East Retford: Culture, Market and Park

When planning a trip to East Retford, you can focus on a range of interests: the Bassetlaw Museum, historic buildings, markets and Kings’ Park. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay, these themes can help you decide which days to set aside for culture, city life or time outdoors. Each place and attraction has its own focus.

The Museum, Mayflower History and Rural Life

The Bassetlaw Museum is located in Amcott House in the centre of Retford. The townhouse dates from the 18th century and has preserved many of its original features. The historic character of the place comes not only from the museum’s subject matter but also from the building itself.

The Pilgrim’s Gallery focuses on the history of the Mayflower. The exhibition also includes a recreation of William Brewster’s 17th-century study.

Other exhibits offer a glimpse into rural life and work: visitors can see a veterinary surgery, a farmhouse kitchen and historic tractors. There are also tools used by rural craftspeople. These examples range from household furnishings to agriculture and crafts, giving them a different focus from the Mayflower exhibition.

The Mayflower Pilgrim Centre is located at The Hub, 11 Churchgate in Retford. If you plan to visit, check the latest visitor information in advance.

The Town Hall and St Swithun

Retford Town Hall is a Grade II listed building. Its design is Italianate, while its roofs are French mansard roofs. Its architectural features can be described through two specific elements: the building’s design and the shape of its roofs.

At St Swithun, the focus is on older architectural elements and their surviving painted decoration. The central column and the two arches date from the 14th century, and their original painted decoration is still preserved. At the town hall, the design and roof shape define the impression described; at St Swithun, it is the column, arches and colour. Visitors interested in architecture can look out for these different features.

Kings’ Park and Walking Route

Kings’ Park covers more than 10 hectares and is divided into two parts by the River Idle. The river is therefore a defining feature of the park’s layout. The Wildlife Garden is home to, among other species, nuthatches, thrushes and pipistrelle bats. These species give the garden its own focus on nature and wildlife within the park.

One and a half laps of the King’s Ramble makes for a walk of just over a mile.

Markets and Local Produce

Retford Market is held in the Market Place every Thursday and Saturday. The Farmers’ Market offers locally grown fruit and vegetables, as well as jams, meat, honey, ice cream and dairy products. Its selection therefore includes both fresh produce and processed foods.

The Craft Market focuses on handmade goods, including jewellery and greeting cards. The markets therefore have different focuses: the Farmers’ Market is about food, while the Craft Market features handmade products. If you are particularly interested in one of these areas, you can make a point of including it in your trip plans.

Check Visitor Days

St Swithun is open to visitors on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Check visitor information before you travel so you can take the stated opening days into account when planning your visit.

Discover more destinations: Coddington, Ordsall, Newark-On-Trent, Kimberley, Misterton, Trowell, Ollerton, Nottingham

View the wider travel guide: Nottinghamshire.