Attractions and Places To See around Sudbury - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Sudbury offer a diverse range of experiences, from historical sites to natural landscapes. The area is characterized by its rich heritage and scenic countryside, providing numerous opportunities for exploration. Visitors can discover ancient ruins, historical mills, and expansive parklands. This region provides a blend of cultural and natural attractions for those looking to explore.
Best attractions and places to see around Sudbury
- The most popular attractions is Longford Old Mill, an other man-made structure that is a scenic old mill, now a private residence, popular for photos. It is almost obligatory for cyclists to stop and admire it.
- Another must-see spot is Osmaston Park Sawmill, an other man-made historical sawmill. Visitors can view the lake and the old timber mill water wheel within Osmaston Estate.
- Visitors also love Croxden Abbey Ruins, a religious building. This 12th-century Cistercian abbey features visible remains of the church, infirmary, and abbot's house.
- Sudbury is known for its historical sites, natural landscapes, and cultural heritage. Visitors can explore ancient ruins, scenic mills, and expansive parklands.
- The attractions around Sudbury are appreciated by the komoot community, with 58 upvotes and 78 photos shared by explorers.
Last updated: April 24, 2026
Croxden Abbey Ruins
Highlight • Religious Site
Now managed by English Heritage it's open 10:00 - 17:00 everyday. Entry is free.
Tip by
Uttoxeter Canal Remains
Highlight • Historical Site
Today not much of the old canal is visible because it was filled in during the construction of the railway. There is talk of restoring the canal.
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Longford Old Mill
Highlight • Structure
Tip by
Osmaston Park Sawmill
Highlight • Structure
Tip by
Mickleover Greenway (National Cycle Network Route 54)
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
Large number of benches along the way for resting.
As an old railway line, gradient is very gradual. Very suitable place for family cycle rides as completely motor traffic free. Free parking available at the Mickleover (north) end.
Cafes near southern end (Don Amotts caravan centre) and pub near northern end (Great Northern)
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more attractions around Sudbury.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
It’s a great ride along country lanes and very little traffic.
0
0
Worth a stop and have a wonder around. plenty to see. 10-15 minutes is enough.
0
0
Croxden Abbey, also known as "Abbey of the Vale of St. Mary at Croxden", was a Cistercian abbey. A daughter house of the abbey in Aunay-sur-Odon, Normandy, the abbey was founded by Bertram III de Verdun of Alton Castle, Staffordshire, in the 12th century. The abbey was dissolved in 1538. In 1176, Bertram III de Verdun, the lord of the manor of Croxden, endowed a site for a new abbey near Alton, Staffordshire, to a group of 12 Cistercian monks from Aunay-sur-Odon, Normandy. Bertram founded the abbey, like many noblemen of his time, for the souls of his family. The monks remained at the Alton site until 1179, before moving to land near Croxden, a few miles south. Croxden was relatively prosperous, drawing the majority of its wealth from sheep farming. By 1315, the monks were supplying more wool to the continent than any other religious house in the county, with transactions being recorded with Florentine merchants well into the 1420s.
0
0
The Uttoxeter Canal was built as an extension to the Caldon Canal. It was completed in 1811. The canal was short lived, closing in 1849 to enable the building of the Churnet Valley railway line. The railway closed in the early 1900's after the closure of the quarries. Today not much of the old canal is visible because it was filled in during the construction of the railway. There is talk of restoring the canal.
1
0
This former water mill was built in 1837. It's now a grade 2 listed private residence. It still has the original water wheel which you can see but it no longer works.
0
0
Croxden Abbey was built in the 12th centaury as the home of 70 Cistercian monks. It was converted to a farm after the suppression of the monasteries in 1538. Remains of the church, infirmary and abbots house remain. Now managed by English Heritage it's open 10:00 - 17:00 everyday. Entry is free.
0
0
reasonabe incline gravel climbs on each side but a lovely place to view the lake and the old timber mill water wheel
1
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore around Sudbury?
The area around Sudbury is rich in history. You can visit the impressive 12th-century Croxden Abbey Ruins, which was once home to 70 Cistercian monks. Another historical point of interest is the Uttoxeter Canal Remains, a short-lived canal built in 1811 that was later filled in for a railway line.
Are there any scenic viewpoints or natural features to see near Sudbury?
While the guide focuses on man-made attractions, the Osmaston Park Sawmill offers a lovely view of a lake and an old timber mill water wheel within the beautiful Osmaston Estate, surrounded by a verdant forest. The area also features gentle Derbyshire countryside, particularly along the Mickleover Greenway.
What are some family-friendly attractions around Sudbury?
Several attractions are suitable for families. The Croxden Abbey Ruins offer an interesting historical outing. The Osmaston Park Sawmill is located in a beautiful park setting, great for a stroll. Additionally, the Mickleover Greenway is a traffic-free path, perfect for family cycle rides or walks.
Where can I find easy hiking trails near Sudbury?
For easy hikes, you can explore routes like the 'View of Hanbury Church – The Cock Inn loop from Hanbury' (4.1 km) or 'The Cock Inn – View of Hanbury Church loop from Hanbury' (4.6 km). These are part of the easy hiking options available in the area. You can find more details and routes on the Easy hikes around Sudbury guide.
Are there good places for cycling around Sudbury?
Yes, the Mickleover Greenway (National Cycle Network Route 54) is an excellent option. This old railway line has been converted into a multi-user path, offering a gentle, scenic, and motor traffic-free route through the Derbyshire countryside. It's ideal for family cycle rides.
What outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
Beyond visiting the attractions, the Sudbury area offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including easy and moderate options, as well as running routes. For detailed routes and guides, check out Hiking around Sudbury and Running Trails around Sudbury.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Sudbury?
Visitors particularly appreciate the scenic beauty and historical significance of the sites. The Longford Old Mill is a popular spot for photos due to its picturesque setting. The Osmaston Park Sawmill is loved for its beautiful location by the lake and the surrounding ancient woodlands. The Croxden Abbey Ruins are valued for their historical depth and tranquil atmosphere.
Are there any unique or 'hidden gem' attractions in the area?
The Longford Old Mill, though now a private residence, is considered a very scenic and almost obligatory stop for cyclists to admire and photograph. It offers a glimpse into the area's heritage in a picturesque setting.
How long should I plan for visiting the attractions?
Most of the attractions, such as the Croxden Abbey Ruins or the Osmaston Park Sawmill, can be explored in 1-2 hours each, allowing time for appreciation and photography. If you combine visits with a walk or cycle along the Mickleover Greenway, you could easily spend half a day or more enjoying the outdoors.
Are there any specific tips for visiting the Croxden Abbey Ruins?
The Croxden Abbey Ruins are managed by English Heritage and are generally open from 10:00 to 17:00 daily with free entry. It's a great place to stop for a snack and explore the visible remains of the church, infirmary, and abbot's house from this 12th-century Cistercian abbey.
Where can I find parking for trails and attractions around Sudbury?
For the Mickleover Greenway, free parking is available at the Mickleover (north) end. When visiting the Osmaston Park Sawmill within Osmaston Estate, parking is often available on the street in nearby Shirley & Osmaston villages.
Most popular attractions around Sudbury
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions:
