Things To Do
in Selston

Selston is a leafy village in Nottinghamshire, England, known for its tranquil rural character and easy access to the nearby city of Nottingham. The area blends countryside charm with convenient links to urban amenities, making it suitable for both relaxed weekend breaks and longer visits. The village hosts a tight-knit community, traditional pubs, and scenic lanes ideal for countryside strolls.

Visitors should expect a peaceful base with convenient day trips to historic towns, parks, and forest areas in the surrounding region.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Historic Village Stroll
morning
:

Start your journey with a hearty breakfast at The Village Tea Rooms, sampling freshly baked pastries and local jams. Wander through Selston's quaint lanes, admiring traditional stone cottages and blooming window boxes. Pause at the 13th-century parish church to soak in centuries of village history.

afternoon
:

Explore Bagthorpe Wood Nature Reserve, following its winding trails and listening to the rustle of leaves underfoot. Spot woodland birds and perhaps catch sight of a shy fox darting between the trees. Use the viewing platform near the pond for a tranquil moment overlooking lily pads and dragonflies.

evening
:

Enjoy classic pub fare at The Old Hydropathic, tucking into locally sourced meats and seasonal vegetables by the fireplace. Share stories with friendly locals while sampling a pint of Nottinghamshire ale. End the evening with a serene stroll under the glow of lampposts along Main Street.

day 2
Woodland Cycling Adventure
morning
:

Collect a sturdy bicycle and helmet from the local hire shop before setting off along the Colliers Wood cycle route. Feel the breeze as you pedal under towering oak and birch trees forming a leafy canopy overhead. Keep an eye out for native wildlife like roe deer and songbirds as they dart between branches.

afternoon
:

Continue your ride into Bagthorpe Woodlands, pausing for a picnic by a hidden stream fed by chalk springs. Relish artisan cheese and crusty bread while listening to the gentle burble of water over pebbles. Afterwards, explore narrow footpaths that lead to ancient coppices and fern-lined clearings.

evening
:

Return your bike and unwind at a countryside gastropub, savoring crispy fish and homemade mushy peas. Relish the warmth of candlelit tables in a cozy stone dining room. Finish with a slice of sticky toffee pudding paired with local ice cream for a sweet end to your adventure.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
Cup of coffee$2-4
🚆Local bus ride$2-4
🧺Grocery item (bread/milk)$1-3
🏨Budget hotel per night$60-120

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Calm countryside with easy access to Nottingham
  • Friendly locals and a strong pub culture
  • Good base for day trips to forests and historic towns
  • Limited nightlife within the village itself
  • Public transport options can be sparse on weekends

Places to Visit in Selston

Visit one of these nice places.

Wollaton Hall and Deer Park

A grand Elizabethan mansion with expansive lawns, woodland paths, and deer—great for architectural and landscape photography.

Gedling Country Park

Open greenspace with lakes, woodlands, and hilltop viewpoints ideal for wide shots and sunset silhouettes.

Nottingham Castle and skyline views

City panoramas from viewpoints near Castle Rock; great for urban-vs-rural contrasts.

Sherwood Forest Trails

Ancient oaks and forest trails offering atmospheric, nature-filled photography opportunities.

Culinary Guide

Food in Selston

Notts and Derbyshire countryside influence the local fare, with hearty pub dishes, classic fish and chips, and traditional teas. In Selston and the surrounding area, you’ll find simple, comforting meals focused on British pub cuisine and seasonal produce from nearby farms.

Selston Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Fish and Chips

Crispy battered fish served with thick-cut chips, a staple at local pubs and chippies.

Must-Try!

Steak and Ale Pie

A rich, slow-cooked beef pie with ale gravy, typically served with roots or mashed potato.

Traditional Sunday Roast

Roast meat (beef, chicken, or gammon) with roast potatoes, vegetables, and gravy, a weekend favorite.

Cream Tea

Scones with clotted cream and jam, typically enjoyed with a pot of tea.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Nottingham Market (Old Market Square)

Historic city market offering fresh produce, baked goods, and occasional street food stalls.

Farmers' Markets in nearby towns

Seasonal stalls with locally produced cheeses, meats, vegetables, and artisanal items.

Climate Guide

Weather

Selston experiences a temperate maritime climate with mild summers and cool winters. Rain is possible at any time, and conditions can change quickly, so layering and a waterproof jacket are advisable.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Queueing

Respect the queue; brits value orderly lines and patience in public spaces.

Politeness

Use please and thank you; maintain a courteous tone in conversations and when asking for help.

Driving and Parking

Be mindful of narrow rural roads; park in designated areas and avoid blocking access for residents.

Safety Guide

Safety

In rural areas, stay aware of secluded spots after dark and keep valuables secure when away from properties. Use well-lit routes, especially at night, and follow local guidance on safety and weather conditions.

Tipping in Selston

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is customary but not mandatory; 10-15% in restaurants if service charge is not included.

Payment Methods

Cash and cards are widely accepted; contactless and mobile payments are common.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Blossoms, fresh greens, and longer daylight hours; expect showers but plenty of scenic blue skies between storms.

Summer

Long days and outdoor events with warm temperatures; stay hydrated and plan outdoor activities for early mornings or late afternoons.

Autumn

Golden foliage and harvest markets; can be damp with misty mornings and cool evenings.

Winter

Shorter days with frost or occasional snow; festive lights in nearby towns and a cozy pub scene in the evenings.

Nightlife Guide

Selston at Night

Selston itself offers a quiet nightlife with traditional pubs and social clubs. For a broader scene, Nottingham provides a vibrant array of bars, clubs, live music venues, and seasonal events within a short drive.

Hiking in Selston

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Wollaton Park Loop

Scenic loop around Wollaton Park with woodlands, lakes, and deer; suitable for all levels.

Gedling Country Park Trails

Well-marked woodland and lakeside trails with viewpoints over the surrounding countryside.

Sherwood Forest Trails

Forest paths through Robin Hood country, offering immersive nature walks.

Airports

How to reach Selston by plane.

East Midlands Airport

Major regional airport serving Nottinghamshire; accessible by road or rail connections.

Birmingham Airport

Larger international airport within reasonable driving distance, with domestic and international flights.

Getting Around

Walkability

Selston is quite walkable within the village for daily needs; broader exploration of the area is best done by car or with bus links to nearby towns and Nottingham city.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Many families reside in the area, attracted by schools and safe residential streets.

Older residents

A stable, established community with long-term residents and local networks.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football

Notts County and Nottingham Forest feature prominently in the region; strong local support for matches.

Cricket

Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club plays at Trent Bridge; summer fixtures draw crowds.

Rugby

Local clubs offer community-level rugby and social matches.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is generally manageable in and around the village; during peak hours, expect slower movement toward Nottingham and the M1 corridor. Rural roads can be narrow and winding, so drive with care and use public transport when possible.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Selston.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are widely available; look for veggie pies, baked dishes, and plant-based substitutes; ask about meat-free options in pubs.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is provided by the NHS through local GP practices. Nearest major hospitals include Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (Queen's Medical Centre and City Hospital). Out-of-hours urgent care centers are available in the region.

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