Attractions and Places To See around Kilburn - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Kilburn include historical sites, natural features, and cultural points of interest. The area offers a variety of outdoor experiences, from exploring ancient ruins to enjoying peaceful reservoirs. Visitors can discover a blend of historical landmarks and natural landscapes.
Best attractions and places to see around Kilburn
- The most popular attractions is Hermitage Cave (Hermit's Wood, Derby), a forest and historical site that features an intriguing cave carved by a local baker. This…
Last updated: July 6, 2026
All Saints Church, Dale Abbey
Highlight • Religious Site
See also SDR churches site
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Hermitage Cave (Hermit's Wood, Derby)
Highlight • Forest
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Dale Abbey Arch
Highlight • Religious Site
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Nutbrook Coffee Shop
Highlight • Cafe
Open Fri: 9:30 - 14:30.
Sat & Sun: 9:00 - 16:00.
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Belper Volunteer Battalion Target Wall
Highlight • Historical Site
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Tips from the Community
One of England’s smallest and most unique parish churches, measuring just 25 by 26 feet. Dating back to the mid-12th century, it is literally semi-detached, sharing a roof and a wall with a private, historic farmhouse. Originally functioning as the infirmary chapel for the neighboring, now-ruined medieval abbey, the adjoining house was later used as a pub called the "Blue Bell Inn". Legend has it the vicar used to change in the pub's bar and nip through a gallery door to preach. Despite its size, the interior houses well-preserved, late 13th-century wall paintings depicting the Annunciation, Visitation, and Nativity. The chapel is packed with historic character, including a prominent 1634 pulpit placed behind the altar, tiered gallery seating, and 17th-century box pews. The surrounding village and abbey ruins are famously known in folklore as the site where Allan-a-Dale married his sweetheart in the Robin Hood legend.
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Nice cafe with friendly staff. Good mid walk stops while exploring the local reservoirs and Shipley Country Park. Open Fri: 9:30 - 14:30. Sat & Sun: 9:00 - 16:00.
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"The wood contains the Hermitage which was made around 1130 AD by a Derby Baker called Cornelius who had a vision to worhip God here at Deepdale, as the area was formely known."
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A really beautiful spot full of history! Make sure you were good hiking shoes, as there is a lot of steps on routes nearby, which can be treacherous with a mix of recent rain and wet leaves!
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end 2021 update: The cafe has created a new area outside to extend the number of picnic tables with umbrellas - probably to meet the demand for outside eating due to Covid. The cafe remains a great destination for a bike ride or walk (or even horse ride).
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of attractions can I find around Kilburn?
Around Kilburn, you can explore a mix of historical sites, natural features, and unique man-made monuments. Highlights include ancient ruins, tranquil reservoirs, and historical landmarks.
Are there any historical sites to visit near Kilburn?
Yes, Kilburn is rich in history. You can visit the intriguing Hermitage Cave (Hermit's Wood, Derby), a cave carved by a local baker with religious significance dating back to around 1130. Another significant historical site is the Dale Abbey Arch, which is all that remains of a 13th-century Premonstratensian abbey. Additionally, the Belper Volunteer Battalion Target Wall offers a glimpse into military history from the Napoleonic Wars.
What natural features can I explore around Kilburn?
For nature lovers, Mapperley Reservoir is a peaceful body of water surrounded by woodlands and farmland, ideal for wildlife spotting and bird watching. The area around Hermit's Wood also offers natural beauty alongside its historical cave.
Are there family-friendly attractions or activities in the Kilburn area?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Dale Abbey Arch is noted as family-friendly, offering an easy and interesting hike. Mapperley Reservoir is also a great spot for families to enjoy nature and bird watching. The Nutbrook Coffee Shop is a family-friendly cafe perfect for a stop during a walk.
What outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
The area around Kilburn offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for cycling, gravel biking, and road cycling. For example, there are gravel biking routes like the 'Mapperley Reservoir – Mapperley Singletrack Trail loop' and cycling routes such as the 'Shipley Country Park – Manor Floods Nature Reserve loop'. You can explore more options on the Gravel biking around Kilburn, Cycling around Kilburn, and Road Cycling Routes around Kilburn guide pages.
Are there hiking trails near Kilburn's attractions?
Yes, there are hiking opportunities. The area around Dale Abbey Arch is described as an easy, interesting hike for all abilities. When visiting Hermitage Cave, be prepared for steps, especially after rain, so good hiking shoes are recommended.
Where can I find a cafe or place to rest near the attractions?
The Nutbrook Coffee Shop is a great option, known for its friendly staff and as a good mid-walk stop while exploring local reservoirs and Shipley Country Park. It's accessible by walking or cycling and offers a selection of cakes and outdoor seating.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Kilburn?
Visitors appreciate the blend of history and nature. The Hermitage Cave is noted for its beautiful spot and rich history, while Dale Abbey Arch is valued for its dramatic reminder of past grandeur and the village's history. The peaceful environment and wildlife spotting opportunities at Mapperley Reservoir are also highly enjoyed.
What is the terrain like for outdoor activities near Kilburn?
The terrain varies, including woodlands around Mapperley Reservoir and areas with steps and potentially wet leaves near Hermitage Cave. Some cycling routes can be challenging, while others are easy, traversing rolling farmland and former coal mining heritage sites.
Are there any specific tips for visiting Hermitage Cave?
When visiting Hermitage Cave, it's recommended to wear good hiking shoes as there are many steps on nearby routes, which can be treacherous with a mix of recent rain and wet leaves. The cave itself is an intriguing historical feature carved by a local baker.
Can I find viewpoints or scenic spots around Kilburn?
Yes, the Dale Abbey Arch is considered a viewpoint, offering a dramatic sight of the remaining abbey structure. The surroundings of Mapperley Reservoir also provide scenic views of woodlands and farmland, ideal for enjoying nature.
Most popular attractions around Kilburn
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