Explore sherwood
Visiting Sherwood Forest
Although we aren’t a tourist information service, we’re proud of our local area and enjoy sharing it with visitors.
We support local events and festivals, small businesses, craftspeople and makers of fine local produce. They make the Sherwood Forest area vibrant and distinct.
Find out more about places to stay, play and explore around Sherwood Forest.
Discover Sherwood
Sherwood Is Bigger Than You Imagine!
Many assume that Sherwood Forest is just a small piece of historic woodland near Edwinstowe. Wrong! Sherwood Forest and ‘Robin Hood Country’ covers about a third of Nottinghamshire.
From ancient abbeys, craft centres and tranquil country parks to a treetop limbing course and mountain bike trails, smiles and surprises await.
Visitor Announcement
Covid-19 Notice
Be aware of Government restrictions on travel and events during the Covid 19 pandemic. These may change at short notice.
If you plan to visit, remember to check whether venues are open, follow Government advice, and In rural areas, follow the Countryside Code.
Explore Sherwood Forest
Places to visit
Quirky Corners
The Japanese Garden, Newstead Abbey
A corner of the Orient in rural Nottinghamshire. Ethel Webb, brought up at Newstead Abbey, visited Japan in the 1890s and returned inspired. The garden was created for her in 1907 by a Japanese landscape designer, and decorated with authentic Japanese artefacts.
The Limes Cafe
Established 40 years and a traditional, friendly old fashioned British transport ‘Caff’. Ever get bored with Skinny lattes and salad? After a day’s paint balling or dirt biking, drop in and murder a chunky bacon bap or sponge pudding. Naughty but nice! Visit the Lime Cafe.
The Museum of Timekeeping, Upton
Time on your hands? Visit the museum of the British Horological Institute where you can hear the voice of the original ‘Speaking Clock’ and see the watch worn by Captain Scott on his ill-fated polar expedition.
Staying in Sherwood Forest
Places to Stay
Sherwood Forest tourist accommodation comes in many styles- from eco-friendly camping for scouts and guides at Blakeley Lane Campsite, to luxury forest lodges with hot tubs at Sherwood Hideaway.
Explore the many different styles of tourist accommodation in Sherwood Forest and Robin Hood Country.
For full ‘Where To Stay’ listings contact local Tourist Information.
Properties referenced are examples of local providers. Inclusion does not imply any endorsement or recommendation by the Sherwood Forest Trust.
Explore Sherwood
Things To Do
Sherwood Forest, once the exclusive Royal hunting playground of Kings and Dukes, now offers a wealth of places to visit and active fun for all the family!
Discover a wealth of fun solo and group activities, from walking and cycling to horse riding and golfing.
Sherwood sites & places
Character trees
Our charity helps people to manage ecologically precious remnants of Sherwood’s heathland and woodland. Planting and nurturing trees is an important part of our work.
Sherwood Forest has some ancient and historic trees. Visit some of our famous Forest veterans, and the site of character trees now lost to the ravages of time.
The Parliament Oak
A historic oak, once a landmark within the royal park that surrounded what is today known as King John’s Palace, Kings Clipstone. A parking spot and information panel can be discovered just off Peafield Lane not far from the village of Edwinstowe.
The Major Oak
The mighty Major Oak has been known by several different names over the 800 years of so of its life. The tree’s modern name comes not from its huge size but antiquarian Major Hayman Rooke, who moved to Mansfield Woodhouse in 1780 and catalogued the historic oaks of Sherwood Forest.
This beautiful oak stands within the Sherwood Forest Natural Nature Reserve, which is managed by the RSPB, and can be visited by following the waymarked path from the Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre.
The Gospel Oak (or ‘Pilgrim Oak’) Newstead Abbey Gates
Spreading its branches by the Abbey gates, opposite the Hutt pub, this tree is said to have been the place where pilgrims gathered to read the gospels before walking to the priory
Help The Ancients!
Help us protect the veteran trees of Sherwood Forest and raise a new generation of Sherwood oaks for a greener future. Donate today.
Learn More
Tourist information
Hopefully we’ve whetted your appetite to discover the attractions of Sherwood Forest and Robin Hood Country.
For online tourist information:
Prefer face to face? Visit one of our local tourist information points:
