Attractions and Places To See around Trowell - Top 20

Trowell and its surroundings offer several historical points of interest. You can visit the intriguing Hermitage Cave (Hermit's Wood, Derby), carved by a baker in 1130 AD for solitary prayer. Another significant site is the Dale Abbey Arch, which is all that remains of a 13th-century Premonstratensian abbey. Additionally, St Helen's Church in Trowell has a history dating back to 801 AD, and Trowell Hall is a Grade II listed Jacobean Revival country house built around 1880.

For nature enthusiasts, the Attenborough Nature Reserve is an excellent choice, known for bird-watching and scenic trails. Mapperley Reservoir is another peaceful spot surrounded by woodlands, offering opportunities to see coot, moorhen, mallard, and kingfisher. The Broxtowe Nature Reserve, located alongside the Nottingham Canal, also provides a tranquil setting for enjoying local flora and fauna.

Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Trent Lock is a family-friendly spot with pubs and cafes, ideal for a break during a walk or cycle. Both Attenborough Nature Reserve and Mapperley Reservoir are great for family outings, offering easy trails and wildlife spotting. The Dale Abbey Arch is also considered family-friendly for an interesting historical visit.

Trowell is well-suited for outdoor activities. The Nottingham Canal, which runs through the parish, forms part of the Erewash Valley Trail, offering opportunities for hiking and cycling. You can find various routes for mountain biking, road cycling, and running. For example, explore MTB trails like the 'Manor Floods Nature Reserve – Bennerley Viaduct viewpoint loop' or road cycling routes such as the 'Attenborough Nature Reserve – Trent Lock loop'. Running enthusiasts can enjoy trails like the 'Nottingham Canal Path – Cossall Gravel Trail loop'. You can find more details on these activities in the MTB Trails around Trowell, Road Cycling Routes around Trowell, and Running Trails around Trowell guides.

The Trent Lock area is known for its pub and cafe, making it an ideal spot to refuel during a walk or cycle. The Festival Inn in Trowell is a local pub with historical significance. Additionally, the Trowell Garden Centre includes a coffee shop, offering a convenient stop for refreshments.

The disused Nottingham Canal is a significant natural feature running through the eastern part of Trowell parish. It forms part of the Erewash Valley Trail and borders the Broxtowe Nature Reserve. Visitors can still see original lock keepers' cottages and the Grade II listed Swansea Bridge, built between 1794 and 1796. Angling is also a popular pastime along the canal.

Beyond the main highlights, Trowell offers unique finds. The Hermitage Cave (Hermit's Wood, Derby) is a truly unique historical site, carved by a hermit in the 12th century. The village itself, designated a 'Festival Village' for the 1951 Festival of Britain, holds a special place in local history. Exploring the Erewash Valley Trail might also reveal less-traveled paths and views of the historic canal infrastructure.

Spring and summer are generally ideal for walking and outdoor activities around Trowell, offering pleasant weather and vibrant natural scenery, including bluebell woodlands around Mapperley Reservoir. During summer, you can also hear the songs of chiffchaffs, willow warblers, and blackcaps. Weekends can be busy at popular spots like Attenborough Nature Reserve, so consider visiting in the mornings or late afternoons for a quieter experience.

Yes, Trowell is well-connected for cyclists. The Erewash Valley Trail, which follows the Nottingham Canal, is suitable for cycling. The Trent Lock area is a popular cycling destination with refreshment stops. Attenborough Nature Reserve also features excellent cycle tracks. You can explore various road cycling and mountain biking routes in the area, such as the 'Attenborough Nature Reserve – Trent Lock loop' for road cyclists. More options are available in the Road Cycling Routes around Trowell guide.

Visitors appreciate the blend of history and natural beauty. The unique historical aspect of Hermitage Cave and the dramatic arch of Dale Abbey Arch are often highlighted. The tranquil and scenic environment of Attenborough Nature Reserve and Mapperley Reservoir, especially for bird-watching and peaceful walks, receives high praise. The convenience of pubs and cafes at Trent Lock is also a popular feature.

While specific parking details for every trail are not provided, many popular outdoor destinations like nature reserves typically offer designated parking facilities. For example, Attenborough Nature Reserve is well-regarded and likely has visitor parking. It's advisable to check local signage or specific attraction websites for the most up-to-date parking information when planning your visit.

Yes, the area is excellent for bird-watching. Attenborough Nature Reserve is a very popular bird-watching spot with numerous ponds and bird hides accessible with a pass. Mapperley Reservoir is another great location, where you can spot coot, moorhen, mallard, kingfisher, chiffchaffs, willow warblers, and blackcaps, especially during the summer months.