Within easy walking distance from Throapham is the historic village of Laughton en le Morthen with its beautiful church dating back to Saxon times. If you are here when the church tower is open then you can enjoy fine views over the Peak District, the Trent valley and beyond to the Humber Estuary, with Lincoln Cathedral and the Humber Bridge visible on a clear day. You’ll also get a good view of the ancient motte and bailey castle hill pictured above. Several of our guests have even tried their hand at bell-ringing. Practice is usually on a Friday evening starting around 7:00pm and makes a memorable highlight to your stay.
A couple of miles further brings you to the Roche Abbey. A Cistercian monastery now under the management of English Heritage, this remains a popular day out with many local people. Our Bradwell and Dewhurst rooms both enjoy views over our garden looking towards Laughton and Roche Abbey.
A walk from Throapham House taking in Roche Abbey and the villages of Firbeck, Brookhouse and Laughton en le Morthen is a good way to spend a day with the possibility of some lunch at a couple of local village pubs.
A hundred yards east of the house brings you to open countryside with views over the Trent valley towards north Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire. This largely rural area has many historical villages and market towns such as the ancient river port of Bawtry to explore.
Those adjacent to the A1 (about six miles away) are of special interest to those seeking to explore England’s past including Scrooby with its connections to the sailing of the Mayflower.
A few miles to the south and you are in some of the finest traditional English countryside with Sherwood Forest and its association with Robin Hood. The beautiful Clumber Park – only about 6 miles away – is operated by the National Trust and is well worth a visit with a picnic hamper. If you are keen on cycling Clumber Park is easily reached from Throapham via a mostly flat route. Look out for the annual programme of outdoor concerts held throughout the summer months but remember to book early as these are very popular amongst the locals!
The Peak District National Park with its stunning moorland scenery, historic houses and many picturesque communities is about half an hour to the west of Throapham House. Chatsworth House, one of the finest English houses open to the public is located here and is definitely not to be missed.
To the north we have the vibrant city of Sheffield which, together with the South Yorkshire towns of Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham, have undergone significant change over the last few years thanks to a major economic regeneration programme. While retaining a major world presence in the manufacture of specialist steel and advanced materials, Sheffield now also has a burgeoning creative and digital industry sector which is reflected in its working and cultural life. The World Student Games some years ago has provided the region with some fine sports facilities which this year in particular are in very high demand as several national teams prepare themselves for London.
We’ve had a busy few days at Throapham with many of our guests attending the St Leger Festival taking place at nearby Doncaster Racecourse this week. Over breakfast I’ve been telling some of the local history associated with the oldest of Britain’s five classic horse-races and it now seems that Frankie Dettori will be in [...]
I’ve just spent a very enjoyable Saturday afternoon at the University of Sheffield Engineering Alumni day. Having graduated here in 1978 it was a great opportunity for me to catch up with what was happening at the University, including some ambitious plans to turn the old Jessops Hospital site into an ultra modern teaching facility [...]
Last Monday saw the first of three programmes following a year in the life of Chatsworth House. When I watch excellent programmes like this on our great historic houses I’m reminded that Ann and I have a responsibility to future generations to treat our far more modest home with a bit of TLC. If you [...]
