To provide you with the best experience, cookies are used on this site. Find out more here.

Allow cookies

Language

Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre & National Nature Reserve

Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre and National Nature Reserve, Forest Corner, Edwinstowe, Nottinghamshire, NG21 9RN

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 775 reviews775 reviews
Close window

Call direct on:

Tel01623 677321

Add Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre & National Nature Reserve to your Itinerary

Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre & National Nature Reserve

About

Sherwood Forest is a landmark thousands of years in the making, alive with nature, history and folklore, all waiting to be explored! 

It is known the world-over as the home of Robin Hood, and packed with stories, from the ancient oaks to the country’s most famous outlaw, and the work of the RSPB and their partners.

It is also a National Nature Reserve - a place to play, discover and leave with tales of your own, inspired by 420 hectares of beautiful, precious, unique woodland.

Things to do

A new visitor centre opened in 2018, managed by the RSPB and their partners on behalf of Nottinghamshire County Council, heralding a new era for the forest and its very special collection of ancient oak trees and wildlife.

From the popular Robin Hood Festival, which attracts visitors from around the world to learning about woodland crafts or the rich history of Sherwood and Edwinstowe to finding out about the conservation work being done here, here something at Sherwood for all interests.

During holiday periods, there are guides in traditional medieval costumes in the forest, offering information to visitors, each with fantastic knowledge, focused on a range of topics from the diversity of the woodland to the ballads of Robin Hood – their stories are designed to make visits interesting, memorable and fun!

And talking of memorable visits, no trip to Sherwood is complete without seeing the Major Oak. This majestic giant has a canopy spanning 28 metres, a trunk 10m in girth and has watched over this special landscape for a millennium. It is a truly wondrous tree to see in any season. In fact, Sherwood has the finest collection of ancient oaks in Western Europe – that is, aged 400 years or more. These fantastic hollowed spectacles come in an assortment of shapes and sizes.  As well as having been around to see the English Civil War and all that’s happened since, they also provide fantastic homes for hundreds of species – from rare insects to mammals and birds.

Take the Giants Trail, and see how many of these wonderful old trees you can find. There’s trails to suit other interests too, whether you want to walk in Robin Hood’s footsteps or find out more about the wildlife which makes its home at Sherwood – pick up a trail guide in the visitor centre.  Each will go past the Major Oak – just a short fifteen minute walk or so from the new visitor centre.

There’s a host of other walks to do through the forest if you want to go a little further, including the beautiful heathland up at Budby South Forest – speak to the site team or pick up a map to find the best routes to take.

Events are staged throughout the year, and range from learning archery skills, to guided talks and walks and activities themed around Robin Hood, Sherwood history and a host of nature topics. See our website for details of dates, prices and how to book.

Food and drink

The new café offers a host of hot dishes as well as sandwiches, snacks and delicious cakes and a range of hot and cold drinks to enjoy inside or out - seated under our fantastic rooftop canopy, or in our new amphitheatre, with a wall-to-wall view across the forest. You could even get your food and drinks to go, and enjoy a forest picnic with the family.

Shopping and play

As you’d expect, the shop at Sherwood stocks everything you need for a legendary visit to the forest, from toy bows and arrows, to Robin and Marion dressing up costumes and souvenir gifts, t-shirts, books and local produce. There’s also a range of RSPB products.

From here, you can see across to the new Robin Hood-themed play area which includes a look-out post, swings  and rope bridge.  It is built among the trees – just where the legendary outlaw loved to be!

Parking

The new car park is situated along Swinecote Road, just a short walk away from the visitor centre. All-day parking is just £4 for cars, and free for RSPB members, coaches and minibuses. Disabled bays are available adjacent to the new visitor centre.

Accessibility

The new centre is accessible for wheelchair users and there is a lift to get between floors, as well as a ramp on the outside. The forest trails are wide with no steps and surfaced with firm gravel or shale chippings, although they can be muddy in wet weather and some are quite steep in places.

As well as accessible toilets, the new centre also has a Changing Places facility, including a shower, toilet and a hoist for the safety and comfort of visitors who require extra space and equipment.

Robin Hood Festival

Held for a full seven days in August, this popular family event attracts around 40,000 visitors to Sherwood Forest, to see a host of medieval attractions and entertainment, to browse olde world stalls and take part in a range of Robin Hood-themed fun. It’s free to attend (there is an increased car-parking charge for the week, and certain bookable events have a small charge too).

