Pictures of Swarkestone

in the county of Derbyshire

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About Swarkestone

Swarkestone is a small enchanting village which grew up on the reeeded banks of the River Trent. It is spanned by a graceful multi-arched bridge built in the 14th-century and restored at the beginning of the 19th-century. There is a legend surrounding the bridge, it was supposedly built by sisters who had watched their lovers die whilst attempting to cross the old wooden ford on horse back.

In 1643, the village was the scene of Civil War strife and it was reached by advance troops of Bonnie Prince Charlie on their way to London in 1745. So there is little doubt that Swarkestone has a place in English history. It is noted not only for the bridge but also for its beautiful church serenely set in a peaceful churchyard surrounded by the graves of past centuries. The church interior shows many ancient treasures including monuments and the tomb of John Rolleston who died in 1482. There are 16th and 17th-century commemoratives to members of the Hartpur family.

A relic of the Hartpur estate can be found in a picturesque meadow above the village, it is known as the Hartpur Summer House, it is all that was left of the estate after the family moved to take up residence at Calke Abbey. It is though the famous bridge that continues to be Swarkestone's main attraction, it is said to be the longest stone bridge in England, and although it was originally built in the 14th-century, out of a total of 17 arches 5 are 18th-century classical round headed design. The bridge perfectly compliments the swiftly flowing water, river-life and glowing reeded banks of the Trent. At one side of the bridge there is a pleasant public house with gardens stretching along the river bank.

With lovely river-side walks and many places of interest, Swarkestone makes a lovely place in which to pass away a few pleasant hours. It is within easy driving distance of Calke Abbey, Castle Donnington, Melbourne and Derby.

Planning a visit? Please see below for other recommended towns, attractions and recommended hotels nearby.

Distances and directions below are approximate. For true driving distances please visit the AA Route Planner

Recommended attractions near Swarkestone

Melbourne Hall	(2.8 miles, 4.6 km, direction SE)	Pictures
Staunton Harold Reservoir	(2.9 miles, 4.6 km, direction S)	Pictures
Calke Abbey	(3.4 miles, 5.5 km, direction S)	Pictures
Donington Park	(3.7 miles, 5.9 km, direction SE)	Pictures
Elvaston Castle	(4.0 miles, 6.4 km, direction NE)	Pictures
Staunton Harold Hall	(4.8 miles, 7.8 km, direction S)	Pictures
Derby Museum and Art Gallery	(4.9 miles, 7.9 km, direction N)	Pictures
Derby Cathedral	(4.9 miles, 7.9 km, direction N)	Pictures
Staunton Harold Church	(5.5 miles, 8.8 km, direction S)	Pictures
New Lount Nature Reserve	(6.7 miles, 10.7 km, direction S)	Pictures
Ashby de la Zouch Castle	(7.3 miles, 11.7 km, direction S)	Pictures
Hough Mill	(7.5 miles, 12.1 km, direction S)	Pictures
Grace Dieu Priory	(7.6 miles, 12.2 km, direction SE)	Pictures
Kedleston Hall	(8.0 miles, 12.9 km, direction NW)	Pictures
Conkers	(8.6 miles, 13.8 km, direction SW)	Pictures

All attractions in Swarkestone
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Recommended towns near Swarkestone

