Beeston: Railway Station, Canal Heritage and Waterside Walks

You can plan your stay around whether you would rather explore history, waterside walks or a specific activity.

Between Railway and Canal Heritage

Beeston railway station is a Grade II listed building dating from 1847 and the earliest surviving station of the Midland Railway. This gives it a specific year of construction and a special place in the history of this railway company. For a stay that includes architectural and transport history, it is a clear local highlight.

Another way to experience local culture is the Beeston Street Art Project: more than 30 local and visiting artists have created large and small works around the town. The works offer a different focus from the history of the railway station and canal: here, the emphasis is on artworks around the town; there, on architectural history and former work on the water.

Canal Heritage at Beeston Lock

The historic Weir Cottages at Beeston Lock were once family homes for people who earned their living on the canal. They were restored for sustainable use as a centre for heritage, education and the arts.

The Canalside Heritage Centre opened to the public in June 2017. It has a community garden with wide views across the River Trent. The history of canal workers, the cottages’ cultural use and the river views are different aspects of this place.

The Beeston Walk and Waterside Routes

The Beeston Walk is a circular route with views of the canal and river. It is flat and runs mainly along paths beside the canal and riverbank. This connects two waterside perspectives, while the route is shaped primarily by the riverside paths. After rain, mud, leaves and puddles can collect on the paths. If you plan to walk the route, take this possible path condition into account when preparing.

Themed Trails and Seasonal Boating

The Beeston Bee Trail focuses on twelve native bee species, presented on illustrated panels; you can collect a stamp along the way. The Beeston All Stars Trail has a different completion requirement: families who complete it can collect a Mayor’s certificate from Beeston Library. The two trails have different focuses: the Bee Trail centres on the bee species and the stamp, while the All Stars Trail centres on completing the trail and the certificate for families that follows.

At nearby Highfields Park, visitors can hire canoes and rowing boats on the boating lake, which is open seasonally from April to September. This seasonal boating option complements the walks and themed trails with an activity on the water.

Discover more destinations: Clayworth, Eastwood, Mansfield Woodhouse, Newark-On-Trent, Haughton, Edwinstowe, Colston Bassett, Clipstone.

For the wider travel overview: Nottinghamshire.