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Bolsover

Barlborough

Attractions and Places To See around Barlborough - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Barlborough, a village in Derbyshire, offer a mix of historical landmarks, natural beauty, and cultural sites. The area features impressive architectural structures, ancient churches, and significant archaeological sites. Visitors can explore diverse landscapes, including country parks, limestone gorges, and canal towpaths, providing opportunities for outdoor activities.

Best attractions and places to see around Barlborough

  • The most popular attractions is Rother Valley Country Park, a country park that spans 740 acres on the site of a former open-cast coal mine. It features four artificial lakes and a network of paths for leisure activities.
  • Another must-see spot is Creswell Crags: Gorge and Lake, a limestone gorge and world heritage site. It is known for its caves, prehistoric animal remains, and archaeological significance as a site of early human presence in Britain.
  • Visitors also love Trans Pennine Trail: Brimington to Staveley Section, a smooth and relatively quiet section of an old railway. This trail is part of the wider Trans Pennine Trail and Sustrans network, making it suitable for cycling and walking.
  • Barlborough is known for its historical landmarks, natural parks, and extensive trail networks. The area offers a variety of attractions, from ancient churches and stately homes to country parks and limestone gorges, providing diverse exploration opportunities.
  • The attractions around Barlborough are appreciated by the komoot community, with 6 highlights receiving 69 upvotes and featuring 28 photos.

Last updated: May 26, 2026

Rother Valley Country Park

Highlight • Rest Area

A 740-acre (300 ha) country park on the site of an old open-cast coal mine. The site cost £4 million to remediate with the four artificial lakes filling the old extraction sites. The River Rother was so polluted that water from The Moss was used to fill the lakes. The reed beds and remediation process has cleaned up the Rother and the lakes and country park also act as a flood prevention scheme, holding water and managing the flow downstream.

It's also a popular leisure destination with cable water skiing and a narrow-gauge railway as well as a network of well-maintained paths.

The visitor centre has information about the history of the site and the flood defence scheme. There are toilets and the Stables Cafe.

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Smooth and relatively quiet section of old railway between Brighton and Staveley. Part of the wider Trans Pennine Trail and Route 67 of the Sustrans network.

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Adventure Bike Trail

Highlight • MTB Park

Not the most demanding MTB trail, but still fun

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A beautiful limestone gorge and world heritage site, Creswell Crags and the caves found here are rich in natural history. As well as the remains of many prehistoric animals, the gorge is also the site of the earliest known remains of modern humans in Britain.

One of the caves is named after the legendary Robin Hood, who was often in the region. Today, a nearby visitor centre offers more information and guided walks around the area.

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Trans Pennine Trail

Highlight • Cycleway

This is such an excellent trail at pretty much any point joined but always be prepared to share it with other riders, walkers and runners - in fact anyone out there enjoying it.

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Popular around Barlborough

Cycling around Barlborough

Road Cycling Routes around Barlborough

Hiking around Barlborough

MTB Trails around Barlborough

Gravel biking around Barlborough

Running Trails around Barlborough

Tips from the Community

D White
May 29, 2025, Trans Pennine Trail

excellent trail

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The park was formerly a mixture of meadows and marshy bullrush beds before the open cast excavation started. At the eastern side of the lake stands the Bedgrave Mill courtyard, where the visitor centre is located displaying the flood defence map and the original mill mechanism "flour into grain" exhibition from when it was a water mill. There is also a craft centre and "The Stables" cafe.

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Great route to get you out of Sheffield into the countryside

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After or before the Play Area take a walk all around the lake and read the information boards for some very interesting facts. Keeps the kids occupied :)

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IanC
February 12, 2023, Trans Pennine Trail

A long straight trail from RVCP to Staveley, gets a bit muddy after heavy rains but its a great route if you want to do the mileage quickly.

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A 740-acre (300 ha) country park on the site of an old open-cast coal mine. The site cost £4 million to remediate with the four artificial lakes filling the old extraction sites. The River Rother was so polluted that water from The Moss was used to fill the lakes. The reed beds and remediation process has cleaned up the Rother and the lakes and country park also act as a flood prevention scheme, holding water and managing the flow downstream. It's also a popular leisure destination with cable water skiing and a narrow-gauge railway as well as a network of well-maintained paths. The visitor centre has information about the history of the site and the flood defence scheme. There are toilets and the Stables Cafe.

