Sherwood Forest

Once an area of woodland and heathland stretching over 30 miles from Nottingham to Worksop, Sherwood Forest was established as a royal hunting preserve in the 10th century.

Made legendary as the home of the famous outlaw in the ballads of Robin Hood, amongst the great oaks you will find the timeworn beauty, The Major Oak, along with nature trails and walks.

Revived by the Normans, the forest was enjoyed by successive kings and the link to royalty continued as parts of the forest were acquired by nobility and four main ducal estates developed. This unique area, known as The Dukeries, contains the estates of Clumber, Welbeck, Thoresby and Worksop, which are full of heritage attractions.

Today you can visit the sites of Clumber and Thoresby and see grand houses and country park estates. On the Welbeck Estate you will find the Harley Gallery and the Welbeck Farm Shop.

Over time, Sherwood Forest has become fragmented as settlements developed and the rich wood resources found here were used for building materials. You can now find a cluster of main country parks that offer an insight into how this mighty forest may have once appeared - Rufford Abbey, Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve and Sherwood Pines Forest Park to name but a few. These spots are all great for picnics, walks and outdoor activities such as Go Ape.

Click on the boxes below, under the 'in this section' heading for more ideas and inspiration on how to spend a holiday or day out in Sherwood Forest. In this beautiful landscape, you will find a variety of places to stay from quaint bed and breakfasts to holiday cottages and campsites.