Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Login or Signup

Routes
Places to see
United Kingdom
England
East Midlands
Nottinghamshire
Rushcliffe

Shelford

Attractions and Places To See around Shelford - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Shelford offer a mix of historical sites, natural landscapes, and outdoor activities. This area, located near Nottingham, provides opportunities to explore riverside villages, challenging climbs, and unique historical landmarks. Visitors can discover a variety of points of interest, from ancient pubs to nature reserves. Shelford serves as a gateway to exploring the natural beauty and local heritage of the region.

Best attractions and places to see around Shelford

  • The most popular attractions is…

Last updated: May 5, 2026

Oxton Bank Climb

Highlight (Segment) • Climb

Biggest hill this side of Nottinghamshire, if you like that kind of thing. Long, slow drag from Southwell or punchy, steep ramp from Oxton.

Tip by

See rides here

Send to Phone

Save

Watchwood Berms MTB Trail

Highlight (Segment) • MTB Park

Really really fun trail with lots of berms. Perfect location to sesh-on and practice cornering. A few optional jumps. Super quick in the dry and not too greasy in the wet! This trail will have you going 'Again, again, again!'.

Tip by

Save

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

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 …

Tip by

Save

Inn, which claims to be the oldest on the island (tough it does not seem to be alone with the claim). The name together with its believed origin on the …

Tip by

Save

Really beautifully maintained village with a lot of charm. Worth stopping for a snack by the bridge on the riverside.

Tip by

Save

Sign up for free to discover even more attractions around Shelford.

Sign up for free

Already have an account?

Start today with a free account

Your next adventure awaits.

Login or Signup

Popular around Shelford

Hiking around Shelford

Gravel biking around Shelford

Running Trails around Shelford

Road Cycling Routes around Shelford

Cycling around Shelford

MTB Trails around Shelford

Tips from the Community

Walk The Walk 🌳
April 4, 2026, Ruins of St John the Baptist Church

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

Whether its claim to be England's oldest inn is true or not, this is a lovely, old, atmospheric inn well worth a visit! 🍻

0

0

A cozy pub with history - whether the story is real or well-invented

Translated by Google

2

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

Lovely beer garden behind the pub, nice for a summers drink

3

0

Inn, which claims to be the oldest on the island (tough it does not seem to be alone with the claim). The name together with its believed origin on the coronation year of Richard I. is a great example of British humor.

9

0

Features now restored in the middle of the wood, including small gap-jumps with chicken line, flowing great (April 2022).

2

0

Unfortunately the Forestry Commission have been into Watchwood and removed all the man-made features (jumps) from the downhill runs. However the trails are still rideable & fun, plenty of berms still in place. (July 2021)

2

0

Frequently Asked Questions

What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions near Shelford?

Visitors particularly appreciate the charm of places like Gunthorpe Riverside and The Unicorn Hotel, noting its beautifully maintained village and pleasant riverside spots for snacks. For those seeking adventure, the Watchwood Berms MTB Trail is highly praised for its fun berms and opportunities to practice cornering. The historical significance and unique atmosphere of Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem also make it a favorite for its cozy ambiance and intriguing history.

Are there family-friendly attractions around Shelford?

Yes, several attractions cater to families. Gunthorpe Riverside and The Unicorn Hotel is a charming village perfect for a leisurely stroll and a stop by the river. The Netherfield Lagoons Nature Reserve offers a chance to explore local wildlife and natural landscapes, which can be an engaging experience for all ages. Additionally, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, while a pub, is considered family-friendly and offers a unique historical setting.

What natural features can I explore near Shelford?

The area around Shelford offers several natural highlights. The Netherfield Lagoons Nature Reserve is a local nature reserve with diverse habitats, including slurry lagoons, a deep pit, and gravel pits, attracting various wildfowl and smaller birds. It provides commanding views of the area from its raised causeway. The River Trent also flows nearby, offering scenic riverside views and opportunities for walks.

Are there good hiking trails near Shelford?

