Top 15 Attractions in Worksop, Nottinghamshire

This market town in northern Nottinghamshire serves as a gateway to the Dukeries, a collection of four interlinked ducal estates.

Among these estates, Clumber Park is a property of the National Trust, while Thoresby Park and Welbeck Abbey house various museums and galleries.

In close proximity to the town lies Creswell Crags, a limestone gorge filled with caves that have been inhabited by prehistoric humans for tens of thousands of years.

Surprisingly, Mr Straw’s House is one of the most significant attractions in the town, resembling an ordinary suburban residence from the street, yet it remains largely unchanged for over 85 years internally.

Additionally, visitors should not miss Worksop Priory, which has preserved much of its Norman stonework despite significant alterations in the 20th century.

1. Creswell Crags

Positioned on the western edge of Worksop, this enclosed magnesian limestone gorge presents not only remarkable natural beauty but also a rich tapestry of human history extending back 43,000 years.

The caves, fissures, and rock shelters of Creswell Crags have yielded Europe’s northernmost cave art and flint tools from various prehistoric cultures.

Among the discoveries is the Ochre Horse, a bone carved with a horse’s head, unearthed in Robin Hood’s Cave, dating back approximately 13,000 years, which is on display at the local museum.

Visitors can take a tour of Robin Hood’s Cave to gain insights into life during the last Ice Age, while Church Hole features the oldest cave art in the UK, with illustrations of birds, reindeer, bison, and enigmatic symbols that are 13,000 years old.

The gorge itself is freely accessible, with a nominal fee for the museum and various themed tours.

2. Clumber Park

Clumber Park, managed by the National Trust since 1946, was once the residence of the Dukes of Newcastle, who vacated the estate in the early 20th century.

This expansive estate, encompassing over 3,800 acres of parkland, woods, and farmland, retains many outbuildings despite the main house’s demolition following a fire in 1938.

Noteworthy structures include a Gothic Revival chapel reminiscent of a cathedral, garages, a stable yard, and decorative entrance lodges.

The four-acre walled kitchen garden nurtures local varieties of fruits and vegetables and features a remarkable 137-meter glasshouse that houses vineries, a palm house, and an apiary.

A notable landmark within Clumber Park is the Lime Tree Avenue, the longest in Europe, stretching for two miles and planted with 1,296 common limes in 1840. Furthermore, a spectacular cedar avenue aids in funneling cold air away from the walled garden during winter.

Given the vastness of Clumber Park, renting a bicycle from the National Trust’s Discovery Centre is an excellent way to explore its beauty.

3. Welbeck Abbey

Established in the mid-12th century, the stately Welbeck Abbey served as the residence for the Dukes of Portland and occupies an area of 15,000 acres.

This site originally housed a powerful Premonstratensian monastery, directed by the Abbot of Welbeck who governed all of England’s Premonstratensian communities until the dissolution under Henry VIII.

The abbey was later transformed into a mansion by Sir Charles Cavendish, son of Bess of Hardwick, an influential figure in Elizabethan society.

During the 19th century, significant renovations were undertaken by John Bentinck, 5th Duke of Portland, who added a 1,000-yard tunnel connecting the house to the riding school.

Daily tours of the state rooms at Welbeck Abbey are offered throughout August; however, they tend to be booked well in advance.

The 90-minute tours provide access to rooms that have hosted statesmen, aristocrats, and royals, adorned with artworks by notable artists such as Joshua Reynolds, John Wootton, and Peter Lely.

4. The Harley Gallery

Situated within the courtyard gardens of Welbeck Abbey is the award-winning Harley Gallery, founded in 1977 and dedicated to contemporary exhibitions by notable artists.

Exhibitions at the gallery change five times a year, showcasing works from artists such as Peter Blake, David Hockney, George Stubbs, and Euan Uglow.

In spring 2019, the gallery hosted exhibitions featuring jewellery artist Romilly Saumarez Smith and multimedia collage artist Sylvie Franquet.

The museum charges no admission fee and is adjacent to the Portland Gallery, which displays fine and decorative art collected by the Dukes of Portland over many generations.

