Attractions and Places To See around Oxton - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Oxton, Nottinghamshire, include a mix of historical sites, natural features, and outdoor activity centers. The area offers opportunities to explore ancient abbeys, extensive woodlands, and dedicated trail centers. Visitors can find diverse landscapes, from curated gardens to scenic walking trails, providing various options for exploration.
Best attractions and places to see around Oxton
- The most popular attraction is Newstead Abbey, a historical site that was once a 12th-century monastery and later home to Lord Byron. The abbey features beautifully curated gardens, including a Japanese water garden, and is open to visitors.
- Another must-see spot is Sherwood Pines Trail Centre, an MTB park. This center features a cafe, toilets, visitor centre, bike shop, and a Go Ape! adventure park, providing facilities for various outdoor activities.
- Visitors also love Thieves Wood, a trail offering a scenic setting for outdoor activities. It provides walking trails and picnic benches, with a refreshment cabin available at the car park.
- Oxton is known for its historical sites, extensive woodlands, and outdoor activity centers. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient buildings to natural trails.
- The attractions around Oxton are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 370 upvotes and 30 photos shared.
Last updated: June 22, 2026
Sherwood Pines Trail Centre
Highlight • MTB Park
Check out more at forestryengland.uk/sherwood-pines/cycling-and-mountain-biking-trails-sherwood-pines
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Newstead Abbey
Highlight • Historical Site
Back in medieval times, outlaws would often target the shipments coming in and out of the priory. Royalty were no strangers to the place either, with both King Richard I and King John using it as a base when hunting in Sherwood.
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Thieves Wood
Highlight • Trail
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St Michael's Church, Linby
Highlight • Historical Site
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Vicar Water Lake
Highlight • Trail
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Tips from the Community
Always worth a visit to Newstead Abbey it's a beautiful building with wonderful gardens to wonder around and get lost in the beauty
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The Parish Church was probably built in the late part of the 12th century, possibly on the site of the church hinted at in Domesday, the earlier building most likely of wattle and daub. The present church has traces of Norman work in the north and east walls which are two and a half feet thick. It is built of local limestone, with stones of handy sizes not laid in horizontal courses. Originally it was a plain rectangular building consisting of chancel, nave and a small tower. At some time in the XIV century a south aisle was added, and in the next century the porch was built. At the same time as the porch another stage was added to the tower, which is square, pinnacled, and unbuttressed. At some later date the porch was moved from the south to the north side of the church, its old position still clearly marked on the outside of the south wall. Another alteration visible from the exterior, and also on the south, is the blocked up 'Priest's Doorway' in the south wall of the chancel.
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The park has different trails, including flat paths and steeper climbs. If you're looking for a challenge, try the route up Clipstone Tip for spectacular views.
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Newstead Abbey, located in Nottinghamshire, England, originally served as an Augustinian priory. After the Dissolution of the Monasteries, it was converted into a private residence. Today, it is most renowned as the ancestral home of Lord Byron. The priory of St. Mary of Newstead, established by King Henry II of England around 1170, was a house for Augustinian Canons. Despite its present name, Newstead was never an abbey but rather a priory.
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good starting point for walks and bike rides, can easily get into sherwood pines from here and all surrounding routes, a very nice area and seems popular for fishing
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Linby is a charming village located near the larger town of Hucknall. It features several notable buildings, including a 12th-century church, and features many quaint stone cottages and green spaces to enjoy.
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Great place for some XC mountain biking. Nothing very extreme so really good for Beginners or youngsters. If you're looking for hardcore downhill or bike park Wales-type trails you'll be disappointed as there is not much in the way of elevation. Cafe on-site and a bike shop too with a jet wash to clean your bike off after your ride. Can get very busy at weekends.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best outdoor activities to enjoy around Oxton, Nottinghamshire?
