Location: Retford
Top Things to do in Retford
Top 10 Free Things to do in Retford, England
Retford is a market town in Nottinghamshire in the East Midlands of England, 31 miles (50 km) from Nottingham, and 23 miles (37 km) west of Lincoln. The population at the 2011 census was 22,013. The town is in the valley of the River Idle and the Chesterfield Canal passes through the centre. The village of Ordsall, west of the River Idle and the East Coast Main Line railway, and the former hamlet of Thrumpton are suburbs. Retford is administered by Bassetlaw District Council in neighbouring Worksop and twinned with Pfungstadt, Germany.
Restaurants in Retford
1. North Leverton Windmill
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By Martin1959 - Kirkby-in-Ashfield, United Kingdom
On a cold and miserable November day , what would we expect ? A 200 year old working windmill and a miller who had time and a great deal of knowledge about the history and workings of this classic piece of engineering Very rustic and interesting, plus we were also able to purchase oats and flour produced on site A very worthwhile tour which doesn’t require a huge amount of time to enjoy
2. Retford Hub (NNATIC)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
Tourist Information Centre with local arts and crafts from over 130 local artisans, a gallery with exhibitions, farm shop with local produce and cheeses and artisan workshops with a bookbinder, lino printer and several artist.We have a cafe serving sandwiches, homemade cakes and hot / cold drinks. Brand new for 2017 The Mayflower Pilgrim Museum with audio & visual, dress up, large story boards and activities.
Reviewed By davidharrylarder - Retford, United Kingdom
The Hub-a friendly little place which provides both a cup of tea and a sandwich and excellent cheese, is also the centre now of TOURIST INFORMATION in the old market town of Retford in North Notts. It was opened due to the enthusiasm, hard work and attention to detail of Chris and his wife Louise, supported by a number of volunteers.Chris thought it was an ideal way to spend his retirement from his high-level computing network job. He is happy now to use a paintbrush or wrap your cheese of many varieties-some local-or make you a delicious sandwich.I hasten to add that he is not doing both at the same time! He keeps very stringent hygiene behaviour in the tiny kitchen. The Hub is the centre of arts information particularly in the town. It also provides a place for working artists and crafts people to come and be seen by the public in the upstairs rooms. This was a derelict shop. But it provided the ideal venue for the couple who have turned it round for the benefit of the community and visitors. When the County Council were faced with cuts by the government they had to make choices as to which services should go. Tourist information in Retford did not survive. But Chris knew that businesses in the town needed people to visit the area and keep alive their genuine interest in its local history. So they and a host of volunteers cleaned and painted and renovated the old shop to turn it into what it is today-an unbelievingly pleasant place to go and find out at first hand as well as from tourist literature what you can do in and around North Nottinghamshire. Sherwood Forest is nearby. The happy volunteers will do their best to help you enjoy your visit. The Meal Deals are the cheapest in the town at £2.50 in the tiny cafe. On pleasant days you can sit out on comfortable chairs with a little table and look across the road at the old Parish Church and the great Canon that stands ominously in place ever since it was dragged to the town by local soldiers from the battle of Sebastopol in the 19th century With the 400th centenary of the Pilgrim Fathers (and mothers!) due soon, there is an exhibition of the Mayflower Pilgrims suffering and move to what became the United States You can have a costumed tour with children's activities and also get to know the links to 3 places in the vicinity-lovely villages-which you can visit that gave birth and sustenance to the Pilgrim Fathers before they left. The centre exists to promote local arts and has a well-lit gallery and an event space suitable for groups. Local artists take advantage of this facility and children have an arts club and classes on a regular basis Of course the great attraction for both visitors and locals are the delightful gifts and specialist local food that can be bought at inexpensive prices.You can find here in this non-profit making environment information about the many events and the arts in the town of Retford. To find out more send an email to [email protected]
3. Springhead Brewery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
The Bees' Knees is a warm and friendly Ale House and Eatery on the site of The Springhead Brewery.Good honest homemade food is available to compliment our range of fabulous beers. We are proud of our food, we make all our own pies with pastry made with flour from Leverton Windmill. Our meat,veg,cheeses,sausages,fresh fish, pickles and sundries etc. are all locally sourced.We have two function rooms available, we conduct brewery tours and will happily tailor any special event to your needs. We also have outside bar facilities and specialise in organising beer festivals.
4. Bassetlaw Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 68 reviews
Reviewed By kensmoon - Lincoln, United Kingdom
Before you enter the museum spend a few minutes looking at the little display on the steps of hand painted rocks and pebbles with different designs and messages. Once inside I thoroughly enjoyed viewing the different exhibits, especially the World War II section and the vintage games, one of which I still have from a family Christmas four to five decades ago! Some of the art work in the gallery was beautiful and captivating. The agricultural display was interesting and The Pilgrims Gallery was superbly presented with plenty of information combined with an interactive element.
5. Idle Valley Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 314 reviews
Reviewed By heeza2106 - Carlton in Lindrick, United Kingdom
Situated along the western bank of the River Idle, Idle Valley Nature Reserve (also known as Lound/Sutton Gravel Pits) is both a Local Wildlife Site and a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is 450 hectares of land consisting of a network of lakes, wetland, grassland, woodland, and scrub. As you can imagine it's home to a diverse range of wildlife, but it's also recognised as a brilliant birding site in the region. In fact, the lakes within the nature reserve were gravel extraction pits 70 years ago, flooded when the land was given to Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust and nature reclaimed the land. It's now one of the largest sites for nature conservation in the East Midlands and the multitude of walking routes really reflects that. Today I took my dog for a good four mile walk around the reserve, through all the different terrain. My dog even went for a swim in the River Idle to cool off! It really is a beautiful place to walk, so many different things to look at. Definitely recommend it to anyone who likes a good walk. Just to note - the centre and car park are closed until further notice due to the pandemic situation, but the reserve and it's footpaths remain open to the public. There is ample parking space just outside the car park though for non-locals. The centre (when open) boasts toilets, gift shop, and cafe.
6. Chesterfield Canal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
Reviewed By happytraveler676 - Retford, United Kingdom
Take a walk along the tow path of this beautiful Canal from the Basin by the Locks and wave to a passing Canal boat , the silence is almost deafening as you wander along and see somedays dog walkers and somedays just be at peace by yourself , it is beautiful , just take a look , well worth a little visit :)
7. BeerHeadZ
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
New generation of Indiepubs, specialising in beer - cask and craft on tap - plus exciting selection of bottles and cans from the fridge.
Reviewed By kensmoon - Lincoln, United Kingdom
A quirky and charming pub which is certainly little but with a large selection of beers from the cask, key keg and the chiller cabinet. We enjoyed having a good natter with the friendly barman. No unfined cask ales for me this time but I enjoyed a half of cider and a tasty Brass Castle 'Altogether IPA', brewed as part of a worldwide, open-ended beer collaboration to raise support for the hospitality industry.
8. St Swithuns Parish Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By kensmoon - Lincoln, United Kingdom
Located on its own area of land between two roads and Cannon Square this is a beautiful Grade II listed building. I enjoyed the exterior but understandably could not enter the church given the current situation. Hopefully next year I will be able to view the wonderful stained glass.
9. Kings Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 87 reviews
Reviewed By O9594RKjuliec - Nottingham, United Kingdom
I am so glad that kings park is still open you really appreciate the park in this situation .it is so nice to walk through the gardens are fantastic .the only thing I was annoyed about were people sunbathing and playing football I thought we were not supposed to do that in this lockdown .
10. War Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By SteveS1970 - Coventry, United Kingdom
Lovely memorial in the middle of the main square with the name a of all the locals who lost their lives during the war. Nice that such a small place has this type of memorial. Last we forget.
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