Attractions and Places To See around Findern - Top 20

Findern is rich in history. You can visit the Elvaston Castle and Gardens, a Gothic Revival castle set within 321 acres of parkland. In the village itself, explore All Saints Parish Church, known for its ancient communion plate and Saxon crypt, or see the historic Tower House, a former windmill. Other notable sites include Somerville House, Wallfield House, and 17th-century cottages that once housed a non-conformist academy.

Yes, Findern is known for its natural beauty. The village is unique for being the only place in the UK where the specific flower, Narcissus poeticus, also known as 'The Findern Flower,' grows naturally. You can also enjoy the Trent and Mersey Canal, which offers scenic walks along its towpath, and Ballast Hole Pond, featuring a pond-dipping platform and wildlife habitats.

The area around Findern offers various outdoor activities. You can enjoy easy hikes, running, and gravel biking. For example, there are several easy hiking trails like the Stenson Canal Walk. Cyclists can find routes along the Trent & Mersey Canal, including those leading from Swarkestone Lock. For more challenging rides, explore gravel biking routes that extend further into the region.

Findern and its surroundings offer several family-friendly options. The village has two main play areas, one at Hillside and another at King George V field, which includes a BMX track. Nearby, the Deer Park at Calke Abbey is excellent for walks and wildlife spotting, and Elvaston Castle and Gardens provides extensive parkland for exploration. Dobbies Garden Centre is also a popular family destination with a café.

You have many options for walks near Findern. The Findern Footpaths Group has developed and improved local trails, preserving the village's history. The Trent and Mersey Canal towpath offers flat, scenic walks. For longer excursions, consider the Deer Park at Calke Abbey, which is part of the National Forest Silver Anniversary Trail, or the extensive parkland at Elvaston Castle and Gardens.

Cyclists frequently visit the area around Findern. Swarkestone Lock on the Trent & Mersey Canal is a popular resting point, with routes extending along the towpath. Elvaston Castle and Gardens is also a favored destination, offering flat, traffic-free routes from Derby. You can find various gravel biking routes in the wider region.

Yes, wildlife can be observed in several locations. The Deer Park at Calke Abbey is home to a deer herd and offers opportunities for wildlife spotting. Ballast Hole Pond, near the Trent and Mersey Canal, features bat and bird boxes. Additionally, Melbourne Pool is known for its variety of bird species.

Mercia Marina, located nearby, is a vibrant destination opened in 2008 on the 24-acre Willington Lake. It features shops, a bar, a coffee house, and tea rooms. The marina is surrounded by 50 acres of countryside, ideal for dog walking, and includes a wildlife lake and holiday homes, making it a great spot for leisure and relaxation.

Several attractions offer dining options. Calke Abbey has a café within its grounds. Elvaston Castle and Gardens also features a country park and café. Dobbies Garden Centre in Findern has a spacious café/restaurant. Additionally, Melbourne Pool is within a minute's walk of local shops and cafes.

All Saints Parish Church is a central landmark in Findern, rebuilt in 1863 on the site of a former Saxon chapel. It is particularly notable for possessing the oldest parish communion plate in the UK and a preserved carved semicircular stone (tympanum) from the previous Norman Church. It also contains a monument to Isabella de Fynderne from 1444 and a Saxon crypt.

Yes, there are beautiful water bodies nearby. Staunton Harold Reservoir offers beautiful views, and is popular for biking and walking, with a café and playground. Melbourne Pool is another picturesque lake, known for its bird species and historical significance, having been landscaped with ornamental islands.