Oxton, Nottinghamshire, offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can explore the extensive trails at Thieves Wood, which provides scenic walking paths and picnic spots. For more adventurous options, Sherwood Pines Trail Centre is a hub for mountain biking, with a bike shop and even a Go Ape! adventure park. Nearby, Harlow Wood also offers numerous trails for walking and cycling. For detailed routes, you can find many options for easy hikes, MTB trails, and road cycling routes around Oxton.
Are there any historical sites or cultural landmarks to visit in Oxton?
Yes, Oxton and its surroundings are rich in history. The most prominent is Newstead Abbey, a 12th-century monastery that later became the home of Romantic poet Lord Byron, featuring beautiful gardens. You can also visit St Michael's Church in Linby, a charming 12th-century church in a picturesque village. Oxton village itself has several listed buildings, including the historic St Peter and St Paul Church, which dates back to the 11th century with Norman additions.
What attractions are suitable for families with children around Oxton?
Families will find several engaging attractions. Sherwood Pines Trail Centre is excellent, offering a play area, Go Ape! adventure park, and various trails suitable for all ages. Newstead Abbey provides expansive grounds and gardens for children to explore, including a Japanese water garden. Thieves Wood is also family-friendly, with walking trails and picnic benches for a relaxed day out.
Where can I find walking and hiking trails near Oxton?
Oxton is surrounded by excellent walking and hiking opportunities. Thieves Wood and Harlow Wood both offer extensive trail networks. You can also explore the trails around Sherwood Pines Trail Centre. For a curated selection of routes, check out the easy hikes around Oxton guide, which includes options like the 'Oxton Moorfield Mount – Robin Hood's Hill loop'.
Are there any dog-friendly walks or attractions in the Oxton area?
Many of the natural areas around Oxton are dog-friendly. Thieves Wood and Harlow Wood are popular choices for walks with dogs, offering plenty of space to roam. Always ensure dogs are kept under control, especially around wildlife or other visitors. Some parts of Newstead Abbey's grounds may also permit dogs, but it's advisable to check their specific policies before visiting.
What natural features or viewpoints can I discover around Oxton?
The Oxton area boasts several natural features and scenic viewpoints. Thieves Wood and Harlow Wood provide beautiful forest environments for exploration. For panoramic vistas, Robin Hood Hill is particularly noted for its scenic views. The curated gardens at Newstead Abbey, including its Japanese water garden, also offer a tranquil natural escape.
Where can I find refreshments or places to eat near the attractions?
You'll find options for refreshments near several attractions. Sherwood Pines Trail Centre has a cafe on-site. Thieves Wood features a refreshment cabin at its car park. In Oxton village itself, you can visit historic pubs like Ye Olde Bridge Inn and The Green Dragon for a meal or a drink.
Are there any mountain biking trails near Oxton?
Absolutely! Sherwood Pines Trail Centre is a dedicated MTB park with various trails, a bike shop, and facilities. Thieves Wood also offers gravel trails and singletrack that connect with other local woods. For a comprehensive list of routes, explore the MTB Trails around Oxton guide.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Oxton?
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of history and nature. The beautiful, well-maintained gardens and historical significance of Newstead Abbey are frequently praised. The extensive trails and facilities at Sherwood Pines Trail Centre, including its cafe and adventure park, are highly rated for outdoor enthusiasts and families. The peaceful walking trails and folklore ambience of Thieves Wood also receive positive feedback.
Is there parking available at the main attractions?
Yes, parking is generally available at the main attractions. Sherwood Pines Trail Centre has dedicated parking facilities. There is also parking available at Newstead Abbey, though charges may apply. Thieves Wood offers plenty of free parking at its car park. Note that Harlow Wood does not have an official car park, so visitors typically find roadside parking nearby.
Can I find easy walking routes suitable for all abilities near Oxton?
Yes, there are several easy walking routes around Oxton. The trails at Thieves Wood are generally accessible and suitable for a leisurely stroll. The Easy hikes around Oxton guide features routes like the 'Oxton Moorfield Mount – Robin Hood's Hill loop' which is classified as easy, and other gentle paths through the woodlands.
Most popular attractions around Oxton
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