Nottinghamshire &amp; Derbyshire


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why">WHY?</h2>



<p>Looking to live the rural dream? With a <em>Wind in the Willows</em> riverside location, cosy gastropubs and quick access to the lovely market town Newark, this could be the place. One of the loveliest riverside villages in Notts, it has nature reserves, a strong sense of community and charm by the boatload. The icing on the cake? It’s still pretty affordable.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat">EAT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/10/RIVERSIDE-1-1920x1080-1-1024x576.jpg" alt="The Riverside Farndon Nottinghamshire interior" class="wp-image-10630" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/10/RIVERSIDE-1-1920x1080-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/10/RIVERSIDE-1-1920x1080-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/10/RIVERSIDE-1-1920x1080-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/10/RIVERSIDE-1-1920x1080-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/10/RIVERSIDE-1-1920x1080-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Riverside</figcaption></figure>



<p>If it’s café culture you’re after, you’ll need to nip up the road to Newark (3 miles away), but there are pretty pubs and gastropubs-a-plenty. Good mood food with a view <a href="https://www.farndonferry.co.uk/">The Farndon Ferry</a> is a reliable riverside eatery with a gorgeous outdoor decking area for summer sundowners. Next door <a href="https://www.distinctiveinns.co.uk/the-riverside/">The Riverside</a> pub and kitchen is the flagship of local indie pub company Distinctive Inns dishing up pub classic at decent prices. <a href="https://www.theroseandcrownfarndon.co.uk/">The Rose and Crown</a> Just down the road, there’s 19<sup>th</sup> century coaching inn and ‘proper’ country pub <a href="https://chequerspubelston.co.uk/">The Chequers</a> or, a bit further along, <a href="https://www.stauntonarms.co.uk/">The Stanton Arms</a> which also does brilliant brunches. Fancy something more international? <a href="https://www.koinoniarestaurant.com/">Koinonia Restaurant</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://baseri.co.uk/">Baseri</a> in Newark both offer up great Nepalese and Indian flavours with a twist.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shop">SHOP</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/10/Untitled-design-315.jpg" alt="Mr Bike Newark Nottinghamshire showroom full of bikes and accessories" class="wp-image-10632" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/10/Untitled-design-315.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/10/Untitled-design-315-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/10/Untitled-design-315-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/10/Untitled-design-315-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mr Bike</figcaption></figure>



<p>Er, ok, Farndon may not be the place to shop ‘til you drop. If want cosmopolitan, you’re in the wrong place, but who cares when bustling Newark-on-Trent is a few miles up the road and indie-rich Southwell in the other direction? Along with a small Londis, you’ve got a Waitrose, Asda, Morrisons and Tesco all within three miles. On the outskirts of the village there’s a brilliant family-run farm shop selling local, seasonal produce, <a href="https://www.hardysfarndon.co.uk/">Hardy’s Farm Shop &amp; Café</a>, complete with outdoor seating and kids’ play area (and doggy ice cream in summer). There’s also a bike shop <a href="https://www.mrbikeshop.co.uk/">Mr Bike</a> and super-useful <a href="https://www.lizsgardencentre.co.uk/">Liz’s Garden &amp; Pet Centre</a>. In nearby Newark, <a href="https://flossieandbooboutique.co.uk/">Flossie &amp; Boo Boutique</a> has a super-cute selection of clothes and games for tiny tots, and <a href="https://www.woodandtoys.co.uk/about">Wood &amp; Toys</a> specialises in wooden toys for kids.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-amp-wellbeing">HEALTH &amp; WELLBEING</h2>



<p>It&#8217;s all about the riverside walks, bike rides and run routes on your doorstep here. Fresh air fitness at its finest. <a href="https://www.farndoncommunityclub.com/">Farndon Community Club</a> also offers tennis, cricket, and football facilities, plus a good range of fitness classes and Pilates.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community">COMMUNITY</h2>



<p>This place has serious community eco creds, thanks to the passionate environmental group which looks after the local natural treasures with litter picks, keeping footpaths clear and monthly meet-ups. Buzzy music festival Farndon Rocks is a highlight of the summer social calendar.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nearby-attractions">NEARBY ATTRACTIONS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/07/Farndon-Meadow-Notts-WT-credit-Kath-Fox-1-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="wildflowers at Farndon meadow nottinghamshire" class="wp-image-9760" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/07/Farndon-Meadow-Notts-WT-credit-Kath-Fox-1-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/07/Farndon-Meadow-Notts-WT-credit-Kath-Fox-1-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/07/Farndon-Meadow-Notts-WT-credit-Kath-Fox-1-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/07/Farndon-Meadow-Notts-WT-credit-Kath-Fox-1-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Farndon Meadow by Kath Fox, Notts Wildlife Trust</figcaption></figure>



