Best attractions and places to see around Cotgrave include a mix of natural landscapes, historical sites, and recreational facilities. The village, located in Nottinghamshire, England, offers diverse environments such as woodlands, lakes, and walking trails. Visitors can explore historical buildings and enjoy various outdoor activities. The area provides opportunities for both tranquil nature experiences and active pursuits.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
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The Domesday Book records a church and priest at Colwick in 1086. The church that now stands in ruins was largely built by Sir John Byron in the 16th Century but incorporates 14th and 15th Century sections from an earlier church. The building at that time probably had a spire not a plain tower. By 1912 the roof of the church was in a poor state. Although repairs made the building serviceable again for a few years, the condition of the church continued to deteriorate and by 1920 some of the services were being held in the Schoolrooms in wintertime and later in a newly built Parish Hall. From 1923 some marriages were conducted in the Parish Hall. In Mar 1924, the down-pipes were repaired and the walls pointed. The roof was again repaired but its condition continued to give concern and in 1933 the church was abandoned as dangerous. It was finally closed as being unsafe in March 1936, and in November 1936, the principal beam of the roof gave way.
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The Canal side Heritage Centre also has a nice tea room with a garden and nice clean toilets. Over the canal next to the Marina Chandlery is another cafe and a licensed bar. On street parking is available behind the Marina. Beeston Railway Station is only a couple of minutes bike ride away.
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just a short detour off the route but worth the stop. quite stunning - and very noisy π
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Love this place. On both sides! Beeston side offers a cafΓ© on the lock (+ Marina Club a little further down). Clifton side offers beautiful woodlands nearby.
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A cozy pub with history - whether the story is real or well-invented
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Cotgrave offers a diverse range of attractions, including extensive natural parks like Cotgrave Country Park with woodlands and lakes, historical landmarks such as All Saints' Church and the remains of Cotgrave Castle, and recreational facilities like the Cotgrave Leisure Centre. You'll also find charming riverside spots and historical pubs.
Yes, Cotgrave is rich in history. You can visit All Saints' Church, a Grade I listed building dating back to the 12th or 13th century, which features a stained glass window commemorating the Cotgrave Colliery. The village also has the remains of Cotgrave Castle within the grounds of Cotgrave Place Hotel, and the Cotgrave Heritage Centre, which tells the story of the town. Further afield, you can explore the Canalside Heritage Centre at Beeston Lock, or visit Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, which claims to be the oldest inn in England.
Cotgrave Country Park is a prominent natural attraction, featuring woodlands, lakes, wetland areas, and various walking and cycling trails. It's an excellent spot for wildlife spotting. The Grantham Canal also passes through the park, and Heron Lake is popular for angling. Just outside Cotgrave, Rushcliffe Country Park offers more walking and cycling opportunities.
Absolutely. Cotgrave Country Park is ideal for families, offering space for walks, cycling, and nature observation. The Highfields Lake, University Park, provides a gentle walk around the lake with a lakeside cafe. Beeston Lock is another family-friendly spot where you can feed ducks and enjoy a riverside cafe. The Cotgrave Leisure Centre also provides facilities like a swimming pool and gym.
Cotgrave Country Park offers numerous trails for walking and cycling. The Grantham Canal Path, which runs through the park, is also a great option. For more structured routes, you can explore various cycling tours around Cotgrave, such as the Grantham Canal Path loops, which range from easy to moderate difficulty. Find more routes at Cycling around Cotgrave.
Cotgrave Country Park is a haven for wildlife. Its diverse environments, including woodlands, lakes, and wetlands, support deer, rabbits, foxes, and various birds like kestrels, herons, and kingfishers. You might also spot bats, badgers, and grass snakes. The park provides excellent opportunities for nature observation.
The area around Cotgrave offers a variety of cycling routes. You can find easy loops like the Grantham Canal Path β West Viewpoint loop, or more challenging routes such as the St. Mary's Church β Skylarks Nature Reserve loop. There are also options for gravel biking and mountain biking, including routes around Cotgrave Country Park Lake and Holme Pierrepont Country Park. Discover more at Cycling around Cotgrave, Gravel biking around Cotgrave, and MTB Trails around Cotgrave.
Yes, several attractions offer places to stop for refreshments. Beeston Lock has a riverside cafe and bar. At Highfields Lake, University Park, there's a lakeside cafe. The Canalside Heritage Centre at Beeston Lock also features a nice tea room. For a historic pub experience, visit Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem. Additionally, Gunthorpe Riverside and The Unicorn Hotel offers a pub in a charming village setting.
The best time to visit Cotgrave largely depends on your interests. For outdoor activities like walking, cycling, and enjoying the natural parks, spring and summer offer pleasant weather. The village also hosts an annual carnival in July, which can be a lively time to visit. Autumn provides beautiful foliage, while winter walks can be serene, especially in Cotgrave Country Park.
While popular, Cotgrave Country Park is extensive enough to find quieter spots, especially on weekdays or outside peak hours. Exploring the smaller historical sites like the village cross or the war memorial can offer a more tranquil experience. The Grantham Canal path also provides peaceful stretches away from the main village.
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of natural beauty and historical charm. The peaceful walks around places like Highfields Lake and the scenic riverside stops at Beeston Lock are highly rated. The well-maintained village atmosphere of Gunthorpe Riverside and the historical significance of sites like Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem also receive positive feedback.


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