Country Parks

Country parks with legendary links

The home of Robin Hood and central to the tales is Sherwood Forest Country Park. Here you'll find gentle paths leading to the famous Major Oak and a host of equally impressive ancient trees.

A five minute drive away is Rufford Abbey and Country Park which once housed a 12th century Cistercian Abbey on a grand estate. Robin would have been among friends here and some of the monks were in fact outlaws.

Learn how the legend of Robin and his Merry Men has developed and how it's linked to real life Nottinghamshire locations with the audio trail In the footsteps of Robin Hood.

North Nottinghamshire

The largest forest open to the general public in the East Midlands is Sherwood Pines Forest Park. There you’ll find all manner of activities to keep family members of all ages entertained, from cycling and walking to the Go Ape! treetop assault course. Get details of these activities in our Outdoors section.

Newstead Abbey is another beautiful historical venue. Set in 300 acres of parkland, it's famed as the former home of the Romantic poet Lord Byron. Inside the abbey see the poet’s private apartments. Take a relaxing stroll through the Japanese Gardens and paths that meander past lakes, ponds and waterfalls.

To the north of Notts you’ll also find Thoresby Park and Gallery in over 1,000 acres of unspoilt English countryside. Still the picture of a traditional country estate, you’ll find Longhorn cattle among the farm animals in the grounds and a retail and multi-arts venue at the Courtyard.

City outskirts

Just a few miles from Nottingham city centre is Wollaton Hall, a magnificent Tudor mansion set in 500 acres of deer park. Take time to experience the sights, sounds and smells of an authentic working Tudor kitchen with a guided tour (charges apply) or see panoramic views from the Prospect Room.

On the northern fringes of the city is Bestwood Country Park with its incredible variety of wildlife habitats. There’s a memorial to Nottinghamshire's coal mining past with a soon to be refurbished Winding Engine House. Stay in the park at The Bestwood Lodge Hotel, a former Victorian hunting lodge.