Attractions and Places To See around Breadsall - Top 20

Breadsall is rich in history. You can visit the 12th-century All Saints' Church, known for its distinctive needle spire and Norman south doorway, where Dr. Erasmus Darwin is buried. Explore the site of Breadsall Priory, an Augustinian priory now a Marriott Hotel, with a 13th-century arch remaining. Don't miss Hermitage Cave (Hermit's Wood, Derby), a unique historical cave carved by a local baker for solitary prayer, and the impressive Dale Abbey Arch, the last remnant of a former Premonstratensian abbey.

Yes, Breadsall offers several natural spots. The Great Northern Greenway is a former railway line transformed into a recreational path, passing by the Breadsall Wildlife Site. Breadsall Cutting is a Local Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest, abundant with diverse flora like cowslips and orchids, and over 20 species of butterflies. Mapperley Reservoir is a peaceful body of water surrounded by bluebell woodlands, excellent for bird watching, where you might spot coot, moorhen, mallard, and kingfisher.

The area around Breadsall is ideal for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking on trails like the 'Hiking loop from Breadsall' or 'St Matthew's Church, Morley – Great Northern Greenway loop from Breadsall'. For cyclists, the Great Northern Greenway offers an all-weather surface, and there are gravel biking routes such as 'Mapperley Reservoir – Mapperley Singletrack Trail loop from Heanor'. Mountain biking enthusiasts can explore trails like 'Locko Park Lake – All Saints Church, Dale Abbey loop from Derbyshire County Cricket Club'. You can find more details on these activities at Hiking around Breadsall, Gravel biking around Breadsall, and MTB Trails around Breadsall.

Absolutely. Mapperley Reservoir is a family-friendly spot, perfect for a peaceful walk and wildlife spotting. The Dale Abbey Arch is also considered family-friendly and offers an easy, interesting hike for all abilities. The Great Northern Greenway provides a safe, all-weather path suitable for walking and cycling with children. Exploring Breadsall Cutting can also be an educational experience for families interested in nature and wildlife.

For a pleasant break, consider stopping at Nutbrook Coffee Shop. It's a popular spot with friendly staff, offering a great selection of cakes and a lovely outdoor seating area. It's conveniently located right on Sustrans Route 67, making it an ideal mid-walk or mid-cycle stop, especially when exploring local reservoirs and Shipley Country Park.

Spring is particularly beautiful in Breadsall. The Dam Brook is lined with bluebells, and the woodlands around Mapperley Reservoir are also known for their bluebells. Breadsall Cutting is vibrant with cowslips and orchids during this season. Summer is excellent for butterfly spotting in Breadsall Cutting and for hearing the songs of chiffchaffs, willow warblers, and blackcaps around the reservoir.

Yes, there are several easy walking routes. For instance, the 'Hiking loop from Breadsall' is an easy 4.3 km route. Another easy option is the 'Great Northern Greenway – The Paddock, Chaddesden loop from Breadsall', which is about 3.1 km. The Great Northern Greenway itself provides an accessible path for leisurely walks. You can find more easy and circular routes on the Hiking around Breadsall guide.

The Great Northern Greenway is a section of the former Great Northern Railway line that has been converted into a recreational amenity. It features an all-weather surface, making it popular for walking, cycling, mobility scooter riding, and even horse riding. The greenway passes by the Breadsall Wildlife Site and the remnants of the old railway station, offering a pleasant route through the local countryside.

Yes, the area has remnants of its industrial past. While exploring Mapperley Reservoir, you can find fascinating remains from the area’s coal mining heritage. Additionally, the Former Breadsall Railway Station, though largely in ruins, is a point of historical interest for those curious about the Great Northern Railway's presence in the village.

Breadsall Cutting is a designated Local Nature Reserve (LNR) and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This former railway section is renowned for its rich diversity of flora and wildlife. Its grasslands are similar to old unfertilised hay meadows, boasting abundant cowslips and orchids. It's also a haven for butterflies, with over 20 species recorded, and features various mosses, sedges, and ferns in its woodlands.

Breadsall has a fascinating past. The village was historically known for its damson orchards, which were once tended by monks and later by farmers. The fruit was even used to make dyes for the Derby Silk Mill. Many damson trees can still be found in residents' gardens today, a nod to this unique agricultural history.

Visitors particularly enjoy the historical significance and natural beauty. For Hermitage Cave, the intriguing history and the beautiful, albeit sometimes challenging, approach are highlights. The Dale Abbey Arch is appreciated for its dramatic presence and the rich history of the surrounding village. Mapperley Reservoir is loved for its peaceful atmosphere, bluebell woodlands, and excellent opportunities for bird watching.