Urban Ramble ~ Worksop

​Grab your walking boots, backpack, and camera, and join me each week in exploring this delightful region, from Urban Rambles to discovering the delights of the Dukeries and beyond.
This charming walk explores just some of the fascinating history of Worksop, which rests by the meandering River Ryton and standing on the edge of Sherwood Forest, is surrounded by vast country estates and stately homes.
The town has evolved considerably over the years and has many hidden gems, from the eclectic variety of architecture to the tiny alleyways and hidden yards of the forgotten tenement buildings.
We begin our journey through time at the delightful little railway station, which was opened in July 1849.  With just two platforms it operates a frequent train service and has a super little café on the site; The Railway Café, which provides a mouth-watering selection of cakes, snacks, all day breakfasts and a variety of beverages to tempt the taste buds!
One of the most impressive buildings on Carlton Road has to be Carlton House Vintage, a unique emporium of arts, crafts, and a wonder full vintage tea room, a must to visit!  Dating back to the 1900s, its striking stonework and dome are in keeping with similar Edwardian Baroque styles across the town.  
Just off the main pedestrianised area is Castle Street, leading on to Lead Hill, which was originally known as Tenter Green; an area used for drying out locally woven cloth. It later became Lead Hill as carriers from nearby lead mines in Derbyshire off loaded consignments of lead on the site.  The tiny streets between Castle Street, Westgate and Bridge Street were referred to as Bedlam Square, one of the most deprived areas, and the site of Worksop’s first Workhouse.
Beyond Lead Hill and Westgate (Slack Walk) is an area legendary for its gardens of Liquorice and was renowned for being the best in the country. It was used to sweeten food, but its popularity fell into decline upon the increased use of sugarcane.  
Moving on through the Market Place and on to Potter Street, you cannot help but notice the amazing architecture, the Venetian style Town Hall, Tudor dwellings, Georgian, Baroque and the ultra-modern design of the Cinema, which opened in 2012. During its construction, builders unearthed an air-raid shelter from the Second World War which was found in perfect condition.
One of Worksop’s most familiar landmarks is the Priory Gatehouse. This incredible building dates back to the early 1330s and provided a restful place to shelter for travellers before becoming an elementary school in 1628.  A timely reminder of the town’s unique history.
Memorial Avenue and Priorswell Road are most definitely worth a detour off the route, the recreational area known as the Canch, was also the site of a Lido, or open-air swimming pool, and was really popular in the 1950s and 60s. 
Our return route takes us along Beaver Place; during the late eighteenth century was commonly known for its manufacturing of top hats, which were made from beaver skins, and introduction of new materials saw production with skins decline and cease.
This urban ramble is accessible to all and a great way to discover and explore Worksop’s unique and long history. Hope you enjoy!
Happy Rambles, Sally.
 
DID YOU KNOW?
The top of Newcastle Street and the A57 bypass, just beyond The Millhouse public house, was the site of a large mill pond, and was the focal point of many events, such as skating, fishing and even a bathing pool for elephants of passing traveling circuses!

​BASICS
Distance – 4.5 km (2.79 miles)
Approx time to walk – 1 ½ - 2 hours
Start – Worksop Railway Station S817AG
Map - OS Explorer 270
Parking – Railway Station, Carlton Road.
Refreshments/amenities – Plenty along the route. 

DIRECTIONS

1. Starting at the train station, head to the main B6045 Carlton Road, keeping to the footpath on the right, passing the Station Hotel on your left.  Proceed along until you reach a large junction, (Victoria Square).
2. At the lights, cross over to the opposite side of the road, and continue along onto the pedestrianised shopping area (Bridge Place), crossing over Ryton Street and Newcastle Avenue, until you reach Castle Street, where you turn right.
3. Continue along Castle Street, (slight incline) to the junction were Castle Hill merges with Hill Street. Turn left onto Lead Hill, with the garage on your left, walk downhill to the junction with Westgate.
4. Turn left along the footpath and walk towards the Savoy Cinema ahead, then proceed left onto Market Place. Where the pedestrianised area merges, turn right onto Potter Street, passing the Town Hall and the iconic French Horn, continue along until you reach a mini roundabout.
5. Cross over carefully and continue straight ahead to the next mini roundabout.  Here you will see the Priory Cross.  At the lights, cross over and walk through the gatehouse archway, along the tree lined track to the Priory (parallel with Priorswell Road).  The Library, War Memorial and Canch are to the left, worth a detour from the route to explore the area.
6. Back to Priorswell Road, continue until you reach the canal bridge.  Turn Left onto Canal Road and follow the road alongside the canal, passing the flour mill to your right, proceed along until you reach Beaver Place.  Turn Left and walk along Beaver Place, at the Fisherman’s Arms, turn right onto Church Walk, follow the road bearing left, until you reach the main junction.
7. Turn Right crossing the canal bridge, cross over at the lights, keeping to the right, and proceed back along Carlton Road, passing Carlton House Vintage, the perfect spot for a tasty treat and a cuppa, before heading back to the Train Station.