Attractions and Places To See around Gonalston - Top 20
Attractions and places to see around Gonalston offer a tranquil English country experience in Nottinghamshire. This rural village is characterized by its historical landmarks, such as the 14th-century Parish Church of St Laurence, and its natural features, including the Dover Beck river. The area provides a mix of arable land, pasture, and woodlands, making it suitable for exploring its unique heritage and landscape. Gonalston Nottinghamshire attractions include several listed buildings and archaeological sites.
Best attractions and places to see around…
Last updated: May 4, 2026
Oxton Bank Climb
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Southwell Minster
Highlight • Religious Site
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Watchwood Berms MTB Trail
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St. Michael's Church, Farnsfield
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Gunthorpe Riverside and The Unicorn Hotel
Highlight • Settlement
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The first mention of Farnsfield emerges in 956AD in a document in which King Edwy of Northumbria gave the Danish Archbishop of York, Oscytel, the manor of Southwell, which included the farmstead of Farnsfield. Farnsfield was a small community of farmsteads scraping a living from agriculture in a clearing at the edge of Sherwood Forest. By 1520 Farnsfield was the responsibility of Southwell Minster under the Archbishop of York, Cardinal Wolsey. Most people were farmers and poor land, bad weather, disease and starvation were constant hazards. By the 1600s more specialised trades were developing in Farnsfield including bakers, tailors and shoemakers. By the late 1700s sheep rearing was the main source of income from outside.
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The church dates from the 15th century but was rebuilt between 1859 and 1860 by Thomas Chambers Hine and Robert Evans following a fire. Only a fragment of the tower from the 15th-century building survives.
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The earliest church on the site is believed to have been founded in 627 by Paulinus, the first Archbishop of York, when he visited the area while baptising believers in the River Trent. The legend is commemorated in the Minster's baptistry window. In 956 King Eadwig gave land in Southwell to Oskytel, Archbishop of York, on which a minster church was established. The Domesday Book of 1086 recorded the Southwell manor in great detail. The Norman reconstruction of the church began in 1108, probably as a rebuilding of the Anglo-Saxon church, starting at the east end so that the high altar could be used as soon as possible and the Saxon building was dismantled as work progressed. Many stones from this earlier Anglo-Saxon church were reused in the construction. The church was originally attached to the Archbishop of York's Palace which stood next door and is now ruined.
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Features now restored in the middle of the wood, including small gap-jumps with chicken line, flowing great (April 2022).
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Unfortunately the Forestry Commission have been into Watchwood and removed all the man-made features (jumps) from the downhill runs. However the trails are still rideable & fun, plenty of berms still in place. (July 2021)
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Lovely location on the Trent. Lots of easy, flat, traffic-free roads around here. Regularly use this as a lunch stop on rides in the southern half of the Vale of Belvoir. There is an easy 30 mile loop to Newark and back, going through quiet lanes up one side of the Trent and back down the other. I have used the riverside Unicorn pub as an overnight base for cycle-touring in this area.
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Very nice village next to the Trent. Easily accessed by the cycle way. Suitable for all riders.
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A lovely riverside village with a pub and a nice pier - ideal for taking a good photo of your machine!!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical landmarks can I explore directly within Gonalston village?
Gonalston is home to several historical sites. The most prominent is the 14th-century Parish Church of St Laurence, known for its original chancel walls and medieval carved effigies. You can also see Gonalston Hall, a country house remodelled in 1850, and several other Grade II listed buildings such as Manor Cottages, Manor Farm House, and The Smithy, which contribute to the village's historic charm. For more details on the church, you can visit Gonalston's Wikipedia page.
Are there any notable natural features around Gonalston?
Yes, the small river Dover Beck flows through the area, separating Gonalston from the neighboring village of Lowdham before joining the River Trent. The parish itself features a mix of arable land, pasture, woodlands, and plantations, offering a tranquil rural landscape for exploration.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Gonalston?
The area around Gonalston is well-suited for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for hiking, cycling, and running. For mountain biking enthusiasts, there's the Watchwood Berms MTB Trail, known for its fun berms and optional jumps.
Are there specific hiking trails recommended around Gonalston?
Yes, several hiking trails are available. Popular options include the 'Pheasants in the Field – Epperstone Circular Walk' and the 'Epperstone Circular Walk – Thurgarton Sheep Wash loop', both starting from Epperstone. For an easier option, consider the 'Railway Pit Lakes loop from Thurgarton'. You can find more details and routes on the Hiking around Gonalston guide.
Where can I go cycling near Gonalston?
Cyclists can enjoy a variety of routes around Gonalston. Options range from the 'Tom Browns Brasserie – The Battle of Stoke Field loop' to routes incorporating the 'Southwell Trail'. These routes offer diverse distances and difficulty levels. Explore more cycling options on the Cycling around Gonalston guide.
What family-friendly attractions are available around Gonalston?
Families can enjoy a visit to Southwell Minster, a historic religious building with architectural significance. Another great spot is Gunthorpe Riverside and The Unicorn Hotel, a beautifully maintained village by the river, perfect for a leisurely stop or enjoying riverside views.
Are there any unique local events in Gonalston?
Gonalston hosts the 'Gonalston Open Gardens' event every couple of years. This allows visitors to explore private gardens in the village and often includes classic car displays, children's entertainment, and cream teas, with proceeds benefiting local charities. The next event is scheduled for June 2026.
What other historical buildings can I see in the wider Gonalston area?
Beyond Gonalston itself, you can visit Southwell Minster, one of the smallest cathedrals in the country with a history dating back to 627 AD. Another notable site is St. Michael's Church in Farnsfield, which dates from the 15th century, though largely rebuilt after a fire.
Are there any challenging climbs for cyclists near Gonalston?
Yes, cyclists looking for a challenge can tackle Oxton Bank Climb. This location offers a significant gradient, with sections reaching 12%, providing a demanding experience for those seeking a physical test.
What archaeological discoveries have been made in Gonalston?
Significant archaeological finds have been made in the Trent Valley area near Gonalston. These include Neolithic pottery excavated from a ring ditch at Holme Dyke and a Late Bronze Age domestic site (burnt mound) uncovered by quarry workings, indicating a rich ancient history in the region.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions around Gonalston?
Visitors appreciate the tranquil English country experience, the historical significance of sites like the Parish Church of St Laurence, and the natural beauty of the rural landscape. The charm of Gunthorpe Riverside is often highlighted for its well-maintained village and pleasant views. For cyclists, the challenge of Oxton Bank Climb is a draw, while mountain bikers enjoy the fun and practice opportunities at Watchwood Berms MTB Trail.
Are there places to eat or stay near Gonalston attractions?
While Gonalston itself is a small village without a pub or dedicated accommodation, nearby villages like Gunthorpe offer options such as The Unicorn Hotel, which is popular for riverside stops. Other nearby towns and villages will provide a wider selection of cafes, pubs, and accommodation.
Most popular attractions around Gonalston
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