Gedling

Byron’s ancestral home Newstead Abbey is located in Gedling. He lived there from 1808 to 1814 and his eccentricities included shooting practice in the Great Hall. He kept a tame bear and a wolf like dog, Boatswain, whom he adored. Paintings and poetry adorn the walls of Newstead. You can pre-book a guided tour of the house, or visit during autumn and join a Byron walk.

The 300 acres of gardens are listed among Britain’s finest. They’ve something to offer all year round from the Japanese maples in autumn to spectacular summer blooms.

Across the road from the Abbey in Ravenshead there’s the award winning Longdale Craft Centre. The shop sells pieces from over 100 artists along with quality materials.

Patchings Art Centre is situated in Calverton, a few miles from Newstead, and welcomes visitors all year round. The former farm building now houses a restaurant, antiques centre and picture framing.

Heading towards the village of Papplewick you’ll find a fine example of a Victorian pumping station. Papplewick Pumping Station is open to the public on Sunday afternoons.

The borough is also home to two excellent country parks. There’s 22 acres of woodland and open space at Burntstump Country Park. And at Bestwood Country Park the 650 acres of parkland includes lakes and ancient oaks.

Gedling’s quintessential English villages form part of the Hidden Valleys of Nottinghamshire, along with neighbouring Ashfield. Papplewick and Linby are two of the best and have circular walking routes, traditional pubs and mile upon mile of rolling countryside.