Book Tickets

Guide Prices

Entry is completely free. Parking costs £5 for non-members, and is chargeable for anything up to a full day, and is free for RSPB members.

Map & Directions

Facilities

Other

  • Dogs Accepted
  • Guide Dogs Permitted
  • Max group size - 50
  • Min group size - 0
  • On-Site café/restaurant - Refreshments available. Restaurant (over 50 covers)
  • Picnic Site
  • Toilets for Disabled Visitors

Parking & Transport

  • On site parking - For more information on parking, please see main body of text above.

Venue Facilities

  • Shop

Opening Times

Sherwood Forest Country Park & Visitor Centre (1 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024)

* Daily from:
10am-4pm until Friday 22nd March 2024
10am-5pm from Saturday 23rd March 2024 – November 2024
Closed Christmas Day. The forest is freely accessible all year round.

Awards

  • Regional and MiscellaneousNottinghamshire Hospitality Stars Awards Winner 2019 Nottinghamshire Hospitality Stars Awards Winner 2019 2019

Follow Us

Video

  • Sherwood Forest Country Park & Visitor Centre

What's Nearby

  1. The Major Oak

    Sherwood Forest, a 450-acre country park and nature reserve, is home to the well-loved…

    0.07 miles away
  2. St Mary's Church Edwinstowe


    St Mary's Church is a beautiful and ancient place of worship in the heart of Sherwood…

    0.54 miles away
  3. Rufford Abbey Country Park

    Rufford Abbey Country Park is the estate and grounds of a former 12 century Cistercian…

    2.2 miles away
  1. Robin Hood Statue at Thoresby Park

    Robin Hood is Nottingham’s most culturally significant attraction; our local hero…

    2.35 miles away
  2. Thoresby Park

    Visit our beautiful park with the whole family to enjoy everything Thoresby has to offer.…

    2.36 miles away
  3. Go Ape at Sherwood Pines

    Go Ape and live life adventurously at Sherwood Pines, Nottingham.

    2.67 miles away
  4. Sherwood Pines

    Sherwood Pines is the largest forest open to the public in the East Midlands with over…

    2.94 miles away
  5. Walesby Forest

    Walesby Forest is an International Outdoor Activity Centre located in the heart of Robin…

    3.04 miles away
  6. Bilsthorpe Heritage Museum

    Bilsthorpe Heritage Society began after the mine closed and was formed by a handful of…

    4.46 miles away
  7. Clumber Park

    There's so much to do at Clumber Park throughout the year, whether you like walking or…

    4.53 miles away
  8. The National Holocaust Centre and Museum

    The National Holocaust Centre and Museum is so much more than a museum. It’s a vibrant…

    4.64 miles away
  9. DropWorks Rum Distillery

    The DropWorks Distillery recently opened its doors to the public in July 2023, so it…

    5.88 miles away
  10. White Post Farm Centre

    White Post Farm is open with safety measures in place (pre-booked tickets only). To pre…

    6.58 miles away
  11. Derbyshire Pony Trekking

    With more of a personal touch, we trek at the Customer's pace whether it be fast or…

    6.59 miles away
  12. Creswell Crags

    Creswell Crags, in North Nottinghamshire is a limestone gorge honeycombed with caves and…

    7.65 miles away
Previous Next

Related

Forest Lodge | Visit Nottinghamshire Forest Lodge, EdwinstoweA charming family owned 18th century coaching inn, located in the heart of Robin Hood country, two minutes from Sherwood Forest.

Major Oak by Lucy HodsonEdwinstowe, NottinghamshireEdwinstowe is an historic village in the heart of Sherwood Forest, the home of Robin Hood. Legend has it that it was here, at the beautiful medieval church of St Mary, that Robin married Maid Marian. The High Street is home to a statue in their honour.

Kirton | Visit NottinghamshireKirton, NottinghamshireKirton is a small village near Ollerton giving it a quaint charm within easy reach of the main Sherwood Forest attractions.

Fox and Hounds | Visit NottinghamshireFox and Hounds, NottinghamshireThis popular family owned establishment is an up to date version of the traditional English country pub. Well known for its home-cooked British food, real ales and excellent wine there’s always a warm welcome inside and sunny days draw visitors to the huge beer garden and terraces.

The Major Oak in Sherwood Forest | Visit NottinghamshireThe Major Oak, EdwinstoweSherwood Forest, a 450-acre country park and nature reserve, is home to the well-loved veteran oak tree the Major Oak, which is known throughout the world for its connection to Nottinghamshire’s legendary hero Robin Hood.

