Selston

Day Trips

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Set off for Heanor, stopping at the bustling market square to browse stalls selling fresh produce, handmade crafts, and artisan breads. Chat with stallholders about local specialties like Nottinghamshire bacon and Stilton cheese. Grab a freshly brewed coffee and a Yorkshire Pudding Wrap to fuel your exploration.

Head south to Ripley and explore the grand Ripley Castle and its landscaped gardens, marveling at ornate architecture and seasonal flowerbeds. Join a guided tour to uncover tales of the de Bourchier family and hidden wartime bunkers beneath the estate. Wander lakeside paths to photograph swans and waterfowl gliding across tranquil waters.

Sample fine dining at The Swan in Ripley, where creative menus highlight regional produce and inventive flavor pairings. Sip a glass of locally produced mead while admiring vaulted beams and restored medieval features. If time allows, take a moonlit stroll in the castle grounds to admire illuminated turrets.

Travel to Sherwood Forest, stepping into legends of Robin Hood amid ancient oaks and heather-clad clearings. Embark on the Robin Hood Way trail, learning about medieval outlaws while breathing in fresh woodland air. Pause at the Major Oak, the storied 800-year-old tree that once sheltered the legendary outlaw.

Visit the Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre to interact with exhibits on forest ecology and local folklore. Participate in a woodland craft workshop, carving wooden tokens or weaving greenwood baskets from fresh branches. Enjoy a forest picnic with proper park bench facilities and panoramic views of rolling hills.

Return to Selston and dine at a family-run bistro offering seasonal game dishes like venison stew or wild mushroom risotto. Share stories from your forest adventures over a glass of robust red wine. Cap the night with a gentle moonlit walk along a field path, listening to owls calling in the distance.

Catch an early train to Nottingham, starting your day at the historic Lace Market district with a guided walking tour of Victorian warehouses and hidden courtyards. Learn about the city's thriving lace industry and admire intricate ironwork balconies above narrow cobblestone streets. Pause for a latte at an independent café housed in a restored 19th-century mill.

Ascend the Heights of Abraham at Nottingham Castle, exploring the museum's interactive exhibits on Robin Hood and local history. Stroll through formal gardens to Norton’s Pavilion, absorbing panoramic views over the city skyline. Stop by Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, one of England’s oldest pubs carved into caverock, for a hearty pub lunch.

Return to Selston for a relaxed evening at The Selston Bull, enjoying locally brewed ales and gourmet burgers on a covered outdoor terrace. Watch the sun set behind rolling fields as live acoustic music fills the air. Toast to an unforgettable day with friends or fellow travelers in the cozy bar area.

Drive west to the southern fringes of the Peak District, beginning at the stunning Ilkeston Road and parking near Greenhill. Follow the footpath up to Crich Stand for panoramic views over limestone dales and patchwork fields. Enjoy a quick snack of pork pies and apple slices as you take in the crisp upland air.

Descend into Matlock Bath, a picturesque Victorian spa town along the River Derwent. Ride the cable tramway to the Heights of Abraham’s hillside caverns and enjoy an ice cream on the terrace. Wander through quaint shops selling modern curios and traditional sweets along the riverside promenade.

Return to Selston and experience an alfresco supper at a farm-to-table restaurant specializing in heirloom vegetables and free-range poultry. Take your time savoring each course while stars emerge in the clear country sky. End with a homemade fruit crumble and a warming whisky in the pub’s snug corner.

Spend the morning at Holly Tree Farm Market sampling local cheeses, artisan breads, and freshly pressed ciders. Tour the working farmyard to meet friendly sheep, pigs, and rare breed poultry. Purchase farm-raised eggs and chutneys to enjoy later in your accommodation.

Head to Nottinghamshire’s monthly farmers’ market in Sutton-in-Ashfield to discover organic vegetables, honeycomb, and handmade preserves. Chat with beekeepers to learn about sustainable honey production and pollinator conservation. Sip a craft ginger beer while watching street performers entertain the crowd.

Host a self-catered dinner in your cottage kitchen using your market finds: whip up a vegetable tart, cheese platter, and salad with garden herbs. Pair your meal with a bottle of local wine or sparkling elderflower presse. Gather around the dining table for stories, music, and board games late into the night.

Join a traditional pottery workshop at a nearby studio, shaping clay vessels on a wheel and learning glazing techniques. Feel the cool earth under your fingertips as you create bespoke pieces to take home. Finish with a pottery demonstration by a master ceramist, showcasing intricate hand-painting styles.

Visit the Giltbrook Designer Outlet on the outskirts of Nottingham for some retail therapy, discovering British brands and artisanal food stalls. Enjoy a light lunch of gourmet sandwiches and salads at a boutique café. Pick up specialty teas and handmade chocolates as souvenirs.

Return to Selston for a craft beer tasting flight at the local microbrewery taproom, sampling innovative ales infused with local botanicals. Pair each pour with charcuterie and cheese boards crafted from regional suppliers. Unwind with live folk music in a snug corner, sharing your favorite moments of the trip.

Drive to West Bridgford and board a leisurely river cruise along the Trent, passing historic boathouses and riverside parks. Listen to commentary on local wildlife, spotting herons fishing at dawn. Sip on a morning tea served by the friendly crew as the mist lifts from the water.

Disembark near Holme Pierrepont Country Park and cycle along riverside towpaths to the adjoining parkland. Rent a pedal boat or canoe for a gentle paddle on the park’s lakes. Grab a casual lunch of burgers and fries at the waterfront café.

Return to Selston and dine at The Pinewood Restaurant, where seasonal tasting menus showcase wild-caught fish and garden vegetables. Pair courses with Nottinghamshire whites, learning about regional vineyards from the sommelier. Conclude with a decadent chocolate fondant served alongside honeycomb ice cream.

Ease into your final day with a lazy brunch at a local pancake house, stacking fluffy flapjacks with berries and cream. Reflect on the week’s adventures as you savor fresh coffee and maple syrup. Take a leisurely stroll through the village square, revisiting favorite spots.

Spend your afternoon revisiting Bagthorpe Wood or Selston recreation ground for a quiet picnic under ancient oaks. Read a book on a bench, drawn in by the gentle rustle of leaves and distant birdsong. Stop by a village shop to pick up souvenirs like handmade candles or knitted scarves.

Enjoy a farewell dinner at The Old Crown, celebrating with fine cuts of locally reared beef and seasonal sides. Raise a final toast with a pint of amber ale, thanking hosts and new friends for their warm hospitality. End the evening with a peaceful walk home, lantern light guiding you through the starlit lanes of Selston.