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.
Revived by the Normans, the "forest" (a legal term for woodland having a separate jurisdiction) was enjoyed by successive kings: the sandy heath and thickets of Sherwood provided ideal cover for deer and hunting with falcons.
The link to royalty continued as parts of the forest were acquired by nobility and four main ducal estates developed – Clumber, Welbeck, Thoresby and Worksop. This unique area, known as The Dukeries is now home to a rich area of heritage and intrigue.
Whilst Worksop declined and was later destroyed, you can visit the sites of Clumber and Thoresby and see grand houses and grounds. Welbeck Abbey is still privately owned and the Cavendish Bentinck family currently live on the estate.
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.
This isn’t the end of the story though, there are many smaller woodland areas and private attractions that can be found within the network of country parks and woodland areas. Venture off the beaten track to places like Thieves Wood, Fountaindale and Blidworth Bottoms to discover even more.
This section provides everything that you need to know about holidays and days out in Sherwood Forest. In this fragmented landscape, you’ll find a variety of places to stay from quaint BBs to holiday cottages and campsites.
Plan your visit online and then experience Sherwood for yourself and discover an outstanding area of history and beauty.
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Country Parks
The grand country parks that now make up the different parts of what was once greater Sherwood Forest, an awesome collection of places.
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Sherwood Visitor Centre
The main focal point for many people wanting to discover more about the Robin Hood legend and visit the impressive Major Oak.
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Edwinstowe
A pretty little town only a couple of miles away from Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve. The town at the very centre of it all.
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Forest Attractions
Browse through all the attractions in and around Sherwood Forest that make it such a great place to visit, whatever the time of year.
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History of Sherwood
Learn about how this amazing forest has evolved through the years and how human interaction with the land has influenced what we see today.
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The Dukeries
There are at least four Ducal estates that are within Sherwood Forest making a unique connection with the English nobility.
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Woodland Areas
Away from the major country parks you'll also find some excellent woodland areas and parks to enjoy giving great viewing points of the area.
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The Robin Hood Festival
The Robin Hood Festival takes place in August every year at the Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve and is attended by thousands.
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Special offers
20% Off House and Hall Tours
Take a Hall or House Tour with Visitours and receive 20% off from Monday to Friday
From: Thursday, 10th May 2012
To: Monday, 31st December 2012
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Tourist info centres
Nottingham: 08444 77 5678
Sherwood: 01623 824545
Retford: 01777 860780
Worksop: 01909 501148
Newark: 01636 655765
Southwell: 01636 819038
Featured activities
Clumber Park
A National Trust property, Clumber Park is open daily all year. This wide expanse of parkland, farmland and woods covers over 3800 acres (1500...
Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve
Once part of a royal hunting forest, Sherwood Forest Country Park covers 450 acres and incorporates some truly ancient areas of native woodland where...
Sherwood Pines Forest Park
Sherwood Pines is the largest forest open to the public in the East Midlands with over 3,300 acres to discover. It’s a centre for a wide variety of...
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