Repton, in the county of Derbyshire (4.0 miles, 6.4 km, direction W)
Repton is one of England's most ancient towns, it was once the capital of the Saxon Kingdom of Mercia and the church there is the burial ground of Saxon Kings.
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Derby, in the county of Derbyshire (4.7 miles, 7.6 km, direction N)
This is the premier town of the Shire, it is steeped in history with roots stretching to Roman times - the legions had a camp...
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Staunton Harold, in the county of Leicestershire (5.0 miles, 8.0 km, direction S)
Staunton was mentioned in the Doomsday Book when it was held by Henry de Ferrers.
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Ashby de la Zouch, in the county of Leicestershire (7.2 miles, 11.7 km, direction S)
This town takes its name from the La Souche family, lords of the manor from about 1160. The Norman prefix distinguishes Ashby from other towns of similar name.
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Long Eaton, in the county of Derbyshire (8.4 miles, 13.5 km, direction E)
Long Eaton is a small town lying on the River Trent around 8 miles east of Derby. The town has a history stretching back to the 7th century, but was for many centuries naught but a sleepy agricultural village.
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Burton upon Trent, in the county of Staffordshire (8.6 miles, 13.9 km, direction W)
Burton-on-Trent is an attractive town, it has a pleasing market place surrounded by pleasant properties, some being timber-frame black and white.
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Tutbury, in the county of Staffordshire (9.7 miles, 15.5 km, direction W)
This picturesque little town in the Dove Valley is dominated by the ruins of the medieval castle.
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Trowell, in the county of Nottinghamshire (10.0 miles, 16.1 km, direction NE)
Modern day history records that this was the village chosen as The Festival of Britain Village, at the time it was considered to epitomise the spirit of British rural community life.
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Ilkeston, in the county of Derbyshire (10.1 miles, 16.2 km, direction NE)
Within this pretty hilltop town you will find the ancient church dedicated to St.Mary, it was built around 1150 and has a beautiful clock-face tower.
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Mugginton, in the county of Derbyshire (10.3 miles, 16.6 km, direction NW)
This is a popular Derbyshire village with a church dating back to the Doomsday Book.
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Smalley, in the county of Derbyshire (10.3 miles, 16.6 km, direction N)
A delightful place with attractive village buildings including a church, village hall, several small shops and three village inns.
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Church Broughton, in the county of Derbyshire (10.6 miles, 17.0 km, direction W)
Church Broughton is an attractive Derbyshire village lying in open countryside that is perhaps best noted for its ancient church dedicated to Saint Michael.
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Denby, in the county of Derbyshire (11.2 miles, 18.0 km, direction N)
Denby is famous for its beautiful decorative Stoneware pottery which has been exported all over the world.
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Beeston, in the county of Nottinghamshire (11.3 miles, 18.1 km, direction NE)
Beeston is mostly remarkable for being the place where the Ist Lord Trent started work in his mother's herbal shop at the age of 14.
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Loughborough, in the county of Leicestershire (11.9 miles, 19.1 km, direction SE)
The joyous sound of bells made in Loughborough have been rung all over the world since 1858, the date that John Taylor of Oxford...
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Nearby travel help

Peartree Station	(3.0 miles, 4.8 km, direction N)
Spondon Station	(4.3 miles, 7.0 km, direction NE)
East Midlands Airport	(5.5 miles, 8.9 km, direction E)
M1 Junction 24A	(6.5 miles, 10.5 km, direction E)
M1 Junction 24	(6.6 miles, 10.7 km, direction E)
Birmingham International Airport	(30.1 miles, 48.4 km, direction SW)
Swarkestone to London	(108.8 miles, 175.1 km, direction SE)

Hotels & Accommodation in Swarkestone

Hotel Name	Approximate distance from Swarkestone center
The Hardinge Arms	(2.3 miles, 3.8 km, direction SE)
The Priest House On The River	(3.2 miles, 5.1 km, direction E)
International Hotel	(4.3 miles, 6.9 km, direction N)
European Inn	(4.3 miles, 6.9 km, direction N)
Best Western Midland Hotel	(4.3 miles, 6.9 km, direction N)
Legacy Aston Court Hotel	(4.3 miles, 6.9 km, direction N)
Derby East Premier Travel Inn	(4.3 miles, 6.9 km, direction N)
Express By Holiday Inn Derby	(4.3 miles, 7.0 km, direction N)
The Stuart Hotel	(4.4 miles, 7.0 km, direction N)
Sleep Inn Derby	(4.4 miles, 7.1 km, direction N)
All hotels in Swarkestone