Retford Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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)
Best Western Plus West Retford Hotel

Best Western Plus West Retford Hotel

3 out of 5
24 North Road Retford England
The price is NZ$171 per night from 9 Feb to 10 Feb
NZ$171
9 Feb - 10 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Retford. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (380 reviews)
Very comfortable overnight stay—clean rooms, relaxing bar area and restaurant. Excellent breakfast. Great value for money

Reviewed on 1 Feb 2026

Best Western Plus West Retford Hotel
Ye Olde Bell Hotel & Spa

Ye Olde Bell Hotel & Spa

4 out of 5
Barnby Moor Retford England
The price is NZ$294 per night from 8 Mar to 9 Mar
NZ$294
8 Mar - 9 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Retford. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions Idle ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (208 reviews)
Excellent place to stay, nice bar, great food and excellent room. I wouldn't hesitate to stay again and the staff were really excellent. The place was so good that I still give it 5 stars even though the breakfast experience was less than expected. Breakfast menu is fantastic - nothing much I can ...

Reviewed on 2 Feb 2026

Ye Olde Bell Hotel & Spa
Radisson Blu Hotel, Sheffield

Radisson Blu Hotel, Sheffield

4 out of 5
Pinstone Street, 30 Sheffield England
The price is NZ$190 per night from 19 Feb to 20 Feb
NZ$190
19 Feb - 20 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Sheffield. Enjoy a 24-hour fitness centre, a 24-hour front desk and a business centre. Popular attractions Meadowhall ...
9/10 Wonderful! (612 reviews)
Lovely room, shower, service. Can't fault it. Perfect stay.

Reviewed on 17 Jan 2026

Radisson Blu Hotel, Sheffield
See all 2,264 properties in Retford
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
KSpace @ The Point

KSpace @ The Point

3.5 out of 5
1 Division Lane Sheffield England
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Sheffield. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, in-room washers/dryers and housekeeping. Popular attractions Utilita Arena Sheffield and Meadowhall ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (69 reviews)
Great room, immaculate condition and Kate the host was always available for any questions.

Reviewed on 17 Jan 2026

KSpace @ The Point
Student Only Straits Manor

Student Only Straits Manor

3 out of 5
52 West St Sheffield England
Stay at this apartment in Sheffield. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Meadowhall Shopping Centre and Peace Gardens are ...
Student Only Straits Manor
Apartment 5

Apartment 5

3.5 out of 5
5 Woodland Court Worksop England
Stay at this apartment in Worksop. Enjoy free parking and housekeeping. Popular attractions Mr Straw's House and Windsor Foodservice Stadium are located ...
We never stayed in the apartment we had book as told this was already occupied. We was given apartment 11. This was fine but a lot of road noise.

Reviewed on 24 Nov 2023

Apartment 5
See all properties in Retford
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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 lively bars.

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

Bassetlaw Museum

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

Bassetlaw Museum

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Beacon Hill thistle A thistle growing on Beacon Hill

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