Viaduct are noted for their stunning views and historical significance.

Are there any religious or cultural landmarks to visit?

Yes, you can visit St Mary the Virgin Church in Attenborough, which offers picturesque views, especially when the water is still, creating mirror-image reflections. The Eastwood Conservation Area, including the D.H. Lawrence birthplace, also features distinctive housing that provided homes for industrial workers in the mid-19th century.

Where can I find a good viewpoint in Broxtowe?

The Swingate Water Tower near Kimberley offers commanding views of the surrounding skyline. Additionally, the Bennerley Viaduct provides stunning vistas, especially at sunset or sunrise, making it a popular spot for photographers and walkers alike.

Are there any long-distance walking or cycling routes in the area?

Yes, the Broxtowe Country Trail is a 27-mile walking and cycling route that follows the boundary between Broxtowe Borough and Nottingham City. It showcases attractive countryside and connects various communities and wildlife sites, offering a great way to experience the region's diverse landscape.

What is the best time to visit Broxtowe's attractions?

Broxtowe's natural attractions, like the Attenborough Nature Reserve and the Nottingham Canal, are enjoyable year-round, with each season offering a different perspective on the wildlife and scenery. Weekends can be busy, so consider visiting during mornings or late afternoons for a quieter experience, especially on popular trails.

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Are you keen on exploring more awesome places nearby? Browse our guides:

CossallKimberleyNuthallBrinsleyBeestonStrelleyGreasleyEastwoodStaplefordAwsworthTrowell

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