Best attractions and places to see around Cropwell Bishop include a blend of historical landmarks, natural beauty, and local charm. Situated between the Vale of Belvoir and the River Trent plain in Nottinghamshire, the village is known for its Stilton cheese production. The area provides opportunities for outdoor activities and cultural exploration, with numerous public footpaths and trails.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
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The Domesday Book records a church and priest at Colwick in 1086. The church that now stands in ruins was largely built by Sir John Byron in the 16th Century but incorporates 14th and 15th Century sections from an earlier church. The building at that time probably had a spire not a plain tower. By 1912 the roof of the church was in a poor state. Although repairs made the building serviceable again for a few years, the condition of the church continued to deteriorate and by 1920 some of the services were being held in the Schoolrooms in wintertime and later in a newly built Parish Hall. From 1923 some marriages were conducted in the Parish Hall. In Mar 1924, the down-pipes were repaired and the walls pointed. The roof was again repaired but its condition continued to give concern and in 1933 the church was abandoned as dangerous. It was finally closed as being unsafe in March 1936, and in November 1936, the principal beam of the roof gave way.
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A Local Nature Reserve in Nottinghamshire The Netherfield Lagoons, Local Nature Reserve is situated on the Trent Valley Flood Plain in Nottinghamshire and has been partly used as a dump for coal slurry but with two remaining gravel ponds. The two slurry pits are separated by a raised causeway, which is elevated some 50 feet (15 m) above the pits, giving a commanding view of the area. The largest tank is virtually full but retains some water, with muddy edges attractive to waders and roosting gulls and terns. The smaller tank is mainly deep water, attracting good numbers of wildfowl, with smaller birds, especially warblers, feeding and breeding around the tank edges. The site consists roughly of three compartments, the Slurry Lagoon, the Deep Pit and the two Gravel Pits. (source: https://www.gedlingconservationtrust.org/netherfield-lagoons/)
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The now derelict St John the Baptist Church was built by Sir John Byron in the 16th century, incorporating 14th and 15th century sections from an earlier church. It was restored again in 1684 by Sir John Musters and was in use until the mid-1930s when it was no longer repaired, the nave roof collapsed and it was abandoned as dangerous and left to ruin. source: https://travellerj.com/2018/12/18/ruins-of-st-johns-church/
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St Peter's is one of the three mediaeval parish churches in Nottingham, the others being St Mary's and St Nicholas. The parish of St. James' Church, Standard Hill, founded in 1807 was united with St Peter's in 1933 and the official title "St Peter with St James" came into being. (St James's was demolished a few years later; some monuments from St James's are preserved in St Peter's.) The church shows traces of many stages of construction from about 1180 onwards (the original church of around 1100 was destroyed by fire). (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Peter%27s_Church,_Nottingham)
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Bike parking, plenty of space, its surprising who you bump into when your sat refueling! Cakes and sausage sandwiches are great ( They do other things that look good but I'm a simple man) and I always enjoy the coffee.
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They provide lots of bike parking and can even supply locks should you forget yours. The food and drink is awesome too (their bacon rolls rock).
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Great food with a great setting, well worth a visit because I really canβt fault the place!
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Lovely location on the Trent. Lots of easy, flat, traffic-free roads around here. Regularly use this as a lunch stop on rides in the southern half of the Vale of Belvoir. There is an easy 30 mile loop to Newark and back, going through quiet lanes up one side of the Trent and back down the other. I have used the riverside Unicorn pub as an overnight base for cycle-touring in this area.
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Cropwell Bishop is rich in history. You can visit St Giles' Church, dating back to 1215 with its early 15th-century tower, or the Cropwell Bishop Methodist Chapel, opened in 1842. The village also features the 400-year-old Wheatsheaf Inn, a Grade II listed coaching inn. Further afield, the historic Wilford Suspension Bridge, built in 1906, offers a scenic crossing over the River Trent.
Yes, the area offers several natural spots. The Grantham Canal, flanking the village, provides a peaceful towpath for walks. You can also explore Netherfield Lagoons Nature Reserve, a local nature reserve with gravel ponds and commanding views, attracting various wildlife. The Gunthorpe Riverside also offers charming views of the River Trent.
The region is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy numerous public footpaths and trails for walking, including routes around Homewood and Hoe Hill. Cycling is popular along the Grantham Canal towpath and on routes connecting to nearby villages. For more structured activities, explore the easy hikes, running trails, and MTB trails available in the wider Cropwell Bishop area.
Absolutely. Many attractions are suitable for families, including the charming Gunthorpe Riverside and The Unicorn Hotel, which is a beautifully maintained village with a pier. Netherfield Lagoons Nature Reserve is also a great spot for families to enjoy nature and wildlife. The Wilford Suspension Bridge offers a pleasant walk or cycle for all ages.
Cropwell Bishop is renowned for its Stilton cheese. A visit to the Cropwell Bishop Creamery is a must, where you can browse the cheesemaker's shop and enjoy their tea room. The village also has local businesses like a butcher shop, a Co-op, and small cafes, contributing to its community-focused atmosphere. The 400-year-old Wheatsheaf Inn is the oldest pub in the village, offering a glimpse into its past.
Cropwell Bishop is surrounded by public footpaths. You can find maps from the Parish Clerk for local trails. Popular areas for walking include Homewood and Hoe Hill, as well as routes connecting to nearby villages like Cropwell Butler and Owthorpe. For more detailed routes, consider exploring the easy hikes around Cropwell Bishop, which include options like the Colliery Canal Lock Gates loop.
Yes, the area is cycle-friendly. The towpath along the now-disused Grantham Canal provides a peaceful route for cyclists. Many public footpaths are also suitable for cycling, and the Wilford Suspension Bridge is a popular crossing for cyclists over the River Trent. You can also find various MTB trails around Cropwell Bishop for more adventurous rides.
The best time to visit Cropwell Bishop for outdoor activities generally depends on personal preference. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for walking and cycling, with lush greenery. Autumn provides beautiful foliage, while winter can be charming for crisp walks, though some paths might be muddy. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.
The village has several amenities. The Cropwell Bishop Creamery includes a tea room. The Wheatsheaf Inn is the oldest pub in the village. Additionally, there are small cafes and a Co-op with a Post Office for daily needs. For a dedicated cycle-friendly spot, Caffe Velo Verde is a fantastic option nearby, known for its coffee and food.
Visitors appreciate the blend of historical charm and natural beauty. They particularly enjoy the beautifully maintained village atmosphere at places like Gunthorpe Riverside, the scenic views and tranquil environment at Netherfield Lagoons Nature Reserve, and the historic significance of sites like the Wilford Suspension Bridge. The opportunities for walking and cycling along the river and canal are also highly valued.
Yes, Netherfield Lagoons Nature Reserve is an excellent location for wildlife spotting. Situated on the Trent Valley Flood Plain, its gravel ponds attract various species, including waders, roosting gulls, terns, and good numbers of wildfowl. The edges of the smaller tank are also known for warblers feeding and breeding.
For a deeper dive into the village's past, the Old School Community Building, restored by the Cropwell Bishop Heritage Group, serves as a Heritage Centre. You can also find historical details about the village's listed buildings, including St Giles' Church, through resources like Wikipedia or the Cropwell Bishop Parish Council website.


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