Attractions and Places To See around Felley - Top 20

Felley is rich in history, with its primary historical site being Felley Priory. This 16th-century house, built on the foundations of an Augustinian priory from 1156, features 12th-century church pillars and a remarkable Tudor chimney. Further afield, you can explore Newstead Abbey, a former priory and home to Lord Byron, known for its magnificent settings and curated gardens. The area also has remnants of its coal mining heritage, such as those found near Mapperley Reservoir and commemorated by The Miner Statue at Silverhill.

Yes, the acclaimed Felley Priory Gardens are a significant draw. These gardens, surrounding the historic Felley Priory, offer beauty throughout the year. They are known for their abundant spring blooms, vibrant summer herbaceous borders and walled rose garden, rich autumnal colors, and stunning winter topiary and snowdrop displays. There is also a tearoom and nursery on-site.

Felley Priory Gardens offer beauty in every season. Spring is celebrated for daffodils, tulips, and bluebells. Summer features vibrant herbaceous borders and a walled rose garden. Autumn brings rich reds and oranges from hydrangeas and trees. In winter, the expertly shaped topiary and 60 varieties of snowdrops are a highlight. Your best time to visit depends on which seasonal display you wish to experience.

Beyond the gardens of Felley Priory, the surrounding region offers several natural attractions. Mapperley Reservoir is a serene body of water encircled by woodlands and farmland, ideal for wildlife observation. Thieves Wood is popular for its walking trails and picnic spots, with historical connections to Robin Hood. Felley Woods, north of Eastwood, were a favored roaming ground of author D.H. Lawrence, known for their natural beauty.

Yes, several attractions in the area are suitable for families. Mapperley Reservoir offers opportunities for wildlife spotting and walks. Newstead Abbey provides historical exploration within beautiful gardens. Thieves Wood has walking trails and picnic areas, and The Miner Statue at Silverhill offers views and open space for children to explore.

The countryside around Mapperley Reservoir is excellent for wildlife spotting, especially bird watching. Keep an eye out for coot, moorhen, mallard, and kingfisher. In summer, you might hear the songs of chiffchaffs, willow warblers, and blackcaps, alongside robins and chaffinches. The woodlands also provide habitats for various other species.

Yes, The Miner Statue at Silverhill offers breathtaking views. Silverhill itself is an artificial hill, the site of a former colliery, and is one of the highest points in Nottinghamshire. It has been landscaped with numerous footpaths and a dedicated viewpoint, now known as Silverhill Woods.

The Felley area offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous trails for mountain biking, running, and hiking. For detailed routes, explore the MTB Trails around Felley, Running Trails around Felley, and Easy hikes around Felley guides.

Yes, there are several easy walking routes suitable for a leisurely stroll. Examples include the 'View of Underwood Countryside – Beech Wood Path loop' from Felley CP (approx. 5.1 km) and the 'Underwood Church Cemetery – 1958 Coffee House loop' also from Felley CP (approx. 3 km). You can find more options in the Easy hikes around Felley guide.

Absolutely. The area around Felley provides various mountain biking opportunities. Trails range from easy to difficult, such as the 'Broxtowe Country Trail Loop' (moderate, approx. 22.5 km) or the 'Trans Pennine Trail – Vicar Water Lake loop' (difficult, approx. 93.6 km). For a comprehensive list, check out the MTB Trails around Felley guide.

Yes, Felley Priory has a tearoom on-site where visitors can enjoy refreshments. Additionally, Nutbrook Coffee Shop is a popular spot, especially for those exploring local reservoirs and Shipley Country Park. It's known for its friendly staff, good selection of cakes, and outdoor seating, though it's only accessible by walking, cycling, or horse riding and has limited opening hours.

Visitors particularly appreciate the historical significance and beautifully curated gardens of places like Felley Priory and Newstead Abbey. The peaceful natural settings of Mapperley Reservoir, with opportunities for wildlife spotting, and the folklore ambiance of Thieves Wood are also highly rated. The stunning views from The Miner Statue at Silverhill are also a highlight for many.