3

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This is such an excellent trail at pretty much any point joined but always be prepared to share it with other riders, walkers and runners - in fact anyone out there enjoying it.

2

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The second part done at last and puncture free, really enjoyed it ,the banking is faster and the jumps flow better . Come out of part 1 ,follow the 5 pits trail back up the hill and you will see part 2 on the left . Part 2 finishes at the entrance of part 1 . I enjoyed it hope you do to .

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Frequently Asked Questions

What historical landmarks can I explore in Barlborough?

Barlborough is rich in history. You can visit Barlborough Hall, an impressive Grade I listed Tudor mansion from the 16th century, or the ancient St James the Greater Church, which dates back to Norman times. The Village Cross, with its Norman or 14th-century base, is another significant historical point. For a deeper dive into local history, the Barlborough Heritage and Resource Centre offers collections of artefacts and documents.

Are there any natural parks or green spaces for outdoor activities near Barlborough?

Yes, the area boasts several natural parks. Rother Valley Country Park is a 740-acre park with four artificial lakes and paths for leisure. Barlborough Country Park offers 65 acres of woodland, grassland, and wetland with walking trails, a children's play area, and a cafe. Just a short drive away, Poolsbrook Country Park features a lake, woodland, and meadows with various walking trails.

Where can I find family-friendly attractions around Barlborough?

For families, Rother Valley Country Park offers a wide range of activities, including cable water skiing and a narrow-gauge railway, along with well-maintained paths. Creswell Crags: Gorge and Lake is another excellent choice, featuring a visitor centre, guided walks, and a playground. The Trans Pennine Trail: Brimington to Staveley Section is a smooth, quiet path suitable for family cycling and walking.

What unique natural features can I discover in the Barlborough area?

The region is home to unique natural features like Creswell Crags: Gorge and Lake, a beautiful limestone gorge and World Heritage site known for its caves and archaeological significance. You can also explore the Chesterfield Canal, which offers a flat towpath with diverse wildlife, including kingfishers and otters.

Are there any walking or cycling trails near Barlborough?

Absolutely. The Trans Pennine Trail: Brimington to Staveley Section is a smooth, old railway line perfect for cycling and walking. The Chesterfield Canal towpath, also known as the Killamarsh Greenway or Cuckoo Way, provides an easy, flat route. For a circular walk around the village, consider The Monnies Trail, which passes a nature reserve and historical sites.

What kind of mountain biking trails are available around Barlborough?

There are several mountain biking opportunities. You can find various MTB trails, including the Adventure Bike Trail, which offers an enjoyable ride. For more options, explore the dedicated guide for MTB Trails around Barlborough, which lists routes of varying difficulties.

Can I find any archaeological or prehistoric sites in the area?

Yes, Creswell Crags: Gorge and Lake is a significant archaeological site, home to the earliest known remains of modern humans in Britain and prehistoric animal remains. Additionally, Dead Man's Hole, a small cave, revealed ancient flint tools and animal bones from the Ice Age during excavations.

What are some options for road cycling near Barlborough?

Road cyclists can find several routes in the vicinity. There are various road cycling routes that explore the surrounding countryside. You can find detailed information and specific routes in the Road Cycling Routes around Barlborough guide.

Are there any places to learn about local heritage in Barlborough?

The Barlborough Heritage and Resource Centre, housed in the Old School House, is dedicated to preserving and sharing 1000 years of local history. It features a collection of artefacts, documents, photographs, and displays, and also offers guided walks to help visitors delve into the area's past.

What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions around Barlborough?

Visitors appreciate the diverse offerings, from the historical significance of sites like Barlborough Hall and St James the Greater Church to the natural beauty of Creswell Crags. The well-maintained paths at Rother Valley Country Park and the family-friendly Trans Pennine Trail are also highly rated for outdoor activities.

Can I find gravel biking routes in the Barlborough area?

Yes, gravel biking is a popular activity here. You can explore various routes that combine different terrains. For specific routes and their details, refer to the Gravel biking around Barlborough guide.

Are there any places to eat or drink within the country parks?

Yes, several parks offer amenities. Rother Valley Country Park has 'The Stables' cafe at its visitor centre. Barlborough Country Park also features a cafe, and Poolsbrook Country Park includes a visitor centre and cafe, providing convenient options for refreshments during your visit.

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Most popular attractions around Barlborough

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