Cycling in Sherwood ForestAncient Sherwood Cycle Route, Edwinstowe

The Dukeries Cycle Trail, Mansfield

Robin Hood WayRobin Hood Way, Nottingham

Nottingham to Worksop Cycle RouteNottingham to Worksop Cycle Route, Nottingham

Tuesday, 29 October 2024 - Tuesday, 29 October 2024

The Robin Hood Statue, please credit Liyuan LiuRobin Hood DayCelebrate Nottingham’s famous outlaw Robin Hood, with a day dedicated to him!
more info

Friday, 29 March 2024 - Sunday, 31 March 2024

Have A Go Archery at Sherwood ForestHave A Go Archery at Sherwood ForestThink you've got what it takes to be an outlaw? Here's the chance to put your archery skills to the test, at the home of Robin Hood! The Sherwood Outlaws will be providing one-to-one instruction at the Major Oak £3 for 5 arrows!
more info

Saturday, 27 April 2024 - Saturday, 27 April 2024

St George's Day at Sherwood ForestSt George's Day at Sherwood ForestThroughout St George's Day at Sherwood Forest, you'll be able to learn more about what it meant to be a knight of the realm and fight upon the battlefields of Medieval Europe.
more info

Saturday, 27 April 2024 - Saturday, 27 April 2024

Sunday, 26 May 2024 - Sunday, 26 May 2024

Photo of a redstart standing on a tree branch.Redstart RambleCome to Sherwood Forest for a guided walk in search of the elusive redstart!
more info

Saturday, 23 March 2024 - Saturday, 23 March 2024

Saturday, 6 April 2024 - Saturday, 6 April 2024

Saturday, 27 April 2024 - Saturday, 27 April 2024

Saturday, 11 May 2024 - Saturday, 11 May 2024

Saturday, 25 May 2024 - Saturday, 25 May 2024

Myths and Legends with the Master at Arms
Myths and Legends with the Master at ArmsJoin William De Tankerville, The Sheriff of Nottingham's Master at Arms, as he takes you on a tour of the majestic Greenwood, sharing stories of medieval life and the villainous Robin Hood.
more info

Saturday, 18 May 2024 - Saturday, 18 May 2024

Paper making workshop with Clare Taylor
Paper making workshop with Clare TaylorJoin inspirational artist Clare Taylor to learn how to produce an array of stunning handmade papers derived from natural materials such as kitchen waste and locally sourced plant matter.
more info

Thursday, 27 June 2024 - Thursday, 27 June 2024

This Is My Theatre presents The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
This Is My Theatre presents The Wonderful Wizard of OzExperience a thrilling adventure in the heart of Sherwood Forest as we bring to life The Wonderful Wizard of Oz!!
more info

Sunday, 31 March 2024 - Sunday, 31 March 2024

An Adventure with Friar Tuck
An Adventure with Friar TuckJoin jovial Friar Tuck on an amusing and revealing adventure through Sherwood as you explore the legend of Robin Hood!
more info

Sunday, 31 March 2024 - Sunday, 31 March 2024

Painting of a deer looking through reeds and tall grass. There is a muted colour palette but the deer is in colour.Artisans of SherwoodCome along for an exciting day full of creativity, craftsmanship and family-friendly fun!
more info

Saturday, 30 March 2024 - Sunday, 14 April 2024

Fairytale Trail
Fairytale TrailJoin Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre for an adventure in the heart of Sherwood Forest, where mythical creatures await your discovery!
more info

Sunday, 28 April 2024 - Sunday, 28 April 2024

Mead brewing masterclass with Apothecary MeadMead brewing masterclass with Apothecary MeadJoin the exceptional artisans of Apothecary Mead as you learn how to brew your own signature mead.
more info

Saturday, 30 March 2024 - Saturday, 30 March 2024

Clay bunny rabbit.Easter Clay Creations WorkshopExperience a nature-inspired workshop where you'll have the opportunity to make adorable air-dry clay bunnies!
more info

Saturday, 6 April 2024 - Saturday, 6 April 2024

Photo of a Willow Obelisk.Willow Obelisk WorkshopCome along for a creative and inspiring morning of willow weaving to make something uniquely yours to take pride of place at home.
more info

Saturday, 13 April 2024 - Saturday, 13 April 2024

Hunt The OutlawHunt the Outlaw
more info
Street Art

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss