Attractions and Places To See around Old Bolsover - Top 20

Old Bolsover is rich in history, with its most prominent landmark being Bolsover Castle. This fairy-tale Stuart mansion offers a glimpse into 17th-century aristocratic life, featuring the unique Little Castle, the impressive Riding House, and the Fountain Garden. You can find more information about the castle on the English Heritage website. Additionally, the town features the 13th-century St Mary and St Laurence Church and a historic town centre with 17th-century shops.

Yes, a notable historical estate nearby is Hardwick Old Hall, an architecturally significant Elizabethan country house built by Bess of Hardwick. Another must-see is Clumber Park, a beautiful estate with parkland, heath, woods, and a lake, managed by the National Trust.

For spectacular panoramic views, visit The Backhills and Surprise View, located off the High Street, offering vistas across the Vale of Scarsdale towards the Peak District. The Peter Fidler Reserve, transformed from a former colliery tip, provides valuable habitats, new pathways, and viewpoints over Bolsover and the Doe Lea Valley. You can also explore Whitwell Wood, a large area of ancient woodland.

Old Bolsover serves as a starting point for various walking trails. You can find several easy hikes, such as the 'New Bolsover Model Village – Carr Vale Pond loop' or the 'Carr Vale Pond – Carr Vale Nature Reserve loop'. For more options, explore the Easy hikes around Old Bolsover guide.

Absolutely! Rother Valley Country Park is a fantastic family-friendly destination with four artificial lakes, well-maintained paths, and leisure activities like cable water skiing. Clumber Park also offers extensive parkland, traffic-free cycle ways, and a visitor centre with a child's play area. The New Bolsover Model Village, with its listed houses, provides an interesting historical walk for families.

To delve into the region's mining history, visit Pleasley Pit Colliery and Nature Reserve. This site preserves much of the original colliery infrastructure and features a museum and cafe. Additionally, The Miner Statue at Silverhill, an artificial hill created from a former mine spoil heap, offers panoramic views and commemorates the area's mining past.

Beyond walking, the area offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, including routes around Bolsover Castle and Carr Vale Pond, detailed in the Running Trails around Old Bolsover guide. For cyclists, there are road cycling routes that take you past landmarks like Bolsover Castle and Clumber Park, which you can explore in the Road Cycling Routes around Old Bolsover guide.

Yes, Creswell Crags, a beautiful limestone gorge and World Heritage Site, is located nearby. It's renowned for its caves containing remains of prehistoric animals and Britain's only known Ice Age cave art. A visitor center offers more information and guided walks.

Visitors frequently praise the diverse offerings, from the historical depth of sites like Hardwick Old Hall to the extensive outdoor opportunities at Rother Valley Country Park and Clumber Park. The scenic views from places like The Backhills and the historical significance of the area are also highly appreciated.

Yes, Old Bolsover Yard offers a unique shopping court where you can discover local produce, crafts, and independent retailers. The town also hosts markets on Cotton Street on Tuesdays and Fridays, with a flea market available on Thursdays.

The spring and summer months (April to September) are generally ideal for walking and exploring in Old Bolsover, offering pleasant weather for outdoor activities and enjoying the natural beauty of places like Peter Fidler Reserve and Whitwell Wood. However, many historical sites and parks are accessible year-round, with autumn providing beautiful foliage and winter offering quieter, crisp walks.

Yes, the Peter Fidler Reserve is known for its diverse dragonfly population in the summer and offers valuable habitats for various species. Carr Vale Nature Reserve is also a popular spot for birdwatching, making it an excellent destination for wildlife enthusiasts.