Attractions and Places To See around Ault Hucknall - Top 20

The area is rich in history. You can explore the magnificent Hardwick Old Hall, a remodelled family home of Bess of Hardwick, which features romantic ruins. Nearby, you'll also find the grand Hardwick Hall, St John the Baptist Church (the burial site of philosopher Thomas Hobbes), and the imposing shell of Sutton Scarsdale Hall. Further afield, Bolsover Castle offers a glimpse into Elizabethan chivalry.

Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Hardwick Old Hall offers extensive grounds for exploration. Thieves Wood provides walking paths and picnic benches, while The Miner Statue on Silverhill offers great views from one of the county's highest points. Pleasley Pit Colliery and Nature Reserve also has a cafe, trails, and ponds, making it a good family outing.

The surrounding countryside features rolling farmland and woodlands, ideal for wildlife spotting. You can visit Thieves Wood and Harlow Wood for forest walks. The River Doe Lea flows through the parish, and its valley is home to the Rowthorne Trail. Pleasley Pit Colliery and Nature Reserve offers a blend of natural beauty and historical interest with its trails and ponds.

Absolutely. The area offers numerous hiking opportunities. You can find routes like the 'Millers Pond, Hardwick Park – The Oak Walk loop' or the 'Hardwick Inn – Hardwick Old Hall loop'. Many trails connect historical sites with natural landscapes. For more detailed routes, explore the Hiking around Ault Hucknall guide.

Cyclists can enjoy a variety of routes. There are road cycling options, such as the 'Bolsover Castle loop' or the 'Spiral Pedestrian Bridge loop'. For off-road adventures, gravel biking routes like the 'View of the Five Pits Trail' and 'Meden Trail' are popular. You can find more routes in the Road Cycling Routes around Ault Hucknall and Gravel biking around Ault Hucknall guides.

For panoramic vistas, head to The Miner Statue on Silverhill, which is one of the highest points in the county and offers breathtaking views. The grounds of Hardwick Old Hall also provide scenic outlooks over the estate and surrounding countryside. Pleasley Pit Colliery offers a great view of the old pit with a countryside backdrop.

Beyond the major landmarks, you might enjoy discovering the charming Stainsby Flour Mill, a working 18th-century watermill offering insight into historical agricultural practices. The Bolsover Cundy House, a 17th-century conduit house, is another unique historical structure. The parish also features 23 listed buildings, including the picturesque Rose Cottage, showcasing diverse historical architecture.

The area's attractions, particularly the historical sites and natural trails, can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for exploring the extensive grounds of Hardwick Hall and the woodlands. Autumn brings beautiful foliage, while winter walks can be atmospheric, especially around the historical ruins. Check local weather forecasts for the best experience during your visit.

Visitors frequently praise the extensive hiking opportunities, especially around Hardwick Old Hall. The views from The Miner Statue are often highlighted as 'breathtaking'. Many appreciate the folklore ambience of Thieves Wood and the well-maintained trails at Pleasley Pit Colliery and Nature Reserve, which also offers a reasonably priced cafe.

While Ault Hucknall itself is a small parish, public transport options to major nearby attractions like Hardwick Hall and Bolsover Castle are available, often involving bus services from larger towns like Mansfield or Chesterfield. It's advisable to check local bus schedules and routes in advance for specific destinations, as direct access to all smaller sites might require a car.

Many of the outdoor areas and trails around Ault Hucknall are dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept under control, especially around livestock or wildlife. Thieves Wood and Harlow Wood are popular choices for walks with dogs. Always check specific site regulations, particularly for indoor attractions or nature reserves, as policies may vary.