Cavendish Wharf
The delightful village of Shardlow, set in open farmland between Derby and Nottingham, has a relaxed, timeless ambience that contrasts with its historic importance as one of England's busiest inland ports. Today, its combination of picturesque lanes and colourful leisure craft, and its exceptionally convenient location, present a unique opportunity to put down roots in a welcoming neighbourhood with a real sense of community.
Local history
Shardlow has a fascinating past. A settlement since the Bronze Age, it thrived as a river port on the Trent, then grew in prosperity with the opening of the Trent and Mersey canal in 1770. The mercantile activity brought with it a vast assortment of allied activities and architectural gems, such as the Dog and Duck Inn, dating back to the fifteenth century, and the seventeenth-century Shardlow Manor. The oldest of the canal warehouses built to store goods arriving by narrowboat and awaiting distribution by road, the Salt Warehouse is now the home of the Shardlow Heritage Centre, and much of the canalside area is now a designated conservation area.
Education
Shardlow Primary School, housed in an attractive 150-year-old building on the site of the old village stocks, is a few minutes' walk from Cavendish Wharf. There is a choice of other primary, junior and secondary schools in the surrounding communities.
Outdoor activities
Surrounded by miles of open country-side offering excellent opportunities for walking and cycling, Shardlow is also within easy reach of some fine outdoor attractions, such as Elvaston Castle and Country Park. Just over a mile from Cavendish Wharf, the Park includes over 200 acres of woods and parkland, with a nature reserve encompassing wetlands, ponds and a brook, providing habitats for a wide variety of species. Most of the outdoor activities around the village focus on the canal and the River Trent, with opportunities to take part in boating at the local marinas in addition to exploring the attractive waterside paths.
Transport
Cavendish Wharf is in easy commuting range of Derby and Nottingham, and there is a railway station at Spondon, three-and-a-half miles away, with services to both centres. The development is only around two miles from junction 1 of the A50 and exceptionally convenient for the M1, and East Midlands International Airport is just three-and-a-half miles away. There is a regular bus service providing links to Derby. Sport and leisure There is a lively choice of leisure options in Shardlow and the surrounding area, ranging from relaxing in traditional village pubs such as the Dog and Duck, a few minutes' walk from Cavendish Wharf, or the Malt Shovel, one of several inns near the marina, to the high-octane excitement of motor- racing at Castle Donington. Also at Castle Donington, the LivingWell Health Club, situated around four miles away within the Hilton East Midlands, has a gym, swimming-pool, sauna and steam room. The attractions of Derby and Nottingham, each offering a choice of theatres, cinemas, and night-life, are all in easy reach for evenings out.
Health care
Shardlow Surgery is located in London Road, around 350 yards from the development. A branch of Alvaston Medical Centre in Derby, it has limited opening hours four days a week. There is a second branch of the Centre in Aston-on-Trent and a third practice with full daytime hours in Breaston. There are also convenient dentists in Breaston and in Castle Donington.
Shopping
Shardlow Post Office and General Store, just a short walk from the development, caters for the essentials of everyday life, and there are Indian and Thai restaurants in the village. Both Derby and Nottingham have good shopping centres with a comprehensive range of high-street names, supermarkets, food and drink retailers and specialist shops. |
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