Southwell is a historic market town located in Nottinghamshire, renowned for its rich heritage, including the Minster, remnants of a Roman villa, and the Bramley apple. The town's origins date back to Roman times, with archaeological evidence of a villa and settlement near the River Greet. Over time, Southwell evolved into a significant religious centre with the establishment of Southwell Minster and became an important market town during the medieval period.placeholder image
Southwell is a historic market town located in Nottinghamshire, renowned for its rich heritage, including the Minster, remnants of a Roman villa, and the Bramley apple. The town's origins date back to Roman times, with archaeological evidence of a villa and settlement near the River Greet. Over time, Southwell evolved into a significant religious centre with the establishment of Southwell Minster and became an important market town during the medieval period.

Nottinghamshire: Eight underappreciated market towns worth visiting this summer

By Phoebe Cox
Published 4th Jul 2025, 14:44 BST

Here are eight market towns nearby that are worth visiting this summer.

Market towns are filled with history and culture, and here in Nottinghamshire – we have many to be explored.

With architecture that dates back centuries and annual festivals celebrating local culture, there’s so much to see and do across the county.

Did your town make the list?

Hucknall, previously known as Hucknall Torkard, is a town located in Nottinghamshire with a history that spans over 900 years. Originally a rural village, it evolved into a market town and eventually became an important industrial centre, particularly recognised for its coal mining and textile industries. Additionally, the town is significant as the burial place of Lord Byron.

5. Hucknall

Hucknall, previously known as Hucknall Torkard, is a town located in Nottinghamshire with a history that spans over 900 years. Originally a rural village, it evolved into a market town and eventually became an important industrial centre, particularly recognised for its coal mining and textile industries. Additionally, the town is significant as the burial place of Lord Byron. Photo: Brian Eyre

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Retford, located in Bassetlaw, has a rich history that spans several centuries. It was established as a borough in 1105 by King Henry I, making it one of England's oldest towns. The town was granted its market charter as early as 1246. Retford experienced periods of prosperity, particularly with the development of the Great North Road, the Chesterfield Canal, and the introduction of railways during the 18th and 19th centuries.

6. Retford

Retford, located in Bassetlaw, has a rich history that spans several centuries. It was established as a borough in 1105 by King Henry I, making it one of England's oldest towns. The town was granted its market charter as early as 1246. Retford experienced periods of prosperity, particularly with the development of the Great North Road, the Chesterfield Canal, and the introduction of railways during the 18th and 19th centuries. Photo: Retford Business Forum

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Kirkby has a history rooted in its origins as a Danish settlement, which translates to "church town." The town is mentioned in the Domesday Book and experienced significant expansion during the Victorian era due to coal mining, leading to the establishment of numerous collieries and railway lines. However, the closure of these mines in the late 20th century resulted in economic challenges for the area. Despite this, Kirkby still retains a rich history and heritage.

7. Kirkby

Kirkby has a history rooted in its origins as a Danish settlement, which translates to "church town." The town is mentioned in the Domesday Book and experienced significant expansion during the Victorian era due to coal mining, leading to the establishment of numerous collieries and railway lines. However, the closure of these mines in the late 20th century resulted in economic challenges for the area. Despite this, Kirkby still retains a rich history and heritage. Photo: Chris Etchells

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Bulwell has a history that dates back to at least 800 AD, and its name was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Originally a small village, Bulwell experienced significant growth during the Industrial Revolution, driven by coal mining and textile manufacturing, particularly in framework knitting. Its location along the River Leen and the Nottingham Canal contributed to its development.

8. Bulwell

Bulwell has a history that dates back to at least 800 AD, and its name was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Originally a small village, Bulwell experienced significant growth during the Industrial Revolution, driven by coal mining and textile manufacturing, particularly in framework knitting. Its location along the River Leen and the Nottingham Canal contributed to its development. Photo: Google

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