Attractions and Places To See around Colston Bassett - Top 20
Attractions and places to see around Colston Bassett include a range of historic landmarks, natural features, and cultural sites. This picturesque village is situated in the Vale of Belvoir in southeast Nottinghamshire, characterized by its sylvan setting and rural landscape. The area features mature trees, hedgerows, and views of surrounding fields, with the River Smite flowing nearby. Colston Bassett is also recognized for its conservation area status and medieval agricultural past, evident in its ridge and furrow fields.
Best attractions…
Last updated: July 2, 2026
Ruins of St John the Baptist Church
Highlight • Monument
Tip by
Gunthorpe Riverside and The Unicorn Hotel
Highlight • Settlement
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
Netherfield Lagoons Nature Reserve
Highlight • Viewpoint
The Netherfield Lagoons, Local Nature Reserve is situated on the Trent Valley Flood Plain in Nottinghamshire and has been partly used as a dump …
Tip by
Hickling Basin
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
National Water Sports Centre, Holme Pierrepont
Highlight • Structure
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more attractions around Colston Bassett.
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
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.
0
0
The disused Grantham Canal passes through the village and there is a large basin adjacent to the main road. This would have facilitated loading and mooring when the canal was in use. The basin now attracts a substantial population of swans and ducks.
0
0
A Local Nature Reserve in Nottinghamshire The Netherfield Lagoons, Local Nature Reserve is situated on the Trent Valley Flood Plain in Nottinghamshire and has been partly used as a dump for coal slurry but with two remaining gravel ponds. The two slurry pits are separated by a raised causeway, which is elevated some 50 feet (15 m) above the pits, giving a commanding view of the area. The largest tank is virtually full but retains some water, with muddy edges attractive to waders and roosting gulls and terns. The smaller tank is mainly deep water, attracting good numbers of wildfowl, with smaller birds, especially warblers, feeding and breeding around the tank edges. The site consists roughly of three compartments, the Slurry Lagoon, the Deep Pit and the two Gravel Pits. (source: https://www.gedlingconservationtrust.org/netherfield-lagoons/)
1
0
The now derelict St John the Baptist Church was built by Sir John Byron in the 16th century, incorporating 14th and 15th century sections from an earlier church. It was restored again in 1684 by Sir John Musters and was in use until the mid-1930s when it was no longer repaired, the nave roof collapsed and it was abandoned as dangerous and left to ruin. source: https://travellerj.com/2018/12/18/ruins-of-st-johns-church/
1
0
A good place to start a cycle tour of this end of the Vale of Belvoir. Up to Bottesford and back and finish watching the ducks in the basin.
1
0
bring money for the Old Wharf Tea Rooms. check opening times before you come
1
0
Lovely location on the Trent. Lots of easy, flat, traffic-free roads around here. Regularly use this as a lunch stop on rides in the southern half of the Vale of Belvoir. There is an easy 30 mile loop to Newark and back, going through quiet lanes up one side of the Trent and back down the other. I have used the riverside Unicorn pub as an overnight base for cycle-touring in this area.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What historical landmarks can I explore in Colston Bassett?
Colston Bassett is rich in history. You can visit the ruins of St Mary's Church, a Grade I listed building with Norman pillars dating back to 1115. The village also features the Market Cross, originally erected in 1257 and reputedly one of the oldest and smallest National Trust properties in Nottinghamshire. Additionally, Colston Hall, a classically styled building from around 1704, is a prominent architectural feature.
Are there any family-friendly attractions or activities in the Colston Bassett area?
Yes, several attractions cater to families. Gunthorpe Riverside and The Unicorn Hotel offers a charming village atmosphere by the river, perfect for a family stop. Hickling Basin along the Grantham Canal is another lovely spot with a tea room and pub. For active families, the National Water Sports Centre, Holme Pierrepont has a flat, traffic-free tarmac track around the water, ideal for cycling with kids. Belvoir Hilltop Road also offers enjoyable cycling with scenic views.
What kind of natural features and viewpoints can I find around Colston Bassett?
Colston Bassett is nestled in the picturesque Vale of Belvoir, characterized by its sylvan setting with mature trees, hedgerows, and views of surrounding fields. The River Smite flows nearby. You can also explore the Netherfield Lagoons Nature Reserve, which offers commanding views from a raised causeway and is excellent for wildlife spotting, especially birds. Belvoir Hilltop Road provides scenic views across the top of Belvoir and the Vale.
Where can I go for walking or cycling near Colston Bassett?
The area around Colston Bassett is popular for walkers and cyclists, with a network of footpaths and country lanes. For cycling, consider routes like the 'Ruined Church – The Tea Junction loop' or 'Crow Holt loop' found in the Road Cycling Routes around Colston Bassett guide. For general cycling, the Cycling around Colston Bassett guide offers routes like 'Hickling Basin – The Old Wharf loop'. Walkers can find trails in the Running Trails around Colston Bassett guide, such as the 'Back Lane loop' or 'St Mary's Church loop'.
What is the Colston Bassett Dairy known for?
The Colston Bassett Dairy, established in 1913, is renowned for being one of the few dairies permitted to produce authentic Stilton cheese. They also manufacture smaller quantities of White Stilton and Shropshire Blue, using milk sourced exclusively from local farms.
Are there any pubs or cafes near the attractions in Colston Bassett?
Yes, there are options for refreshments. The Martins Arms, an award-winning public house with a history dating back to 1600, is a key community building in the village known for its fine dining and beer garden. Near Hickling Basin, you'll find a tea room and a pub right next to the canal, perfect for a stop.
What is the best time of year to visit Colston Bassett for outdoor activities?
The Vale of Belvoir, where Colston Bassett is located, is popular for walkers and cyclists. While specific best times aren't detailed, the sylvan setting and rural landscape with mature trees and hedgerows suggest that spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer is also suitable for outdoor activities, though some areas like the National Water Sports Centre can get busy on hot days.
What unique historical agricultural features can be seen in Colston Bassett?
Colston Bassett's medieval agricultural past is evident in the complex patterns of ridge and furrow fields that have been revealed by earthwork surveys around the village. These features offer a glimpse into historical farming practices.
Is there public transport available to reach attractions around Colston Bassett?
The provided information does not detail specific public transport routes or stops for individual attractions within Colston Bassett. It is advisable to check local bus schedules or plan for private transport when visiting the various sites in and around the village.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the Colston Bassett area?
Visitors appreciate the charming, well-maintained village atmosphere, especially at places like Gunthorpe Riverside and The Unicorn Hotel. The scenic views, enjoyable road surfaces for cycling, and the peaceful nature of spots like Belvoir Hilltop Road are also frequently highlighted. The presence of welcoming pubs and tea rooms, such as those near Hickling Basin, adds to the positive visitor experience.
Are there any specific places for wildlife spotting near Colston Bassett?
Yes, the Netherfield Lagoons Nature Reserve is an excellent location for wildlife spotting. Situated on the Trent Valley Flood Plain, it attracts waders, roosting gulls, terns, and various wildfowl. Smaller birds, especially warblers, feed and breed around the tank edges, making it a rich habitat for birdwatching.
Most popular routes around Colston Bassett
Most popular attractions around Colston Bassett
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:
