Location: Retford
Top Things to do in Retford
Top 5 Nature & Parks 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. 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.
2. 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 :)
3. 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 .
4. Daneshill Lakes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By kensmoon - Lincoln, United Kingdom
This was our first time in this beautiful location but we were very glad it appeared on our radar. Encompassing a variety of habitats, including woodland and grassland, this beauty spot is home to a wide variety of birds and flowering plants. Even at the car park there is a lovely lakeside view, which in my opinion gives it an advantage over the nearby Idle Valley Nature Park. We enjoyed a stroll around in the afternoon sunshine and ended up feeding the ducks, coots, geese and swans. I liked the information panels which identified the trees and provided additional interesting details. It was fascinating to read that because the Common Alder likes wet conditions, much of Venice was built on Alder piles.
5. Captain Jack's Adventure
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 109 reviews
Reviewed By LincolnshireLass29 - Gainsborough, United Kingdom
Can not say enough good things about this place. We have visited since re-opening and the place is spotless. We felt safe and secure and all the correct measures were in place. But forget COVID this place is fantastic anyway. Lots of space, great facilities. Can’t wait to go back and gutted we didn’t find it sooner. Thanks again guys.
