The ancient market town of Retford has much to offer its visitors – from the peace and tranquillity of the surrounding countryside to its bustling markets, popular theatres and fascinating history. The town was granted its first charter – the right to hold a fair – by Henry III in 1246. This was extended by Edward I in 1275 to holding a Saturday market: a tradition that Retford is famous for almost 800 years later.
The prosperity that came with the building of the Great North Road and the Chesterfield Canal is reflected in the town’s fine Georgian buildings and spacious square, the scene of lively open-air markets every Thursday and Saturday. And the regular farmers market, taking place every third Saturday in the month, draws visitors from far and wide, but there’s much more to Retford than its market stalls and bargains.
The town has two theatres – the Little Theatre on Wharf Road and the Majestic on Coronation Street – providing residents and visitors alike with top-quality entertainment throughout the year. Retford is also home to the Bassetlaw Museum and the Percy Laws Gallery, where visitors can learn about the town’s past.
The remarkable history of the town and the part it played in the story of the Pilgrim Fathers is explored on the Mayflower Trail, a circular tour setting off from the nearby village of Babworth. The tour visits the important towns and villages in the story of the men and women who fled to America in 1620 after being persecuted for their religious beliefs. Population 22,000
Attraction
North Leverton Windmill
Sundown Kiddies Adventureland (Pets Garden)
Wetlands Waterfowl and Exotic Bird Park
Budget
Travelodge Retford Markham Moor *book online*
Camping
Classes
Dance - Laura Jarman's Dance Attic
Yoga - The Yoga Centre
Club
Dentist
Churchgate Dental Clinic
Dental Surgery
The Dental Surgery
Doctor
Dr AA Weenink & Partners
Dr P Foster & Partners
Dr. I.J.Gilbert & Partners
Dr. J. Tonge & Partners
Drs Brownson & Dr Brown
Estate Agent
Brown William H
Burgin Atkinson
General Accident Property Services
Halifax Property Services
Shuldham Calverley
Spencers Residential Management
Golf Club
Market
Daneshill Car Boot
Retford Antique and Craft Market
Retford Open-air Market
Performing Arts
Pub and Bar
Anchor Inn
Black Boy Inn
Bluebell Inn
Broken Wheel
Gate Inn
New Inn
New Sun Inn
Newcastle Arms
Packet Inn
Sherwood Rangers Inn
White Lion
Ye Old Sun Inn
Restaurant
Britalia
China Moon
Gate Inn
Kiwi (The)
Tulsi
School
Bramcote Lorne School
Ranby House
Solicitor
Taxi
3 Sixes Taxis
Capital Cabs
DN Cars
Earlybird Taxis
Retford Taxis
Venue
Vet
Portland House Veterinary Group
Sports Clubs
Bridon CC (Cricket)
Retford Cricket & Sports CC (Cricket)
Retford Judo Club (Martial Arts)
Shops
Bookworm
Flower Boutique
Boots
Haughton Farm Shop
Retford & Gainsborough Garden Centre
Windrush Nurseries
Orchard Nursery
Vicki's Ark
Bridgegate Chemists
Woolcott
Waddingtons Of Retford Ltd
J Dunmore Ltd
Fabulous Flowers
Antiques
Activities
Seth Ellis(Boat Trips and Cruises)
Harworth & District CC(Cycling)
Hallcroft Coarse Fisheries(Fishing)
Lakeside Fishery(Fishing)
Wetlands Fishing Lakes(Fishing)
Places to Stay near Retford
West Retford Hotel (0.44 miles)
This superb 18th century manor house is set in over 3 acres of professionally landscaped gardens. Located in the historic market town of Retford, this traditional hotel is one of the best in the area. Relax ... More | visit website
Elms Hotel (0.69 miles)
The Elms hotel is an impressive grade 2 listed building set in beautiful grounds in the market town of Retford.
The hotel provides an excellent base for visting Nottinhamshire, Sherwood Forest and ... More
Barns Country Guest House (The) (1.92 miles)
Looking for a quality Bed and Breakfast in the Retford area? Located just a couple of miles of the A1 and ... More | visit website
Ye Olde Bell Hotel (3.22 miles)
This romantic 17th century coaching inn, in the Nottinghamshire village of Barnby Moor, rose to fame and fortune in the days of stagecoaches and highwaymen. Today Ye Olde Bell Hotel and Restaurant offers the finest ... More | visit website
Travelodge Retford Markham Moor (4.65 miles)
There are loads of reasons our customers choose to stay at Travelodge. Our great value clean and comfortable rooms with en-suite provide everything needed for a good night's sleep and are close to where people ... More | visit website
Clumber Park Hotel (5.37 miles)
The recently upgraded Clumber Park Hotel nestles on the edge of Sherwood Forest. This Nottinghamshire hotel is a haven of unrivalled tranquility and natural beauty. The hotel occupies a prime ... More | visit website
Charnwood Hotel (6.21 miles)
Set in beautiful gardens, this privately owned hotel offers an ideal choice for business or pleasure breaks. The hotel offers attractive bedrooms (upgrades available on request) an excellent restaurant with fine dining and a comfortable lounge ... More | visit website
Travelodge Blyth (6.34 miles)
There are loads of reasons our customers choose to stay at Travelodge. Our great value clean and comfortable rooms with en-suite provide everything needed for a good night's sleep and are close to where people ... More | visit website
Acorn Lodge Guest House (7.36 miles)
Dating back some 100 years, this family-run B&B close to the town centre was once the home of monks from the nearby church.
Near to beautiful countryside and the home of Robin Hood, the pleasant guest ... More | visit website
Thoresby Hall Hotel & Spa (7.50 miles)
Order a Free Warner Holiday Brochure
Thoresby Hall Hotel & Spa is a magnificent Grade I listed mansion on the edge of Sherwood Forest. Its architectural ... More | visit website
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