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)
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)
Close-up, looking south east
Photo by Gareth Hart (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0)
Ye Olde Bell Hotel & Spa

Ye Olde Bell Hotel & Spa

4 out of 5
Barnby Moor Retford England
The price is NZ$275 per night from 25 Mar to 26 Mar
NZ$275
25 Mar - 26 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 ...
Ye Olde Bell Hotel & Spa
Best Western Plus West Retford Hotel

Best Western Plus West Retford Hotel

3 out of 5
24 North Road Retford England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$194 per night from 26 Mar to 27 Mar
NZ$194
26 Mar - 27 Mar
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. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (386 reviews)
Really nice Hotel, very comfortable and friendly, Thank you

Reviewed on 1 Mar 2026

Best Western Plus West Retford Hotel
Radisson Blu Hotel, Sheffield

Radisson Blu Hotel, Sheffield

4 out of 5
Pinstone Street, 30 Sheffield England
The price is NZ$192 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
NZ$192
30 Mar - 31 Mar
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 Utilita Arena ...
9/10 Wonderful! (657 reviews)
Everything we needed for a two night break in Sheffield. The bed wasn’t the most comfortable and the air conditioning creaked when it heated up at 6am which was annoying, but still a nice stay.

Reviewed on 23 Mar 2026

Radisson Blu Hotel, Sheffield
See all 2,300 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.
Cosy Lodge completely on your own in an acre of land. and will take 2 dogs

Cosy Lodge completely on your own in an acre of land. and will take 2 dogs

Retford notts
Stay at this cabin in Retford. Enjoy a garden and patios. Popular attractions Bassetlaw Museum and Idle Valley Nature Reserve are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (18 reviews)
Host friendly Cabin had everything I needed Positioned perfect very private Great place to chill unwind etc

Reviewed on 26 Feb 2026

Cosy Lodge completely on your own in an acre of land. and will take 2 dogs
KSpace @ The Point

KSpace @ The Point

3.5 out of 5
1 Division Lane Sheffield England
Stay at this apartment in Sheffield. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, in-room washers/dryers and housekeeping. Popular attractions Utilita Arena Sheffield and Peace Gardens ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (76 reviews)
Fantastic again

Reviewed on 8 Mar 2026

KSpace @ The Point
Kingfield Boutique Hotel

Kingfield Boutique Hotel

3.5 out of 5
5 Kingfield Rd Sheffield England
Stay at this aparthotel in Sheffield. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Utilita Arena Sheffield and Endcliffe Park are ...
7/10 Good! (2 reviews)
I have never had such good sleep outside my home. We had an excellent experience here. The location is perfect, and the staff were incredibly welcoming and attentive throughout our stay. Our room was spotless, the bed was very comfortable, and the kitchen was fully equipped with all the essentials. ...

Reviewed on 19 Mar 2026

Kingfield Boutique Hotel
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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 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 quaint 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

Cities near Retford

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Brodsworth Hall featuring heritage architecture and a park

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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