Attractions and Places To See around Burton Joyce - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Burton Joyce include a blend of historical landmarks and natural features situated along the River Trent. This large village in Nottinghamshire offers various walking and cycling routes, providing views over the Trent valley and the Vale of Belvoir. Visitors can explore sites with historical significance and enjoy the surrounding countryside. The area provides diverse points of interest for outdoor activities and local exploration.
Best attractions and places to see around Burton Joyce
- The most popular attractions is Highfields Lake, University Park, a lake that was part of an estate built and landscaped in the late 18th and early 19th century. The public can walk around Highfields Park, with the lake circuit offering a gentle walk within the city.
- Another must-see spot is Watchwood Berms MTB Trail, an MTB park with fun trails and berms. Visitors can practice cornering and find optional jumps, making it suitable for various skill levels.
- Visitors also love Oxton Bank Climb, a challenging climb that is considered one of the biggest hills in this part of Nottinghamshire. It offers a long, slow ascent from Southwell or a steep ramp from Oxton, with rewarding views from the top.
- Burton Joyce is known for its historical sites, natural features like the River Trent, and various cycling and walking routes. The area offers a range of attractions to see and explore, from challenging climbs to family-friendly parks.
- The attractions around Burton Joyce are appreciated by the komoot community, with 56 upvotes and 3 photos shared across the highlights.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
Oxton Bank Climb
Highlight (Segment) • Climb
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Watchwood Berms MTB Trail
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Highfields Lake, University Park
Highlight • Lake
The public can walk around Highfields Park. The circuit of the lake is a nice, gentle walk within the city.
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Bulwell Hall Ruins
Highlight • Structure
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Ruins of St John the Baptist Church
Highlight • Monument
source: travellerj.com/2018/12/18/ruins-of-st-johns-church
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Tips from the Community
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 lovely place for a gentle cycle or stroll. It's a popular spot!
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Djanogly Gallery in the Lakeside Arts Centre
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Highfields Park was part of an estate built and landscaped in the late 18th and early 19th century. In 1920 Sir J Boot bought the estate and used it as the site of the East Midlands University (now Nottingham University). Highfileds House became part of the university and is currently used as a staff annexe. The landscape was re-modelled to suit the setting, with the joining of the fishing pond and small boating lake to become the larger lake we see today. The public can walk around Highfields Park. The circuit of the lake is a nice, gentle walk within the city.
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During the 1930’s the Hall became a sanatorium – a place of care for the mentally ill, but was taken over by the Army shortly after the outbreak of World War II. During the War it became an Italian Prisoner of War camp and when the War was over, the building was left in a very poor state of repair and had been damaged by mining subsidence, due to this, it was eventually demolished in 1958. After the demolition, only the stable block now remains. The council has been working on plans for the site for a few years, and also hopes to undertake work on the grounds around the historic building. This would include resurfacing the car park, dredging nearby lakes, and woodland management.
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore in and around Burton Joyce?
Burton Joyce boasts a rich history. You can visit Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem – The Oldest Inn in England, a historic pub, or explore the ruins of Bulwell Hall Ruins, which was once a grand estate. Within the village, discover the Burton Joyce Pumping Station, a significant landmark from 1898, and the ancient St Helen's Church. The Burton Joyce and Bulcote Heritage Trail also offers insights into the area's past, including the site of an Iron Age hillfort.
Are there family-friendly attractions or activities in Burton Joyce?
Yes, there are several family-friendly options. Highfields Lake, University Park offers a gentle walk around a scenic lake with facilities and a cafe. Bulwell Hall Ruins are surrounded by pleasant parkland, ideal for a family walk. Additionally, Roberts Recreation Ground in Burton Joyce features a new play park for children.
What natural features can I enjoy around Burton Joyce?
The village is beautifully situated on the banks of the River Trent, which forms an almost complete semicircle around it. You can enjoy pleasant riverside walks, including a dedicated 2-mile path with a pocket park. The ridge behind Burton Joyce also provides fine views over the Trent valley and the Vale of Belvoir.
What kind of walking routes are available near Burton Joyce?
The surrounding countryside offers numerous opportunities for walking. You can find routes along the River Trent, which are generally level and grassy. For more challenging options, consider the Oxton Bank Climb, known as one of the biggest hills in this part of Nottinghamshire. For specific running trails, explore options like the 'Canal Lock System – Stoke Lock and Woods loop' or the 'Bulcote Farm – River Trent Path loop' which are part of the Running Trails around Burton Joyce guide.
Are there cycling opportunities or mountain biking trails nearby?
Absolutely. The area is great for cycling, with various trails around Burton Joyce. For mountain biking enthusiasts, the Watchwood Berms MTB Trail offers fun trails and berms, suitable for practicing cornering and finding optional jumps. For road cycling, routes like 'The Old Forge – Picnic Spot by the River Trent loop' are available in the Road Cycling Routes around Burton Joyce guide. Gravel biking options are also available, such as the 'Erewash and Trent Valley Loop' from the Gravel biking around Burton Joyce guide.
Where can I find good views around Burton Joyce?
The ridge behind Burton Joyce offers excellent views down over the River Trent valley and the expansive Vale of Belvoir. Additionally, the Oxton Bank Climb provides rewarding vistas from its summit after a challenging ascent.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions near Burton Joyce?
Visitors particularly enjoy the blend of historical significance and natural beauty. The scenic walks around places like Highfields Lake, University Park are highly appreciated for their gentle terrain and pleasant atmosphere. For cyclists, the fun and challenging nature of trails like Watchwood Berms MTB Trail and the rewarding views from Oxton Bank Climb are frequently highlighted.
Are there any local shops or eateries in Burton Joyce?
Yes, the village center along Main Street remains a busy area with local shops, a charity shop, and a pharmacy. For dining, you can find eateries like Nola, a dog-friendly coffee shop and deli known for breakfast, and the Burton Joyce Fish Bar.
What is the Burton Joyce and Bulcote Heritage Trail?
The Burton Joyce and Bulcote Heritage Trail consists of several information boards detailing historical points of interest in both villages. Three boards are located in Burton Joyce, including one near the old school, another by the River Trent past the Lord Nelson public house, and a third near the Millennium sundial.
Is there a place for children to play in Burton Joyce?
Yes, Roberts Recreation Ground in Burton Joyce features a new play park, providing a dedicated space for children to play and enjoy.
Can I find information about the history of Burton Joyce village itself?
Burton Joyce has a rich history, initially being the site of an Iron Age hillfort. Later, Norman nobility founded St Helen's Church here. The Carnarvon Room in the village, used by the Local History Society, and Carnarvon Drive, honor the Earl of Carnarvon's family, prominent landowners with historical ties to the area.
Where can I find more detailed information about Burton Joyce's local history?
For more in-depth information about the village's history, you might find resources from the local history society or historical archives helpful. You can also refer to the Wikipedia page for Burton Joyce for a general overview: Burton Joyce on Wikipedia.
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Most popular attractions around Burton Joyce
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