- Recommended
Bassetlaw Museum
A local museum in the town hall covering Retford’s history, civic life and nearby Pilgrim Fathers story through compact displays.
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Take a train from Leicester to Retford and enjoy the approximately 77 km long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest train runs at 05:48, the last at 20:00.
Distance 77 km |
Average train duration 1h 47m |
Trains per day 5 |
First train 5:48 |
Last train 20:00 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 5 days |
Discover the best of Retford — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Retford trip today.
A local museum in the town hall covering Retford’s history, civic life and nearby Pilgrim Fathers story through compact displays.
A nearby aviation heritage museum with aircraft and military displays, worth the short trip for visitors interested in regional transport history.
Volunteer-run heritage centre beside the canal with exhibits on waterway history, boats and the restoration of the Chesterfield Canal.
Retford’s principal green space with formal gardens, riverside walks, play areas and open lawns close to the town centre.
A pleasant waterside route for walking and cycling, with locks, wildlife and broad views that show Retford’s canal heritage.
A compact central area around the square and church, good for strolling between heritage buildings, shops and public spaces.
Traditional Nottinghamshire pork pie with hot-water crust pastry and seasoned pork filling, long associated with local markets and county baking traditions.
A firm local cheese from Nottinghamshire with a mild, milky flavour. It reflects the county’s dairy heritage and is commonly eaten with bread or pickles.
Classic British blue cheese made in the wider Nottinghamshire area. Rich and crumbly, it is a staple on local cheeseboards and in pub lunches.
Smart, modern restaurant in the town centre serving British and European dishes in a relaxed but polished setting.
Well-known local Indian restaurant with a long-standing reputation for curries, tandoori dishes and attentive service.
Canalside pub and restaurant offering British favourites, grills and drinks in a relaxed waterside setting.
Retford is moderate for the UK, with fairly priced pubs, cafés and local transport, while accommodation is usually cheaper than in larger tourist cities.
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is not included. Round up for taxis. In cafés, tipping is optional.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Leicester to Retford by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Retford, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Leicester to Retford trains use the Leicester to Retford station pair. Use this guide to compare Leicester and Retford train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Leicester has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Leicester.
Wi-Fi is available at Leicester. ATMs are available at Leicester.
Ticket office support is available at Leicester. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 08000 11 33 23, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Available at Leicester: Parking, WC.
Available at Leicester: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Leicester: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A access station. There is step free access to the main entrance and lifts to all platforms. Customers with wheelchairs who require assistance on graduated slopes should press the ticket gate 'assistance' button located at the bottom of the stairs near the self service ticket machines. To ensure availability of staff to assist, it is imperative that customers book assistance in advance. This station has tactile paving at the edge of all platforms and at the bottom of all staircases, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Retford has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Retford.
Ticket office support is available at Retford.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Retford: Parking, WC.
Available at Retford: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Retford: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Advance booking is advisable, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
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