Days out
Sherwood Forest
EdwinstoweClosed | Opens 10:00 amSee opening timesBecome Robin Hood for the day as you explore the ancient woodlands. Visit Major Oak that’s at least 800 years old or settle down in front of our open air cinema. Children will love the play area and den-building zone.
About
⚠ Timber extraction works are being carried out over the coming weeks in part of the Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve. Please observe warning signs and keep dogs on leads where work is taking place. For more information, go to the reserve website ⚠
⚠ From 15th November, we’ll be undertaking some essential maintenance work at the Visitor Centre for up to four weeks.
- The Centre’s café, shop and car parks will remain open, although there will be temporary toilet facilities for visitors to use. The café will offer a takeaway-only service.
Please bear with us during this busy time for us here at Sherwood. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank you in advance for your patience. For more information, go to the reserve website ⚠
Sherwood Forest is an ancient and beautiful landscape, steeped in history and rich with wildlife.
Once a royal hunting ground, Sherwood is full of ancient oaks that have stood tall for over 500 years. One of the most magnificent is the Major Oak. Thought to be 1,000 years old, it was once the favourite hideout of Sherwood Forest’s most famous resident — Robin Hood.
Sherwood is now home to a dazzling array of wildlife, including some rare and endangered insects. Look out for bright red Cardinal Beetles in the bark of fallen trees or spot alien-like fungi sprouting from tree trunks. Roam the forest after nightfall on a guided bat or Glow-worm walk, or visit our Budby reserve to hear the Nightjar’s distinctive churring call.
The RSPB leads the team that manages this important National Nature Reserve. To find out more about the site's history, wildlife, facilities and special events, head to visitsherwood.co.uk
At a glance
Our main car park is located on Swinecote Road and has space for more than 250 cars.
Our overflow parking area enables us to accommodate 700 vehicles.
The main car park postcode is NG21 9QB. Please be aware that this is also the postcode for the neighbouring residential street, Maythorn Grove.
There is also an accessible car park for disabled visitors or those with mobility issues next to the Visitor Centre building on Forest Corner NG21 9RN.
As well as two accessible toilets, we also have a Changing Places facility which provides greater space and access for people with disabilities – and importantly, their carers too.Most standard disabled toilets are not big enough to cater for people who may need their carer’s assistance. We want everyone to be able to access and enjoy our new visitor centre – which is why we felt it was vital to provide this facility.
There are baby change facilities in the men's toilets and the accessible toilets. We are also a breastfeeding friendly venue.
Prior to your visit, please contact the reserve directly for detailed information.
A mobility scooter is available to hire for £3 per hour.
It can be reserved by emailing us at sherwoodforest@rspb.org.uk or calling 01623 677321.
Please book the scooter in advance of your visit. We cannot make same-day bookings at this time.
Unfortunately, Our lift is currently out of order. Our cafe and toilets can be reached by following the path from the accessible car park, through the shop and down to the amphitheatre area.
If you need assistance, please ask our staff to help. Prior to your visit, please contact the reserve directly for detailed information.
Toilets are situated within the Visitor Centre – please note there are no others on site.
BBQs are a fire risk, endangering other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here. They are not permitted on the reserve at any time.
Dogs are permitted on the reserve. They must remain within sight, control and recall. Please observe dogs on leads signs where you see them, especially during breeding season (1st March to 31st August).
Dogs are permitted on the reserve. They must remain within sight, control and recall. Please observe dogs on leads signs where you see them, especially during breeding season (1st March to 31st August).
See what’s here
Save nature while you staycation
Holidaycottages.co.uk is working with the RSPB to restore UK woodland for future generations to enjoy. Every booking with Holidaycottages.co.uk supports woodland restoration projects at key RSPB reserves around the country, protecting the wildlife that makes the UK an extraordinary place for a holiday.
New to Holidaycottages.co.uk portfolio of handpicked self-catering holiday cottages is the Showcase Collection: Near RSPB Reserves. At these extraordinary homes, immerse yourself in the diverse landscapes of RSPB reserves and get up close to some of the UK’s most cherished native wildlife.
Contact Sherwood Forest
Forest Corner, Edwinstowe, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, NG21 9QB