Yes, there are several easy hiking routes available. You can find options like the Gunthorpe Lock and Weir loop or the Stoke Lock and Woods loop. For more details and to explore these routes, visit the Easy hikes around Shelford guide.

What cycling opportunities are available around Shelford?

Shelford is a great base for cycling. You can find various routes, including easy cycling tours like the Gunthorpe Bridge loop or more challenging options such as the Grantham Canal Path – Cotgrave Country Park Lake loop. For mountain biking enthusiasts, the Watchwood Berms MTB Trail offers a fun experience with many berms and optional jumps. Explore more routes in the Cycling around Shelford guide and the Gravel biking around Shelford guide.

Where can I find historical sites or cultural landmarks near Shelford?

One prominent historical site is Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, which claims to be the oldest inn in England, offering a glimpse into centuries of history and a unique atmosphere. While the guide focuses on attractions near Nottingham, the broader region has a rich history.

Are there any challenging outdoor activities for experienced adventurers?

Absolutely. For cyclists looking for a challenge, the Oxton Bank Climb is a significant hill in the area, known for its long, slow ascent from Southwell or a punchy, steep ramp from Oxton, with gradients up to 12%. It's a rewarding climb for those who enjoy pushing their limits.

Can I find places to eat or drink near the attractions?

Yes, many attractions are conveniently located near places to eat and drink. Gunthorpe Riverside and The Unicorn Hotel offers a pub right by the river, ideal for a snack or meal. Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem is a historic inn where you can enjoy a drink and food in a unique setting. The villages themselves often have local pubs and cafes.

Are there any viewpoints to enjoy scenic vistas?

Yes, the Netherfield Lagoons Nature Reserve features a raised causeway that offers commanding views of the surrounding natural landscape. Additionally, the Gunthorpe Riverside provides pleasant views of the River Trent and the charming village.

What kind of mountain biking trails are available?

The Watchwood Berms MTB Trail is a popular spot for mountain bikers. It's known for its fun berms, perfect for practicing cornering, and includes a few optional jumps. It's suitable for various skill levels and is quick in the dry, yet manageable in the wet.

Are there any hidden gems or lesser-known spots worth visiting?

While not explicitly 'hidden,' the Netherfield Lagoons Nature Reserve offers a tranquil escape and a chance to observe local wildlife away from more crowded areas. Its unique landscape, formed partly from old coal slurry pits, provides an interesting natural setting.

What are some good day trip ideas from Shelford?

Shelford's proximity to the River Trent and various nature reserves makes it ideal for day trips focused on outdoor activities. You could plan a cycling trip along the river, explore the trails at Netherfield Lagoons, or challenge yourself with the Oxton Bank Climb. The charming village of Gunthorpe Riverside also makes for a pleasant outing.

Most popular routes around Shelford

Hiking around Shelford

Most popular attractions around Shelford

Lakes

Store rating

Get inspired with the komoot mobile app

With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

or

Join komoot Now

Store rating

Explore more

Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions:

Normanton On SoarBarton-In-FabisThrumptonSutton BoningtonRatcliffe On SoarStanford On SoarEast LeakeWest BridgfordGothamRuddingtonBradmoreBunnyTollertonHolme PierrepontKingston On SoarPlumtreeGamstonCostockKeyworthWysallWest LeakeCotgraveOwthorpeCropwell BishopStanton On The WoldsWiverton HallWhatton-In-The-ValeClipstonNormanton On The WoldsSaxondaleTithbyRadcliffe On TrentLangar Cum BarnstoneWidmerpoolBinghamColston BassettCropwell ButlerAslocktonFlinthamEast BridgfordCar ColstonRempstoneKneetonOrstonElton-On-The-HillFlawboroughNewtonScarringtonThorotonScrevetonKinoultonGranbyHawksworthSibthorpeSheltonWilloughby On The WoldsHicklingUpper BroughtonThorpe In The Glebe

Nearby adventure guides

Things to Do around Bulcote

background

Get ready to conquer new peaks

Sign up for Free

Explore
RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepackingSitemap
Download the app
Follow Us on Socials

© komoot GmbH

Privacy Policy