Discover Blidworth: Woods, Trails and Village History

Blidworth combines woodland landscapes, signposted trails and a multifaceted village history. Those looking for a holiday apartment for their stay can combine different holiday interests here: exercise in Blidworth Woods, insights into the history of mining and cultural highlights around St Mary of the Purification. The choice of suitable accommodation depends above all on whether you want to spend your days on trails through nature, making historical discoveries or combining both.

Woods and trails for different daily itineraries

Blidworth Woods contains pine forest and open heathland. A signposted bridleway is 9 km long and offers a clear focus for anyone who wants to experience the woodland landscape on horseback. The car park on Longdale Lane also provides access to three signposted walking trails. One of these is a surfaced, low-barrier path.

Tippings Wood also complements Blidworth's natural landscape. The area includes wetlands and grassland on a former colliery spoil heap, as well as deciduous woodland with oaks and birches. Those wishing to explore the landscape by bicycle will find another specific point of reference in National Cycle Route 6: the route runs through Boundary Wood immediately beside Tippings Wood. This distinction may be of interest when choosing your accommodation if you would rather place walking, bridleways or cycling experiences at the centre of your trip.

Church, Mining Village and Local Traditions

St Mary of the Purification is a Grade II* listed building. The west tower is the only surviving part of the medieval church. The churchyard is also associated with the tradition that Will Scarlet was buried there. This combination of architectural history and storytelling tradition gives the place a distinctive cultural perspective, without requiring you to focus your stay on a single theme.

Another key attraction is Blidworth Colliery Village. It was one of the largest carefully planned colliery settlements built in the Nottinghamshire coalfield during the interwar period. The Industrial Housing Association designed and built the settlement for the mining company according to the garden city principles widely used at the time. Those interested in social, industrial and architectural history can discover a different side of Blidworth here than in the woodland areas.

A permanent Rockings monument was unveiled at Forest Folk Corner in March 2010. A Rocking Ceremony is also celebrated at St Mary's on Candlemas; this tradition is thought to be unique to the village. Such distinctive features also make Blidworth interesting for travellers who, alongside landscapes, are looking for local customs and memorable details.

Heritage Trails and Practical Orientation

Blidworth has two Heritage Trails that can be explored on foot. A paper version of the Blidworth Heritage Trails is available on the lectern in front of Blidworth Library or inside the library. This gives you a concrete basis if you prefer to combine historical themes with a self-planned route. For further leisure planning, Blidworth Leisure Centre enables online booking of various leisure courses and activities.

When looking for a holiday apartment in Blidworth, it is therefore worth first deciding on your preferred daily rhythm. The woods and signposted trails favour a stay with plenty of activity, while the church, colliery village, monument and Heritage Trails shape the cultural side of the trip.

Further Destinations for Orientation

If you would like to continue planning your trip beyond Blidworth, you can find further places here: Colston Bassett, Calverton, Stapleford, Southwell, Huthwaite, Torworth, Mansfield Woodhouse and Carlton.

For the higher-level travel overview: Nottinghamshire.