Attractions and Places To See around Eastwood - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Eastwood include a mix of historical sites, natural landscapes, and cultural points of interest. The area features ancient ruins, serene reservoirs, and woodlands, offering opportunities for exploration. This region provides a setting for outdoor activities and historical discovery.
Best attractions and places to see around Eastwood
- The most popular attractions is Newstead Abbey, a historical site that was once a prosperous priory. Today, it features curated gardens, including a Japanese water garden.
- Another must-see spot is Hermitage Cave (Hermit's Wood, Derby), a cave carved by a local baker from Derby. This intriguing cave with an arched doorway is located in Hermit's Wood.
- Visitors also love Dale Abbey Arch, the remains of a former Premonstratensian abbey. The magnificent arch of the east window is a dramatic sight and a reminder of the abbey's history.
- Eastwood is known for historical sites, natural features like lakes and woodlands, and religious buildings. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient ruins to peaceful reservoirs.
- The attractions around Eastwood are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 310 upvotes and 81 photos shared.
Last updated: May 26, 2026
Hermitage Cave (Hermit's Wood, Derby)
Highlight • Forest
In around 1130, he was led to this spot after a vision of the Virgin Mary. She told him to come to this spot and live a life of solitary prayer. Later, he also built a small chapel on the site, one of the smallest churches in England.
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Dale Abbey Arch
Highlight • Religious Site
Today, the magnificent arch of the east window is a dramatic sight. It is a poignant reminder of the faded grandeur of the monasteries.
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Nutbrook Coffee Shop
Highlight • Cafe
Open Fri: 9:30 - 14:30.
Sat & Sun: 9:00 - 16:00.
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Newstead Abbey
Highlight • Historical Site
Back in medieval times, outlaws would often target the shipments coming in and out of the priory. Royalty were no strangers to the place either, with both King Richard I and King John using it as a base when hunting in Sherwood.
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The Hemlock Stone
Highlight • Natural
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Tips from the Community
Always worth a visit to Newstead Abbey it's a beautiful building with wonderful gardens to wonder around and get lost in the beauty
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Newstead Abbey, located in Nottinghamshire, England, originally served as an Augustinian priory. After the Dissolution of the Monasteries, it was converted into a private residence. Today, it is most renowned as the ancestral home of Lord Byron. The priory of St. Mary of Newstead, established by King Henry II of England around 1170, was a house for Augustinian Canons. Despite its present name, Newstead was never an abbey but rather a priory.
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Nice cafe with friendly staff. Good mid walk stops while exploring the local reservoirs and Shipley Country Park. Open Fri: 9:30 - 14:30. Sat & Sun: 9:00 - 16:00.
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The Hemlock Stone is an outcrop of New Red Sandstone, deposited more than 200 million years ago in the Triassic Period. Approximately 28 feet (8.5 m) high, it is formed of a layer of Nottingham Castle Sandstone overlying a layer of Lenton Sandstone.
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"The wood contains the Hermitage which was made around 1130 AD by a Derby Baker called Cornelius who had a vision to worhip God here at Deepdale, as the area was formely known."
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Newstead Abbey was a 12th centaury monastery. Over the years it became home to Romantic Poet Lord Byron. The abbey and the grounds are open to visitors.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the must-see historical attractions around Eastwood?
Eastwood is rich in history. Don't miss Newstead Abbey, a former priory and home to Lord Byron, featuring magnificent gardens. Another intriguing site is Hermitage Cave (Hermit's Wood, Derby), a unique cave carved by a local baker. The dramatic Dale Abbey Arch, the remains of a 13th-century Premonstratensian abbey, also offers a glimpse into the region's past.
Are there family-friendly attractions in the Eastwood area?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Newstead Abbey offers beautiful gardens to explore. The ruins of Dale Abbey Arch are an easy and interesting historical spot for all ages. For nature lovers, Mapperley Reservoir provides peaceful walks and wildlife spotting opportunities.
Where can I enjoy nature and spot wildlife near Eastwood?
For nature enthusiasts, Mapperley Reservoir is an excellent choice. It's surrounded by bluebell woodlands and rolling farmland, perfect for bird watching. Keep an eye out for coots, moorhens, mallards, kingfishers, and in summer, listen for chiffchaffs and willow warblers. The nearby Shipley Country Park also has a visitor centre.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do around Eastwood?
The Eastwood area offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can explore numerous running trails, including moderate loops like the 'Bennerley Viaduct – Bennerley Viaduct Steps loop'. For cyclists, there are road cycling routes such as the 'Annesley Hall Ice House – Moorgreen Reservoir loop', as well as general cycling routes like the 'Nottingham Canal – Bennerley Viaduct viewpoint loop'. Find more details on these activities in the dedicated guides for running, road cycling, and cycling around Eastwood.
Are there any easy walks or accessible trails near Eastwood?
Yes, the area offers options for easy walks. The path to Dale Abbey Arch is described as an easy, interesting hike suitable for all abilities. The trails around Mapperley Reservoir also provide peaceful and relatively flat routes through woodlands and farmland.
When is the best time to visit the attractions around Eastwood?
Spring is particularly beautiful, especially around Mapperley Reservoir, where you can see bluebell woodlands. Summer is great for bird watching and enjoying the longer days for outdoor activities. Historical sites like Newstead Abbey and Dale Abbey Arch are enjoyable year-round, though some paths might be muddy after rain.
Where can I find a cafe or refreshment stop near walking trails?
The Nutbrook Coffee Shop is a popular spot for walkers and cyclists. It's located conveniently near local reservoirs and Shipley Country Park. It's only accessible by walking, cycling, or horse riding, and is typically open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, though hours can vary, so it's best to check before your visit.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Eastwood?
Visitors frequently appreciate the blend of history and natural beauty. The serene atmosphere of places like Mapperley Reservoir and the historical significance of sites like Newstead Abbey are highly rated. The unique story and setting of Hermitage Cave also captivate many.
Are there any hidden gems or lesser-known spots to discover?
Beyond the main attractions, the Hermitage Cave (Hermit's Wood, Derby) is a fascinating, somewhat hidden historical site with a unique origin story. The village of Dale Abbey itself, with its remaining arch and other historical fragments built into local houses, offers a charming exploration for those interested in local history.
Can I find trails suitable for dog walking near Eastwood?
Many of the natural areas around Eastwood are suitable for dog walking. The woodlands and paths surrounding Mapperley Reservoir are popular for walks with pets. Always ensure dogs are kept under control and follow local guidelines, especially in areas with wildlife.
What kind of natural landscapes can I expect to see?
The region around Eastwood features diverse natural landscapes, including peaceful lakes like Mapperley Reservoir, dense woodlands such as Hermit's Wood, and rolling farmland. You'll find areas with bluebells in spring and opportunities for birdwatching, offering a tranquil escape into nature.
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Most popular attractions around Eastwood
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