Remarkable pieces include artworks by Van Dyck and Michelangelo, as well as the pearl earring worn by Charles I at the time of his execution in 1649.

5. Thoresby Park

The Thoresby Park estate, once owned by the Pierrepoint family from the 1600s until 1955, saw the extinction of the Earl Manvers title following the death of Gervas Pierrepoint without a male heir.

In the 18th century, the parkland was artfully landscaped by Capability Brown, while the current Thoresby Hall, a striking Eclectic Victorian structure designed by Anthony Salvin and completed in 1860, now serves as a luxury hotel and spa. Nevertheless, the 1,000 acres of parkland remain open to the public, and Thoresby’s enchanting Walled Garden is particularly captivating during the spring and summer months.

The former stables courtyard features a military museum (detailed below), a café, and various craft workshops.

Among the workshops are those for glass-making, jewellery design, fabric arts, and a craft corner offering essential supplies for personal projects.

6. Worksop Priory Church

Founded by the Norman lord William de Lovetot in 1103, the Augustinian Worksop Priory experienced suppression under Henry VIII in the 16th century, leading to the loss of many domestic buildings while the nave was preserved as a parish church.

This structure was later augmented with modern transepts, a lady chapel, a crossing tower, a sanctuary, and an east end, constructed between the 1920s and the 1970s.

Nevertheless, visitors can discover a wealth of history in the west towers and nave.

Comprising elements from the 1100s to the 1300s, the towers feature four preserved gargoyles.

The primary entrance beneath these towers is a well-preserved Norman Romanesque doorway adorned with three layers of crowned archivolts and jambs featuring foliate capitals.

To the north, remnants of the cloister wall can be observed, alongside Norman round-headed arches embellished with dogtooth patterns and stiff-leaf capitals situated on the piers of the nave.

7. Mr Straw’s House

Located at 5-7 Blyth Grove, Mr Straw’s House is an Edwardian semi-detached residence constructed in 1905. Until the late 20th century, it was inhabited by two bachelor brothers, Walter and William jr.

They inherited the property from their mother Florence, following the death of her husband William in 1932. The house received its last decorations in 1923; however, as a Victorian woman in mourning, Florence refrained from updating the décor, leaving many of her husband’s possessions untouched.

Walter passed away in 1976, and William jr. continued to live here alone until 1990. Throughout these 60 years, neither brother chose to redecorate, opting for a frugal lifestyle devoid of modern conveniences.

Now under the care of the National Trust, Mr Straw’s House serves as an authentic time capsule of early 20th-century domestic life, filled with heirlooms and personal belongings.

Visits are available from Tuesday to Sunday, from March to November.

The garden is a delight, featuring its own orchard, while Walter Straw’s cactus collection continues to thrive in the greenhouse.

8. Tropical Butterfly House Wildlife and Falconry Centre

Having operated for over 25 years, this animal attraction resembles a fully-fledged zoo while maintaining a focus on interactive experiences.

Rather than relying solely on static displays, the Tropical Butterfly House Wildlife and Falconry Centre invites visitors to connect with its residents through a variety of encounters offered throughout the day.

These may include a spectacular bird of prey flight demonstration, a lemur walk-through, a meerkat presentation, and an otter feeding session.

An indoor rainforest reproduces a habitat for crocodiles, bats, exotic birds, and diverse invertebrates, including tropical butterflies.

Children can also interact with more familiar animals at the Farm Barn and enjoy activities at a Camelot-themed adventure playground, a splash area, and an indoor activity and craft center.

9. Langold Country Park

Located just minutes north of Worksop, Langold Country Park encompasses 300 acres of parkland on a historic estate, which was meticulously landscaped by the Gally Knight family in the 18th century.

This estate features man-made lakes stocked with bream, tench, and roach, making it a popular destination for anglers.

The park also merges with Dyscarr Wood, which is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and serves as an exemplary demonstration of limestone ash-wych elm woodland.

Within the park, summer amenities include a water play area ideal for younger children, a bandstand, a skate-park, a café, and a large meadow designed to nurture wildflowers and attract butterflies.

10. Chesterfield Canal

The Chesterfield Canal, which links Chesterfield to West Stockwith, was instrumental in the economic growth of Worksop following its opening in 1777.

