Explore Sherwood Forest: Essential Guide

In medieval times the forest was an open patchwork of acid grassland, heath and wood grazing. The modern forest still has many examples of these mixed in with the woodland but with many more trees.

Whether it is spring, summer, autumn or winter, there is lots of things to do when you visit Sherwood Forest. Take the time to connect with the real Sherwood Forest. Do it in the way Robin Hood would have, by walking or riding through it. With a large network of paths and trails for you to explore there is no better way of experiencing the Forest and its varied landscape

Not only are there great places for a walk or ride, but also lots to do and see in and around the Forest 

• Clumber Park Lake, grounds & gardens+cycle hire
• Creswell Crags Prehistoric cave site, museum, picnic area
• Rufford Abbey Gardens, lake, ruins, mill, gallery
• Thoresby Hall small military museum(marvel at how small the uniforms were), craft workshops, parkland
• Newstead Abbey Gardens, lakes, historic house, ruins
• Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve Walks & rides, old oaks, Visitors Centre RSPB reserve, part of a much larger forest area
• Sherwood Pines Forest Park huge forest park, top cycling destination+cycling hire
• Vicar Water Country Park Quiet, sheltered, very attractive, lake, hill with very good views
• Kings John’s Palace &  ruins
• Welbeck Abbey parkland, walks to Creswell Crags, gallery
• Pleasley Vale
• Blidworth Bottoms Forestry Commission woodland
• Nottingham Castle
• Laxton ‘Open Field’ system – Laxton was administrative centre for Sherwood Forest
• Southwell Minster, 
• Southwell Workhouse 
• Bolsover Castle almost a fairy tale castle
• Hardwick Hall Historic National Trust House & grounds
• There is a range of interesting and distinctive villages to walk round.

Check out our comprehensive pages on places to go and activities