Discover Colston Bassett

Colston Bassett combines local history, cheesemaking and walks through the countryside to create a destination with a clearly distinctive character. Those looking for a holiday apartment or holiday cottage for their stay can use their own interests as a guide: should the trip focus mainly on historical traces, offer an insight into the production of regional cheeses, or provide time on paths around the village? The different facets can be given different emphasis when planning.

History around the church and market cross

One notable historical theme is St Mary's Church. The surviving north arcade of the church is Norman. At the same time, the building's history includes the fact that St Mary's Church was abandoned after the roof was removed in 1892. These two aspects show different sides of the village: the surviving arcade points to an older architectural history, while the church's abandonment marks its later development. For travellers interested in culture, this is an opportunity to look more closely at Colston Bassett's historical traces without limiting the stay to a single theme.

The market cross is also part of the village's history. The present shaft and head were added in 1831 to commemorate the coronation of William IV. Colston Bassett's market cross is also listed as a Grade II building. The Colston Bassett war memorial commemorates 14 local soldiers who died in the First World War. Together with Colston Hall, this provides another historical perspective: Colston Hall originally dates from around 1704 and was remodelled around 1860. Those interested in architectural history can incorporate these different periods into their own travel plans.

Cheese from Colston Bassett

Colston Bassett Dairy offers a special local connection to food culture. Traditional Blue Stilton and Shropshire Blue are made there by hand, and this production has been in place since 1913. Visitors can buy cheese directly from the Dairy Door at Colston Bassett Dairy. This allows a stay to be enhanced with a specific culinary discovery: you can combine exploring the village's history with an insight into a long-established craft and an on-site purchase.

This combination can be helpful for families and other travel groups with different preferences. While some companions may be more interested in churches, buildings and memorials, the Dairy offers an independent way to engage with regional food.

Walks in the village and by the River Smite

Those who like to combine their stay with walks will find several different starting points in Colston Bassett. The Millennium Walk leads from New Road to the old church. In addition, the village has a network of footpaths connecting Colston Bassett with neighbouring areas. The River Smite flows immediately west of the village centre. The village's history, a visit to the Dairy and time on the paths open up different travel plans and may influence the choice of a holiday apartment or holiday cottage.

The Millennium Walk and the wider footpath network are not simply the same experience. The one route is described by its starting point on New Road and its destination at the old church; the network of footpaths, by contrast, connects the village with neighbouring areas. If you would like to bring different interests together in one trip, you can take these differences into account when planning your days. The River Smite adds to the landscape-oriented perspective as a waterway west of the village centre.

A stay offering several perspectives

When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday cottage, you can therefore consider which focus is important for your trip and how much room you want to leave for spontaneous discoveries. This allows you to align your choice of accommodation with your own daily rhythm.

For further orientation within the surrounding area, you will also find Whatton, Mansfield Woodhouse, Hucknall, Clipstone, Newark-On-Trent, Upper Broughton, Misterton and Clayworth.

For the wider travel overview: Nottinghamshire.