Shardlow Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to eat, and where to stay in Shardlow, Derbyshire, England. Plan your trip with this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Shardlow

Located in Derbyshire county, East Midlands region, Shardlow is a charming village in England known for its rich history and beautiful scenery. It was once an important inland port and has grown into a popular destination for tourists looking to explore rural England.

This comprehensive travel guide will provide you with everything you need to know to plan your trip to Shardlow. From natural attractions to cultural highlights, we’ve got you covered. Read on for a detailed list of must-visit places, hiking routes, where to stay, where to eat, what to buy, and much more.

List of Places to Visit in Shardlow

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Shardlow Heritage Centre - Visit the Heritage Centre to learn about the village’s rich history. From its days as a thriving inland port, to the people and industries that have shaped the village.
  • St. James’ Church - This beautiful medieval church is a must-visit for its stunning architecture, impressive stained glass and ancient religious artefacts.
  • Swanwick Hall - An impressive 18th-century mansion with extensive lawns and gardens to explore.

Natural Attractions of Shardlow: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Shardlow Walk - Start from the Trent and Mersey Canal or the village and discover the stunning landscape, the narrow streets full of original Georgian and 17th century buildings and the beautiful canal. Here you can also find the Shardlow Marina.
  • Shardlow Quarry Nature Reserve - This scenic nature reserve is a protected site with rare animals and plants to admire. With magnificent views of the Peak District hills, you can take a leisurely stroll or an adrenaline-filled mountain-biking ride as the terrain is great for practitioners of both.
  • Elvaston Castle Country Park - Located just a few miles from Shardlow, this park is a must-visit for nature lovers and families alike. Offering over 200 acres of stunning woodlands, gardens, footpaths and trails to explore, as well as a variety of wildlife to spot.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Shardlow

  • Shardlow Walk (4 miles) - A gentle walk through picturesque countryside, quaint villages, and mysterious historic locations.
  • The Derby Canal Walk (8.5 miles) - This is a peaceful stroll along the canal banks, ideal for birdwatchers, nature lovers and angling enthusiasts.

Best Things to Do in Shardlow: Activities and Tours

  • Canal Trip - A fun way to see Shardlow is to take a leisurely canal boat trip. Enjoy stunning views of the countryside and villages from the water.
  • Shardlow Brewing Company - Visit this local brewery for a taste of the award-winning ales produced on the premises.
  • Shardlow Heritage Volkswagen Rally - On the first Sunday of June every year, enjoy a glimpse of Shardlow’s role in the evolution of the automotive industry featuring an impressive collection of classic VWs.

Week-Long Itinerary for Shardlow

Day Activities
Day 1 Arrive in Shardlow, check-in, discover the heritage centre, and walk along the Trent and Mersey Canal
Day 2 Visit St. James’ Church, Quarry Nature Reserve, and Elvaston Castle Country Park
Day 3 Shardlow Walk and visit the Swanwick Hall
Day 4 Derby Canal Walk and Shardlow Brewing Company
Day 5 Shop for souvenirs in the village centre
Day 6 Take a Canal Trip
Day 7 Attend Shardlow Heritage Volkswagen Rally and depart Shardlow

Food and Drink Scene of Shardlow

Must-Try Dishes

  • Bakery Lane Soup - This hearty soup features locally sourced ingredients and is a must-try for foodies visiting Shardlow.
  • Trent & Mersey Pie - This savoury pie is filled with meat and vegetables that have been slow-cooked in ale for hours.

Local Beverages

  • Shardlow Brewing Company Ales - Sample award-winning ales created by the Shardlow Brewing Company.
  • English Breakfast Tea - Enjoy a traditional English breakfast, complete with a pot of tea - the beverage perfect for every occasion.

Where to Stay in Shardlow: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • The Dog and Duck - Located in the heart of the village, this pub offers cosy rooms and traditional pub fare.
  • Shardlow Marina - Situated on the banks of the Trent and Mersey Canal, this cosy marina offers both rooms and self-catering accommodation.

What to Buy in Shardlow: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Shardlow Beer - Take home a bottle of Shardlow Brewing Company’s finest ale.
  • Shardlow Cheese - Visit the local cheese shop to try and buy the dairy produce made with traditional British methods.

Local Culture and Customs of Shardlow

Shardlow is a place with a rich history and a strong sense of local community. Visitors are often charmed by the friendly locals and the quaint, traditional feel of the village center. If you’re lucky, you might even catch one of the local fairs or markets, where you can experience a taste of traditional England.

Best Time to Visit Shardlow

The best time to visit Shardlow is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and sunny. However, spring and autumn are also great times to visit, as the changing seasons bring a unique beauty to the village’s countryside.

Do’s and Don’ts of Shardlow

Do:

  • Do take a canal trip to experience the stunning countryside surrounding Shardlow.
  • Do visit the heritage centre to learn about the history of the village and its port towns.
  • Do try local dishes and samples from the Shardlow Brewery.

Don’t:

  • Don’t forget to pack a raincoat, just in case of a sudden shower.
  • Don’t litter in the parks or the countryside.
  • Don’t be loud or disruptive in the village center or accommodations.

Safety and Health

Safety in Shardlow

Shardlow is generally considered safe, but visitors should take the usual precautions of protecting their valuables on crowded places or public transport.

Health in Shardlow

Visitors should take out comprehensive travel and health insurance, which includes emergency evacuation cover. Visitors should also take precautions against tick-borne diseases when engaging in activities in the countryside.

Getting to Shardlow: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Shardlow

The nearest international airport is East Midlands Airport, located just 10 miles from Shardlow.

Bus Stations Near Shardlow

There are regular bus services that connect Shardlow with Derby and other major cities of the East Midlands region.

Other Options

Taxis and rental cars are also available in Shardlow, providing visitors with a greater degree of independence in exploring the countryside and neighbouring attractions.

How to Get Around in Shardlow

The village of Shardlow is easily navigable by foot or bike, with short distances between most tourist destinations. The canal is another common mode of transport, as canal boats provide a unique view of the village.

Where to Go Next from Shardlow: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Derby - Just 7 miles from Shardlow is Derby, a thriving city with a rich history, great dining and shopping options, and plenty of attractions to appeal to all ages.
  • Peak District National Park - Don’t miss to explore the scenic views and stunning beauty of the Peak District National Park which is only a 40-minute drive from Shardlow.

Conclusion

Shardlow is a charming village in the heart of England’s countryside, offering visitors a unique glimpse into traditional English life and history. With a wide range of attractions, natural scenery, and cultural experiences, Shardlow is a must-visit destination for any nature or history lover. Use our comprehensive guide to plan your trip and experience the best of Shardlow.

Canalside warehouses Canalside warehouses Old warehouse, now heritage centre Old warehouse, now heritage centre The Trent Mill at Shardlow on the Trent and Mersey Canal. The Trent Mill at Shardlow on the Trent and Mersey Canal. Shardlow Marina Shardlow Marina