Best attractions and places to see around Stoke Bardolph offer a variety of natural and historical points of interest. This area in Nottinghamshire features riverside settings, lakes, and dedicated trails for outdoor activities. Visitors can explore a range of sites, from tranquil waterside paths to challenging climbs and mountain bike routes. Stoke Bardolph provides diverse options for those looking to experience the local environment.
Last updated: July 2, 2026
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Highlight (Segment) • MTB Park
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The Domesday Book records a church and priest at Colwick in 1086. The church that now stands in ruins was largely built by Sir John Byron in the 16th Century but incorporates 14th and 15th Century sections from an earlier church. The building at that time probably had a spire not a plain tower. By 1912 the roof of the church was in a poor state. Although repairs made the building serviceable again for a few years, the condition of the church continued to deteriorate and by 1920 some of the services were being held in the Schoolrooms in wintertime and later in a newly built Parish Hall. From 1923 some marriages were conducted in the Parish Hall. In Mar 1924, the down-pipes were repaired and the walls pointed. The roof was again repaired but its condition continued to give concern and in 1933 the church was abandoned as dangerous. It was finally closed as being unsafe in March 1936, and in November 1936, the principal beam of the roof gave way.
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A lovely place for a gentle cycle or stroll. It's a popular spot!
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Djanogly Gallery in the Lakeside Arts Centre
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Highfields Park was part of an estate built and landscaped in the late 18th and early 19th century. In 1920 Sir J Boot bought the estate and used it as the site of the East Midlands University (now Nottingham University). Highfileds House became part of the university and is currently used as a staff annexe. The landscape was re-modelled to suit the setting, with the joining of the fishing pond and small boating lake to become the larger lake we see today. The public can walk around Highfields Park. The circuit of the lake is a nice, gentle walk within the city.
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Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Highfields Lake, University Park offers a gentle walking circuit, a lakeside cafe, and an arts centre. Gunthorpe Riverside and The Unicorn Hotel is a charming village with a pier, perfect for a pleasant stop by the river. Additionally, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, claiming to be the oldest inn in England, offers a historical experience that can be enjoyed by families.
The area around Stoke Bardolph offers beautiful natural settings. You can visit Highfields Lake, University Park, which features a large lake with a walking circuit. The Gunthorpe Riverside provides scenic views of the river and is ideal for leisurely strolls.
Absolutely. A notable historical site is Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem – The Oldest Inn in England, a pub steeped in history and legend. Highfields Lake, University Park also has historical significance, as its parkland was part of an estate dating back to the late 18th century.
For mountain biking enthusiasts, the Watchwood Berms MTB Trail is an excellent option. It's an intermediate park with numerous berms and optional jumps, perfect for practicing cornering. You can find more MTB routes and guides in the area by visiting the MTB Trails around Stoke Bardolph guide.
Yes, there are several running trails available. For example, you can find routes like the 'Canal Lock System – Stoke Lock and Woods loop from Burton Joyce' or the 'Radcliffe Cliff Walk – View of the River Trent loop from Radcliffe'. Discover more options in the Running Trails around Stoke Bardolph guide.
Road cyclists can enjoy various routes, including those that incorporate the challenging Oxton Bank Climb. Other routes include 'Picnic Spot by the River Trent – Smooth Tarmac Road loop from Carlton'. For a comprehensive list, check out the Road Cycling Routes around Stoke Bardolph guide.
Cyclists looking for a challenge should definitely tackle Oxton Bank Climb. It's known as one of the biggest hills in Nottinghamshire, offering a long, slow drag from Southwell or a punchy, steep ramp from Oxton with gradients up to 12%.
Highfields Lake, University Park is an ideal spot. It features a lakeside cafe and arts centre, perfect for enjoying a coffee with a view of the lake after a leisurely stroll.
Yes, Gunthorpe Riverside and The Unicorn Hotel offers a lovely riverside setting. It's a beautifully maintained village with a charming atmosphere, a pub, and a pier, making it a great place to stop and enjoy the water.
Visitors appreciate the variety of experiences. Many enjoy the well-maintained charm of places like Gunthorpe Riverside, the relaxing atmosphere and gentle walks around Highfields Lake, and the fun, engaging rides at the Watchwood Berms MTB Trail. The historical intrigue of Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem is also a highlight.
Beyond the main highlights, the Watchwood Berms MTB Trail offers a unique experience for those interested in mountain biking, with its specific design for practicing cornering and jumps. For a challenging cycling experience, the Oxton Bank Climb is a local gem for cyclists.


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