The Local Area

Belvoir Castle

Belvoir Castle – image courtesy of commons.wikimedia.org

The Vale of Belvoir (pronounced “beaver”) literally means ‘beautiful view’ and offers a wide variety of activities, trails, market towns, skydiving and venues offering fine food and drink while only 12 miles from Nottingham.

Historic houses are aplenty: Belvoir Castle, the ancestral home of the Duke of Rutland, is just 7 miles away & rich in secrets. The Engine Yard hosts some fine shops, a walled garden centre and a cafe in the foothills of the Castle.

Belton House

Belton House – image courtesy of commons.wikimedia.org

National Trust properties nearby include Belton House (18 miles); Woolsthorpe Manor, home of Sir Isaac Newton (16 miles); The Workhouse and the splendid Southwell Minster (16 miles); and farther afield other noteworthy properties both public and privately owned.

Southwell Minster

Southwell Minster – image courtesy of commons.wikimedia.org

For the cyclists and walkers there are many routes, canal paths and trails to explore in the area – on and off road (for mountain bikers who enjoy getting muddy!). We are passionate about the outdoors and can help you make the most of your stay; loaning Ordnance Survey Explorer maps and providing suggestions for routes. If time permits we can sometimes offer an accompanied run/bike if you prefer a guide.

Colston Bassett

Colton Bassett – image courtesy of commons.wikimedia.org

The area is a haven for foodies…The market town of Melton Mowbray (11 miles) offers the famous Melton Mowbray Pork Pie, Stilton cheeses and locally brewed ales. There are even two creameries in our adjacent villages; Cropwell Bishop and Colston Bassett global suppliers of stilton cheese. Stock up in their local shops!

Fancy a girls weekend away? There are 3 spas within a short driving distance: Eden Hall (15 minutes drive), Ragdale Hall (20 minutes drive), and the small but individual boutique spa The Little Retreat in Owthorpe, just 8 minutes down the road!

For families a visit to nearby Twin Lakes Theme Park is a must for visitors with young children, and/or its sister park Wheelgate Park (both 20 mins drive). Take a picnic to Sherwood Forest, cycle round Sherwood Pines or pop to Rushcliffe Country Park for swings, steam trains and a BMX track (free entry). Challenge your head for heights at the High Ropes at the National Water Sports Centre where kayaking and white water rafting is also available.

National Water Sports Centre

National Water Sports Centre – image courtesy of nwscnotts.com

Watch the cricket at Trent Bridge cricket ground, play golf on a vast amount of golf courses in the area, try your hand at Go Karting or parachuting at one of the most renowned skydive centres in the UK (you can even see the parachutes descend from the cottage garden as its less than 1.5 miles away from us! Skydive, Langar Airfield. Clay pigeon shooting, fishing, and in season game shoots (all booked in advance) are just some of the other outdoor pursuit options available in the area.

Skydiving

Skydiving & Parachuting – image courtesy of skydivelangar.co.uk

We are a short stroll from Langar Hall, a popular venue for weddings and special occasions. A table reservation well in advance is strongly recommended to ensure availability at this award-winning restaurant. Our village pub, The Unicorn’s Head, only a minutes walk across the road, serves great pub meals – including fantastic wood-fired pizzas) and a range of local ales & tipples such as the local Belvoir pressés. Their food menu is also available for take away.

Unicorns Head

Unicorns Head – image courtesy of unicornshead.co.uk

With easy access to the M1 south, A1 and A46 we are an ideal mid-way point to meet up with friends or family for a long relaxing weekend.