<p>Farndon is fringed by a particularly beautiful curve of the River Trent &#8211; ideal for fishing and boating and a popular spot for photographers, twitchers and wildlife lovers. If you love a pub walk, you’ve plenty of both. This place really packs a punch when it comes to nature, with four stunning nature reserves on the doorstep – Farndon Ponds, Cottage Lane Nature Reserve, Farndon Park Woodland or head to the water meadows of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nottinghamshirewildlife.org/nature-reserves/farndon-willow-holt-water-meadows">Willow Holt</a> to mess about by the river on a lazy summer afternoon.</p>



<p>If history is your thing, there’s so much locally to explore.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/newarkcastleandgardens/">Newark Castle</a>&nbsp;is on your doorstep (famous as the location for the death of King John in 1216). And the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nationalcivilwarcentre.com/">National Civil War Centre</a>&nbsp;explores 17th century life with brilliant exhibitions. You’ll have to drag little ones away from&nbsp;<a href="http://www.newarkairmuseum.org/">Newark Air Museum</a>. And if you need more of a grown-up day out, explore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.renaissance-kelham.com/">Kelham Hall</a>&nbsp;– a stunning stately home and manicured grounds, or head out for a day at the races at <a href="https://www.southwell-racecourse.co.uk/">Southwell Racecourse</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture">CULTURE</h2>



<p>To hit the cultural high notes, you’ll need to head into Newark. Not just for the connoisseurs,&nbsp;<a href="https://strays.coffee/events/category/newark-jazz/">Strays</a>&nbsp;hosts one of the best jazz nights around on the first Friday of every month. Handpicked musicians and the house band do tend to dazzle so it’s worth booking tickets in advance. <a href="https://www.newarkfestival.co.uk/">Newark Festival</a>&nbsp;takes over the town every year with a finale performance in the dramatic castle grounds.&nbsp;<a href="https://gallery6newark.co.uk/">Gallery 6</a>&nbsp;is a gorgeous gallery space with an ever-revolving show of contemporary pieces. And for shows, music and more, head to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.palacenewark.com/">Palace Theatre</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-average-house-prices">AVERAGE HOUSE PRICES</h2>



<p>On the rise. The average price of the (mainly detached) properties sold here over the last year was £361,558, 25% up on the previous year and a whopping 58% up on the 2020 peak.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-property">HOT PROPERTY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/09/FarndonHP-1024x683.jpg" alt="Cottage with leafy garden in Farndon Notts" class="wp-image-10530" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/09/FarndonHP-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/09/FarndonHP-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/09/FarndonHP-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/09/FarndonHP.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This chocolate box-pretty cottage in Farndon is <a href="https://amorrison-mundys.net/property/westend-farndon-newark/">on the market for £595,000</a>.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nurseries">NURSERIES</h2>



<p>You’ll need to head to Newark for nurseries. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Bullpit-Road-Nursery-100041180723479/">Bullpit Road Nursery</a> was rated as ‘Good’ in 2019.&nbsp;Lots of others have good ratings, including <a href="https://www.baldertonpreschool.co.uk/">Balderton Pre-School</a>, <a href="http://www.baldertonvillagedaynursery.co.uk/">Balderton Village Day Nursery</a>, <a href="https://butterfliesnurseryschool.com/beacon-hill/">Beacon Hill Day Nursery</a> and <a href="https://www.children1stdaynurseries.com/nurseries/newark/">Children 1st @ Newark Centre</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-schools">SCHOOLS</h2>



<p>The village primary <a href="https://www.stpetersfarndon.com/">St Peter’s Crosskeys C of E Academy</a> was last rated Good by Ofsted, <a href="https://www.chuterede.com/">Chuter Ede</a> in Newark is Outstanding (although hasn’t been inspected since 2013). For secondary aged kids, there’s <a href="https://www.magnusacademy.co.uk/">Magnus Church of England Academy</a> and <a href="https://www.newarkacademy.co.uk/">The Newark Academy</a>&nbsp;are rated Good, or <a href="https://www.minsterschool.org.uk/">The Minster School</a> in nearby Southwell is good with an Outstanding Sixth Form. For independent education, it’s&nbsp;<a href="https://highfieldsschool.co.uk/">Highfields School</a>&nbsp;or a short drive to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lincolnminsterschool.co.uk/">Lincoln Minster School</a>&nbsp;over the border in Lincoln.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-kept-secret">BEST KEPT SECRET</h2>



<p>Farndon’s much-loved <a href="https://www.nottinghamshirewildlife.org/nature-reserves/farndon-willow-holt-water-meadows">Willow Holt</a> nature reserve is home to a whopping 36 different willow species, with international importance.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commute">COMMUTE</h2>



<p>Farndon is well connected to nearby towns and cities, with regular bus services to Newark and Nottingham. Jump in the car, and it’s just 40 mins to Lincoln one way and Nottingham in the other direction. Neighbouring Newark is brilliant for train travel to the capital (around 80 mins) with regular services.</p>



<p><em>View the full&nbsp;</em><a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/"><em>Top 300 Best Places to Live</em></a>.</p>


Farndon

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