Best attractions and places to see around Coton In The Elms, a village in South Derbyshire, offer a blend of historical sites and natural landscapes. Situated within the National Forest area and the Mease Lowlands, the region provides opportunities for exploring woodlands and waterways. The area is known for its historical significance, including mentions in the Domesday Book, and features a variety of points of interest.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
Highlight • Structure
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Bridge
Tip by
Highlight • Natural
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more attractions around Coton In The Elms.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
A great place to walk and a visit to waterside is a must in the Sun
0
0
The canal is a lovely place for a walk, especially on a sunny day when the water reflects beautifully. There's a large forest area adjacent to the canal, with trails leading back to the path. You'll also find a museum, some small shops, and public restrooms. It's a great place for a day out, whether you're looking for adventure, walking the dog, fishing, or just grabbing a bite at the cafe!
3
0
lovely walk. donisthorpe woods great for pushchairs etc. path to oakthorpe walkers only
2
0
Fradley Junction, where the Coventry Canal meets the Trent & Mersey Canal, hosts a great little café over-looking the canal, with facilities in the courtyard. A pub, nature reserve and action at the canal locks make this a great place to have refreshments after your run. Can get a little busy due to location.
1
0
Ferry Bridge is a pretty Victorian foot bridge over the River Trent. Built to replace a small ferry service that had operated at the same site since the 13th century. and gifted to the town by brewing magnate Michael Arthur Bass, later Lord Burton. The bridge is a "semi-suspension" bridge, of which this is the first and only one of its kind in Europe to be built to this design.
2
0
The Ferry Bridge is a pedestrian bridge over the River Trent. It was opened in 1889 and replaced a small ferry service that had run since the 13th century. It's a semi-suspension bridge and was the only one of this design to be built in Europe.
1
0
The area is rich in history. You can explore the unique Moira Furnace and Canal, a historical site with a visitor centre and museum, which is also said to be the inspiration for 'The Mines of Moria' in J.R.R. Tolkien's *The Lord of the Rings*. Additionally, St. Mary's Church, built between 1844 and 1847, and the 17th-century Queen's Head Inn offer glimpses into the village's past. The Old School House and Manor Farmhouse are also Grade II listed buildings showcasing historical architecture.
Yes, Coton in the Elms is home to Church Flatts Farm, which holds the unique distinction of being the furthest point from the sea in Great Britain. This makes it a notable spot for those interested in geographical curiosities.
You can enjoy the natural beauty of Coton Wood, planted by the Woodland Trust, which features old hedgerows and footpaths, including part of a historic 'coffin trail'. The village is also situated within the attractive rolling landscape of the Mease Lowlands, offering gentle walks through young woodlands. For water features, Conkers Waterside provides a lake area with walking trails, and Beehive Woodland Lakes offers 66 acres of woodland and three lakes, a haven for wildlife.
Absolutely. Conkers Waterside is a popular choice, offering outdoor walks, an adventure playground, and an indoor adventure area within the National Forest. Moira Furnace and Canal also features a visitor centre, museum, and a children's play area. The Rosliston Forestry Centre, a short drive away, provides a range of activities from quiet walks to family fun with woodlands, meadows, ponds, and play areas.
The area offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking opportunities, including easy trails like the 'Conkers Circuit Lake – Albert Village Lake loop' or the 'Muddy Trail – The Black Horse Pub loop'. For cycling enthusiasts, there are road cycling routes such as the 'Fradley Junction – Fradley Junction loop' and mountain biking trails like 'From Conkers trails to Hicks Lodge loop'. You can find more details on these activities and routes in the respective guides: Easy hikes around Coton In The Elms, Road Cycling Routes around Coton In The Elms, and MTB Trails around Coton In The Elms.
You can visit Fradley Junction, where the Coventry Canal meets the Trent & Mersey Canal. It's a great spot for refreshments with a cafe and a pub, and you can enjoy watching the canal locks and exploring the nature reserve. The canal at Moira Furnace and Canal also offers lovely walks with accessible footpaths.
Yes, Ferry Bridge, a Victorian footbridge over the River Trent, is noted as wheelchair accessible. The canal paths at Moira Furnace and Canal are also easily accessible, making it suitable for a wider range of visitors.
The National Memorial Arboretum is a significant site located in Alrewas, a short drive from Coton In The Elms. It honors those who died during conflicts and features over 30,000 trees and 350 memorials, offering a peaceful and reflective experience.
The village has The Queen's Head Inn, a characterful country pub dating back to the 17th century. Another option is The Bubble Inn, located in the heart of the village, which offers views of the surrounding countryside from its beer garden. You can find more information about The Bubble Inn at visitsouthderbyshire.co.uk.
Visitors frequently highlight the peaceful atmosphere and the blend of historical and natural beauty. Many appreciate the well-maintained walking trails, especially around areas like Conkers Waterside and Moira Furnace and Canal. The family-friendly facilities, such as playgrounds and visitor centers, are also highly valued, making it a great destination for all ages.
Yes, Coton Manor Garden is a 10-acre garden known for its beautiful flowers and plants. It is open to visitors from April to September and includes a tearoom, offering a pleasant experience for garden enthusiasts.
Ferry Bridge is a pretty Victorian footbridge over the River Trent. It is notable as the first and only 'semi-suspension' bridge of its kind in Europe when it was built in 1889, replacing a ferry service that had operated since the 13th century.


Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions: