‘Idyllic’ Nottinghamshire village with a cosy country pub that’s ‘like a scene out of Father Brown’
The village was mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086
The sad reality is that many Nottinghamshire towns and villages have changed significantly over the past 20 or 30 years, let alone the past century.
Whether it be down to large housing developments or even new roads, there’s no denying that the soul has been ripped from some towns and villages across the county.
But some places continue to be an exception to the rule, having barely changed in hundreds of years.
These historic villages, which often only consist of a few houses, a church and maybe a pub, ooze charm and make for a great visit.
In a world where life has become so fast, a trip to one of Nottinghamshire’s quaint villages is guaranteed to take visitors back to a bygone era.
There are plenty of villages to choose from across the county - each with its own unique characteristics - but one in particular stands out for its retro vibes.
Why visitors compare Epperstone to ‘a scene out of Father Brown’
Epperstone is one of those rare instances of a village to retain its charm despite experiencing a major modern construction project.
In 1982 the Epperstone Bypass - a new section of the A6053 - threatened to pave the way for more modernisation, but more than 40 years on and the village remained largely the same.
While the population of many nearby villages has soared in recent decades, Epperstone’s actually fell from 589 to 517 between 2011 and 2021.
Of course, Epperstone has seen a handful of new developments pop up in recent years, but the village certainly isn’t bloated by a large housing estate.
The centrepiece of Epperstone is the Holy Cross Church, with the Grade I listed building dating back to the 13th century.
The village’s red telephone box - which now houses a defibrillator instead of a telephone - only adds to the 1950s vibe.
It’s easy to understand why some visitors have compared Epperstone to a scene out of the BBC sitcom Father Brown.
The centrepiece of Epperstone is without doubt its pub, The Cross Keys.
With its low-beam ceilings and hearty pub meals, The Cross Keys is an ideal place for a pit-stop during a trip to Epperstone.
Or, if a pint and a bite isn’t your thing, head to the Bumbles Tea Shoppe and Bakery for a warm drink and a slice of cake.