Attractions and Places To See around Smalley - Top 20

Smalley and its surroundings offer several historical sites. You can visit the impressive Dale Abbey Arch, which is all that remains of a 13th-century Premonstratensian abbey. The village also features St John the Baptist Church, an 18th-century parish church incorporating a 7th-century Saxon cross, and the Grade II listed Smalley Hall. For a unique historical experience, explore Hermitage Cave (Hermit's Wood, Derby), carved by a local baker in the 12th century.

For nature enthusiasts, Mapperley Reservoir is a peaceful spot surrounded by woodlands and farmland, ideal for bird watching. You might spot coot, moorhen, mallard, and kingfisher. Shipley Country Park also offers a diverse landscape of lakes, ponds, and woodlands with various walking trails. Elvaston Castle and Gardens provides extensive parkland and gardens to explore.

Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Mapperley Reservoir is great for wildlife spotting and gentle walks. Shipley Country Park offers lakes, ponds, and walking trails that are enjoyable for all ages. Elvaston Castle and Gardens is another popular destination with plenty of parkland and 'secret areas' to explore, and it's easily accessible via flat, traffic-free routes.

The area around Smalley offers a variety of walking and hiking opportunities. You can find easy hikes around Mapperley Reservoir and Shipley Country Park. For more moderate options, explore trails like the Brackley Gate Woods loop or the Mapperley Reservoir – Mapperley Wood Nature Reserve loop, detailed in the hiking guide around Smalley.

While in Smalley, you can visit The Bell Inn, recognized as the 'Best Derbyshire Pub of 2006.' For a unique stop during a walk or cycle, the Nutbrook Coffee Shop is located right next to Sustrans Route 67, offering a selection of cakes and a pleasant sitting area. Elvaston Castle and Gardens also has a cafe.

Smalley Dam, built in the late 18th century, has undergone restoration efforts by the Smalley Community Project. While it became silted up over time, it's a local point of interest reflecting the area's history.

Smalley's Parish Church, St John the Baptist, is notable for its late 18th-century construction on an older site. It features transepts added in 1844 and a distinctive, almost detached bell tower from 1911-1912. The church is particularly unique for incorporating a 7th-century Saxon cross within its porch and housing a chime of five bells, reportedly the heaviest in England.

Yes, there are several running trails in the vicinity. You can find moderate routes like the Whiteley's Plantation loop or more challenging runs such as the Osborne's Pond – Mapperley Reservoir loop. For detailed routes, refer to the running trails guide around Smalley.

Elvaston Castle and Gardens is a popular country park and cafe, especially for cyclists due to its flat, traffic-free routes from Derby. It encompasses 321 acres of parkland, woodlands, and historical gardens, offering numerous 'secret areas' to explore. The Gothic Revival castle itself, though not open for entry, is a magnificent sight.

Mapperley Reservoir is a peaceful body of water surrounded by woodlands and farmland, making it a pleasant area for walks. While specific restrictions for dogs are not detailed, it is generally considered a dog-friendly area for responsible owners, allowing you to enjoy the natural surroundings with your pet.

The Nutbrook Trail is a 10-mile route located within Shipley Country Park. It follows the Erewash and Nutbrook Canals, offering a scenic path for walking, cycling, and enjoying the countryside.

The intriguing Hermitage Cave (Hermit's Wood, Derby) was carved around 1130 by Cornelius, a local baker. He sought a life of solitary prayer there after a vision. A small chapel, one of England's smallest churches, was also built on the site, adding to its historical significance.