Attractions and Places To See around Breaston - Top 20

Breaston and its surroundings are rich in history. You can visit the ancient Hermitage Cave (Hermit's Wood, Derby), carved by a local baker in 1130 for solitary prayer. Another significant historical landmark is the Dale Abbey Arch, which are the dramatic ruins of a 13th-century Premonstratensian abbey. Within Breaston itself, St. Michael and All Angels Church dates back to the 12th century, and the Breaston Wind Engine, built in 1935, is located in Perks Recreation Ground.

Yes, the area offers several excellent spots for wildlife. Attenborough Nature Reserve is a popular bird-watching spot with numerous ponds and tranquil river paths. Mapperley Reservoir is another peaceful body of water surrounded by woodlands, ideal for spotting coot, moorhen, mallard, kingfisher, and various songbirds. Golden Brook Nature Reserve also features diverse habitats, attracting wetland birds, butterflies, and wildflowers.

Breaston's countryside provides a good network of footpaths and bridleways for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for hiking, cycling, and running. For easy hikes, explore trails like 'Breaston Memorial Garden – Victoria Mills, Draycott loop' or 'St Chad's Lake – View of St. Chads Water loop'. Cyclists can enjoy routes such as 'Trent Lock – Attenborough Nature Reserve loop'. Runners might like 'The Coffin Stone loop' or 'Canal Cottage Cafe loop'. You can find more details on these activities in the easy hikes, cycling, and running guides for Breaston.

Absolutely! Families can enjoy the playground and sports facilities at Perks Recreation Ground, which also hosts the Breaston Wind Engine. The Breaston Millennium Sensory Garden and Butterfly Garden offer pleasant spaces for a stroll. Many natural spots like Trent Lock, Attenborough Nature Reserve, Dale Abbey Arch, and Mapperley Reservoir are also noted as family-friendly, offering easy walks and opportunities for wildlife spotting.

For tranquil riverside walks or cycle rides, head to Trent Lock. This significant canal junction offers quiet paths along the River Trent, River Soar, and Erewash Canal. Attenborough Nature Reserve also features numerous ponds and tranquil river paths, perfect for a peaceful outing. Mapperley Reservoir, surrounded by woodlands, provides another serene setting for walks and wildlife observation.

The 'Coffin Walk,' also known as the 'Corpse Way,' is a historic footpath near Breaston. Despite its ominous name, it's a pleasant route that was historically used to transport coffins to St Chad's church. It runs all the way to Church Wilne and crosses the Midland Main Line, offering a unique glimpse into local history and a scenic walk.

Yes, Trent Lock is a great spot with a pub and cafe, making it ideal for a break during a walk or cycle. The Chequers Inn is another local pub situated close to Breaston village green. Breaston village itself also offers various shops, pubs, and restaurants.

Duffield Close is a large village green in Breaston, considered one of the biggest in the country. It serves as a central community space and hosts the annual May Day Fete, making it a vibrant spot for local events and gatherings.

Beyond the nature reserves, Breaston is surrounded by beautiful countryside with a network of footpaths. The area is home to the Golden Brook Nature Reserve, featuring a flood storage lagoon and diverse habitats. Trent Lock is a unique geographical point where the River Soar and Erewash Canal link to the Trent and Mersey Canal via the River Trent, marking the border between three counties.

Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical intrigue and natural beauty. The historical sites like Hermitage Cave and Dale Abbey Arch are highly valued for their rich past. The tranquil riverside walks and bird-watching opportunities at places like Trent Lock and Attenborough Nature Reserve are also very popular, offering peaceful escapes and scenic views.

Yes, Elvaston Castle is a notable nearby attraction, located approximately 3.3 miles from Breaston. Additionally, Wollaton Hall and Deer Park, offering a treasure trail, is situated about 4.7 miles away, providing further options for exploring grand estates.