What to do in Retford

Activities, attractions and tours

Looking east along the platforms at Retford (low level) railway station.
Photo by Mattbuck (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0)
Looking east along the platforms at Retford (low level) railway station.
Photo by Mattbuck (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0)
The first record of the church is in 1258, and the oldest floor slab Memorial dates from 1496. This large church is now mostly the work of a 17th-century restoration, after the tower collapsed in 1651 destroying much of the chancel and south transept. It was rebuilt in 1658. The church is in a cruciform plan with north and south transepts, a central four stage crossing tower, nave with north and south aisles and clerestory windows, chancel, and south porch. There is also a Lady Chapel, Vestry and Sacristy. The oldest part of the church is the north transept which has two arches and an octagonal pier with fine leaf decoration on the capital. This was revealed during a restoration in 1873. The four bay chancel was refurbished around the same time, and it was extended to its original size. The north aisle was rebuilt using original material as well as the clerestory, battlements, and other parts church in 1854. The south porch was also added. There was further restoration in 1905. The church has numerous stained glass windows from the nineteenth century by several well-known artists. The west window of the south transept contains mediaeval glass, and is unusual in having two coins set into the glass. The organ was originally on a gallery at the west end, and in 1841 a new organ was placed on the south side of chancel. It was subsequently enlarged and has been overhauled several times since. In 1980 it was completely rebuilt with a new movable console. The tower has a ring of 10 bells. In 2009 a toilet and kitchen were installed in the west end of church. In 2010 the nave and south aisle roofs were repaired with the aid of a grant from English Heritage.
Photo by Jules & Jenny (Creative Commons Attribution 2.0)
And emerging out of the trees
Photo by Gareth Hart (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0)
Bellmoor Lake - looking east from lookout point
Photo by Gareth Hart (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0)

Retford Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Retford has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Retford, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Retford with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Retford

Retford is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Retford, and make it a breeze to explore Retford and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Retford to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Retford, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Retford.

Retford attractions

Retford has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Retford to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Retford.

Looking for things to do in Retford can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Retford or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Retford attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

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Recommended things to do in Retford

Number of things to do
1
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
DropWorks Rum Tour - Largest Premium Rum Distillery in Europe!: £25
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Retford

Popular places to visit

Sundown Adventureland

Bring the children to Sundown Adventureland and enjoy this exciting theme park in Treswell. Make time to visit the area's stunning cathedral or simply enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Sundown Adventureland

Idle Valley Nature Reserve

Explore the great outdoors at Idle Valley Nature Reserve, a lovely green space in Retford. While in this relaxing area, you can savour the lively bars.

Idle Valley Nature Reserve

The Well Retford Baptist Church

After visiting The Well Retford Baptist Church, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Retford. While in this quaint area, you can savour the lively bars.

The Well Retford Baptist Church

Bassetlaw Museum

You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at Bassetlaw Museum during your travels in Retford. While in this quaint area, you can savour the lively bars.

Bassetlaw Museum

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Retford

View of the cathedral from steep hill

Lincoln

Brodsworth Hall which includes a garden and heritage architecture

Doncaster

church hole cave,cresswell crags
Photo by jondaniel (Creative Commons Attribution 3.0)

Worksop

Wild cyclamen

Blyth

Gainsborough Old Hall, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, England

Gainsborough

Aerial view of Newark-on-Trent, a market town and civil parish in the Newark and Sherwood district in Nottinghamshire, England

Newark

Beacon Hill thistle A thistle growing on Beacon Hill

Gringley on the Hill

Carrots.
Photo by Steve F (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Mattersey

Frequently asked questions

Is Retford worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Retford is visit Sundown Adventureland. Tick this top attraction off your agenda, then experience more of this area's bars and pubs and distilleries and craft breweries.
How do I spend a day in Retford?
Start your day with a visit to Sundown Adventureland and Idle Valley Nature Reserve. Then, check out other areas of Retford for tasty eats and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Retford?
You can't leave without visiting Sundown Adventureland, ranked the top tourist attraction in Retford.
Is three days enough to stay in Retford?
Three days will give you plenty of time to check out many city attractions, including Sundown Adventureland, Idle Valley Nature Reserve and The Well Retford Baptist Church. The average stay in Retford is two days. If you have the urge to extend your break, Nottingham isn't far away.
What are some activities to do in Retford with kids?
Planning what to do in Retford with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're taking a trip with little ones or teenagers, there's no shortage of family-friendly tours and attractions to keep everyone busy here.
What to do in Retford for adults?
Bassetlaw Museum is one of the top things to do in Retford. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Retford?
From relaxing in parks to wandering around exciting neighbourhoods, it's easy to discover free things to do in Retford. If you need new ideas, ask a local tour guide for some tips. Idle Valley Nature Reserve is a great spot for anyone wishing to save on their sightseeing adventures.

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