Best attractions and places to see around Temple Normanton, a village in North East Derbyshire, offers a blend of historical significance and natural landscapes. The area is known for its connection to the Knights Templar and its proximity to scenic reservoirs and the Peak District. Visitors can explore historical sites and enjoy outdoor activities on various trails. The region provides diverse points of interest for those seeking both cultural insights and natural beauty.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
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Highlight • Historical Site
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Take the mtb route up/down through the wood to the North East of the statue, look out for it near the bench on the main gravel track
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Harder than it looks. Easy to off track, but straightforward to get back on again. Beautiful scenery on untrodden paths. Best when dry
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Good foot paths around Linacre , very wet and muddy once you leave them . Good waterproof boots and gaiters recommend .
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There are three beautiful reservoirs at Linacre, aptly named Lower, Middle, and Upper, going from east to west. The reservoirs are surrounded by fields and woodland with a network of trails and footpaths. The woods are beautiful and include oak, beech, alder, larch, and pine, and in the springtime they are carpeted with bluebells. It is a scenic area, and there is a public car park on the northern edge of the woods of the Lower Reservoir.
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Not great to walk around unless you want to walk on the road a lot. There is no direct access to the reservoir because it is a conservation site. The car park is free and there are benches to sit on to watch the birds. Ognaston Bird Club conducts a guided bird walk on the first Saturday of each month and everyone is welcome. With them, you can access the reservoir surrounding areas to watch birds. If you want great views of the reservoir however you can combine a visit with a footpath walk up from the reservoir through fields and these are quite well signposted and accessible except from a slim squeeze with a holly hedge on one side and part of a footpath which is quite nettly - but will probably be okay by Autumn.
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You can visit the Linacre Reservoirs, known for their beautiful woodlands and mostly flat footpaths, ideal for walks. Another option is Ogston Reservoir, popular for walking, sailing, and trout fishing, with opportunities for bird watching. Additionally, the Pleasley Pit Colliery and Nature Reserve offers a blend of industrial heritage and natural trails.
Yes, Temple Normanton has a rich history. You can explore the unique St. James the Apostle Church, known for its distinctive modern design and historical links to the Knights Templar. Nearby, Hardwick Old Hall is an architecturally significant Elizabethan country house. The Miner Statue on Silverhill also commemorates the region's mining past and offers expansive views.
The area offers various outdoor activities, especially walking and cycling. You can find numerous hiking routes, including those around the reservoirs and former colliery sites. For cycling, there are gravel biking and mountain biking trails available. Explore options like the Five Pits Trail or routes around the Linacre Reservoirs. For more detailed routes, check out the hiking guide or the gravel biking guide for Temple Normanton.
Absolutely. The Linacre Reservoirs offer easy, mostly flat walks suitable for families, with beautiful woods and trunk carvings that kids often enjoy. Pleasley Pit Colliery and Nature Reserve also has gravel trails and a cafe, making it a good spot for a family outing. Hardwick Old Hall and The Miner Statue are also popular with families, offering historical interest and scenic views.
Spring is particularly beautiful, especially around the Linacre Reservoirs, where the woodlands are carpeted with bluebells. The warmer months generally offer pleasant conditions for walking and cycling. However, many trails are accessible year-round, though some can get muddy in wet weather.
Yes, the St. James the Apostle Church in Temple Normanton is a notable architectural landmark. Built in 1986, its distinctive half-cylinder shape made of orange glass and reinforced plastic stands out, offering a striking contrast to traditional English churches. Its design was specifically made to withstand high winds on its ridge-top location.
For the Linacre Reservoirs, there is a public car park available on the northern edge of the woods of the Lower Reservoir. Ogston Reservoir also offers free parking. For other attractions, it's advisable to check specific location details, but many popular sites have dedicated parking facilities.
The natural areas around Temple Normanton, particularly the reservoirs and nature reserves, are excellent for wildlife spotting. Ogston Reservoir is known for its bird club and guided bird walks, offering opportunities to see various bird species. The woodlands around Linacre Reservoirs also support diverse local wildlife.
Yes, Pleasley Pit Colliery and Nature Reserve has a cafe on-site, offering refreshments at reasonable prices. While specific cafes are not listed for all attractions, nearby towns and villages like Chesterfield offer a wider selection of dining options.
The 'Temple' prefix in Temple Normanton's name originates from its historical connection to the Knights Templar. The village manor was mentioned in the Domesday Survey and later passed to the Order of the Knights Templar in the 13th century, and subsequently to the Knights Hospitaller, giving the village its unique historical designation.
Yes, the Linacre Reservoirs offer mostly flat footpaths, making them a good option for easy walks. While some areas can get muddy in wet weather, the well-surfaced tracks are generally accessible. The Pleasley Pit Colliery and Nature Reserve also features a number of gravel trails that are suitable for leisurely strolls.
The Miner Statue is a man-made monument located on Silverhill, an artificial hill that was once a mine spoil heap. It stands as a tribute to the region's mining heritage. From its elevated position, it offers breathtaking views, being one of the highest points in Nottinghamshire, and is a popular spot for enjoying the surrounding landscape.


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