Sherwood Forest

Country Park and Visitor Centre

Olympic Torch

We have had a fantastic response from local schools keen to travel to Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre to view the torch relay on June 28. We are now up to capacity for visitors from schools, so schools not yet accommodated are now advised to contact Newark and Sherwood District Council for advice on other areas in the district to view the Torch.

Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve contains some of the oldest trees in Europe, veteran oaks five centuries old and the world-famous Major Oak, still producing acorns after standing at the heart of the forest for an estimated 800 years!

The 450 acre country park is part of the Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve, designated in 2002 by Natural England (website: www.naturalengland.org.uk), the Government agency responsible for safeguarding our natural environment.

The ecology here is fascinating. The natural decay of fallen timber means the woodland teems with insect life and fungi, which in turn provide food for varied species of birds and bats.

The site is managed by Nottinghamshire County Council and maintained by our country park rangers, working to a woodland management plan drawn up in partnership with English Nature. Each year we welcome around 350,000 visitors to Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre, which is located near the village of Edwinstowe. 

Sherwood Forest is world famous as the legendary home of Robin Hood.

Prices

Admission to the park is free. 

Car parking

Car parking charges apply at Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre every day during Nottinghamshire's school holidays. Charges also apply at weekends and Bank Holidays from Sat 31 March 2012 to Sunday 6 January 2013.

The normal charge is £3, and applies to all cars, (including blue badge holders) and motorcycles. Coach parking is free.

A Special Event Car Parking Charge of £5 applies during the 2012 Robin Hood Festival (13-19 August).

Save money with a season ticket: a £20 season ticket allows parking both Rufford Abbey and Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre as many times as you wish (including during the Robin Hood Festival 2012.) Season tickets cover one car only.

Special offer! Spend £15 in a single transaction in one of our on-site shops, café or restaurant and present your ticket to claim a refund of your parking charge.

Please note: We no longer accept payment by cheque.

Directions  

By car and coach

Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre is on the B6034 just north of Edwinstowe, between the A6075 and the A616, 20 miles north of Nottingham.

By bus

You can get to Edwinstowe on the Stagecoach bus service 33 Nottingham - Worksop.  For full details, times and prices check the Traveline website: www.traveline.info/.

Most buses stop on High Street in Edwinstowe, which is a 5-10 minute walk from the Visitor Centre and park.

By train

The nearest train stations are at Shirebrook (6 miles) and Mansfield (7 miles).  Both are served by the Robin Hood line which is operated by East Midlands Trains.

East Midlands Trains (website: www.eastmidlandstrains.co.uk) also run services from London St Pancras to Nottingham, and East Coast (website: www.eastcoast.co.uk/) run services from London Kings Cross to Newark.

By bike

Cycling is not allowed in and around the Visitor Centre. Please leave your bikes at the cycle racks in the car park and proceed on foot.

By air

Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre is less than 25 miles from Robin Hood airport and just over 38 miles from East Midlands airport. See the air travel page for more details.

By sea

The nearest ferry port is at Hull, which is 50 miles away.

What to see and do

Major Oak

Within the 450 acre site there are 900 veteran oak trees, including the famous Major Oak. This ancient oak, one of Britain's most famous trees, is located just a ten minute walk from the Visitor Centre. Come and visit one of the world's most famous woods!

Robin Hood

Once a royal hunting forest, this is the legendary home of the outlaw Robin Hood.

Each year in August, the five day Robin Hood Festival is a colourful celebration of the life and times of the world's most famous outlaw.

Waymarked trails

We currently have a self guided leaflet available in Visitor Information and reception. The Blue Trail takes you on a 45 minute circular path round the Major Oak. The Green Trail takes about an hour and skirts along the Longhorn Cattle enclosure. The Red Trail takes approximately two hours and leads around the forest. (All ages; free.)

Shops and Refreshments

Browse around the Visitor Centre shops or relax with a coffee or a hot snack in the Forest Table Restaurant.

Weddings

Looking for somewhere unusual to celebrate your big day? Get married in the Oak Room at the Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre.

School Visits

We welcome visits from school groups. We offer both supported and self-led activities.

Access for all

We offer free loan of wheelchairs and an electric mobility scooter is available for loan at £2 per hour. Please book in advance on tel: 01623 823202.

Dogs

Dogs are welcome at Sherwood Forest Country Park but must be kept under control. We need to make sure all visitors can feel safe and relaxed. 

Please keep dogs on the lead in and around the Visitor Centre, and take care when passing other visitors with dogs.

At some park events (for example, bird-watching walks), dogs aren't allowed.  If in doubt, give us a call to check:  01623 823 202.

Please clean up after your pet.

Opening Hours  

We have recently changed our opening hours. For full details of when our facilities are open, see the table below:

Join our volunteers

We welcome local people and visitors who want to get involved in the work of the park. Volunteers and helpers at conservation task days or park events are always welcome. Ring the Ranger team for a chat to find out more on tel: 01623 823202.