This waterway facilitated the transport of lead, limestone, and coal from Derbyshire to West Stockwith along the River Trent.

Conversely, iron, timber, and grain were transported in the opposite direction into Chesterfield.

Although the canal ceased commercial operations in the 1960s, a campaign afterward ensured the eastern segment of the canal, between Worksop and West Stockwith, remains navigable.

West of Worksop, significant sections have been restored, allowing all but nine of the original 46 miles to be accessible.

The countryside to the east of Worksop exhibits a pastoral landscape, ideal for long walks amid open fields without the sight of any buildings from the towpath.

During summer Sundays, visitors can board the Hugh Hensall, a narrowboat moored at the Lock Keeper Pub in Worksop, for an hour-long cruise.

11. The Canch Park

Straddling the River Ryton, The Canch Park holds a reputation as one of the nation’s premier parks.

This Green Flag Award winner features elaborate formal flowerbeds alongside myriad facilities catering to the community.

On the southern side, peaceful Memorial Gardens boast specimen trees, shrub borders, and a pond enveloping the historic Carnegie library building.

Additionally, visitors may take a moment to explore the Sensory Garden, which has been cultivated in the park’s former lido.

Notable facilities include a summer splash pool, a skate park, a multi-use gaming area, outdoor gym equipment, and playgrounds designed for children of various age groups.

12. The Queen’s Royal Lancers & Nottinghamshire Yeomanry Museum

This military museum, located within the courtyard of Thoresby Hall, honors three esteemed cavalry regiments: the South Nottinghamshire Hussars, the Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry, and the Queen’s Royal Lancers.

The exhibits span over three centuries of conflict, recalling an era of horseback warfare and cavalry charges, transitioning to the tank battles of World War II and engagements in Afghanistan and Iraq in the 21st century.

The museum features many informative graphic panels, models, and video presentations, supplemented by medals, weaponry, equestrian gear, and uniforms.

Highlighted exhibits include a tin of chocolate from the Boer War, a British red coat from the American War of Independence, and a bugle utilized during the infamous charge of the Light Brigade at the Battle of Balaklava in the Crimean War.

13. Hodsock Priory

Hodsock Priory has been owned by the Buchanan Family since 1765. This magnificent mansion is enveloped in gardens set within an 800-acre estate.

The house remains closed to the public except during weddings and special events.

However, the gardens are accessible during select periods in late winter for a stunning display of snowdrops and again in spring for the spectacle of bluebells.

During this time, the formal gardens are vibrant with other early spring blooms, such as daffodils, winter honeysuckle, cyclamen, hellebores, acers, irises, and aconites.

Visitors will experience a sense of occasion as they approach the mansion via a mile-long drive, leading to an exquisite Tudor gatehouse.

14. Horse Riding

The Coloured Cob Equestrian Centre is nestled in the countryside near the Creswell Crags Museum and Heritage Centre.

Located right on a bridleway, Coloured Cob provides exceptional pony treks for all ages, featuring a diverse selection of ponies and horses suitable for varying sizes and ability levels.

Children can have their first riding experience at Coloured Cob, while adults can enjoy the breathtaking views of Creswell Crags on horseback or embark on a four-hour adventure through Clumber Park Forest.

Group excursions accommodate up to 25 riders at a time, with the remote Elm Tree Pub a couple of miles away in Elmton being one of the most sought-after routes.

The centre also offers a variety of riding lessons, hacks, and carriage driving sessions, in addition to long-term courses for local residents.

15. School of Artisan Food

The Lower Motor Yard on the Welbeck Estate houses the only not-for-profit school in the UK focused on gourmet cooking and food preparation.

For those who are interested and able, a diverse array of courses is available, ranging from French patisserie to butchery, home dairy practices, curing and smoking techniques, preserving and pickling, artisanal bread production, sausage crafting, and foraging guided courses.

Certain courses are vocational and extend over several weeks or months.

Conversely, individuals can also select from one-day introductory courses to acquire fundamental skills, while many focused, entry-level classes in areas such as curing, smoking, or cheesemaking are designed to last no more than one or two days.