The Great North Road passes through the centre of Retford, a thriving market town and a centre of communications through the years with the river Idle passing to Worksop and the River Trent and the Chesterfield Canal built in the 18th century. In the 19th century the railways arrived improving travel still further with links from Retford to London and Edinburgh on the East Coast line and the east-west line passing through from Sheffield to Lincoln. 

The best time for tourist to visit Retford is on a sunny market day morning, the market centre with its variety of colourful stalls is vibrant and exciting, a farmers market is an interesting addition with fresh local produce as varied as Ostrich, Bison, Olives, Honey, Ice Cream and others, occasionally the old Buttermarket opens in the base of the Town Hall to host a book fair or craft fair. 

Memorial in Market Square

St Swithun's Church

The main Victorian Town Hall is not to be missed, this fine building in the Georgian square where the market is held demonstrates the wealth of the town in those days of old. Nearby are St Swithun's church and Sloswicke's Hospital, a delightful building founded in 1657. While away a few hours in the nearby King's Park on the banks of the River Idle.

A Russian cannon stands proudly in the centre of Cannon square, captured in 1855 at the Battle of Sebastapol, it was brought to Retford four years later through the efforts of local author John Shadrack Piercy as a memorial to the Crimeran War.

Shopping in Retford -  Retford offers a wealth of unique shops, markets 3 times a week and monthly farmers markets. Find out more...