Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre — Attraction in Newark and Sherwood

Sherwood Forest is a delightful and enchanting destination that immerses visitors in the rich folklore and natural beauty of the legendary Sherwood Forest. As the legendary home of the legendary outlaw Robin Hood, this historic woodland holds a special place in English history and imagination.

The forest offers a serene and tranquil environment, perfect for leisurely walks and immersing oneself in nature. The towering ancient oak trees, some of which are over 500 years old, create a captivating atmosphere that transports you to a bygone era. Walking through the forest feels like stepping into the pages of a fairy tale.

One of the highlights of Sherwood Forest is the Major Oak, a magnificent tree that is estimated to be over 800 years old and is closely associated with Robin Hood. It's an impressive sight and a must-see for visitors, as it serves as a reminder of the legendary tales that have been woven around this forest.

There are various walking trails and paths that allow you to explore the forest at your own pace. As you wander along the winding paths, you can appreciate the diverse flora and fauna that call this forest home. Birdwatchers will be particularly delighted, as Sherwood Forest is known for its rich birdlife.

The visitor center provides useful information about the forest's history, ecology, and the Robin Hood legend. It's a great starting point to learn more about the area and plan your visit accordingly. Additionally, the staff are friendly and helpful, ensuring a pleasant experience for all visitors.

Overall, Sherwood Forest is a place of natural beauty and historical significance that appeals to both nature lovers and those intrigued by the tales of Robin Hood. It offers a peaceful retreat where you can connect with nature and immerse yourself in the folklore that has captured the imaginations of people...

Sherwood Forest is managed by the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds). This charity organization allows visitors to make a donation for entry to the forest. The charity will accept a donation on site for the day or you have the choice of signing up for a monthly or annual donation to be withdrawn from your account. As a charity donor/member your access to the forest is free of charge. However, you will have to pay for parking at the abundant car park across the road from the entrance to Sherwood Forest. The site has a clean visitor center, with a cafe, and gift shop. As for Sherwood Forest itself, there are three different trails that hikers can take through the woodlands. The Blue trail leads directly to the "Major Oak," the home base for Robin Hood. This nearly 1,000 year old tree is a sight to behold. There are other trees that robbers, highwaymen, and poachers used to stash their loot inside. The green trail takes about an hour and a half to walk and winds it's way around the forest ending up at Robin Hood's Major Oak. The red trail is a longer and a bit more difficult to navigate. This trail takes roughly three hours to complete as it goes deeper into the forest, eventually completing the circuit back to the Major Oak. The old oak tree is a short distance from the visitor center making it the ideal end to a tranquil walk through the woods. Besides the trails, Sherwood Forest hosts a series of events to inspire young archers, sword fighters, and fans of medieval cosplay. If you're a fan of Robin Hood and enjoy fresh air then Sherwood Forest is a must see place about 40 minutes from the city...

Once upon a time Sherwood Forest used to be a place of exploration, of excitement, of adventure. However, now it feels like an old amusement park set up to drive visitors into following a herding system. Every opportunity to explore has now been blocked by fences, blocked by wooden posts, and signs aplenty telling you what not to do.

I especially enjoyed reading the sign telling people they can't pick mushrooms, and anything "taken" from a natural forest is forbidden.

Now don't get me wrong, if the staff had actually been out there planting these little fungi one by one I'd understand, but I'm certain the underground mycorrhizal fungi network would disagree.

In hindsight, walking along the dirt track, being "advised" what you can and cannot do has benefits if you enjoy being treated like cattle, but if you actually want to go to a forest, explore a forest, and enjoy the forest, then as ironic as it sounds, head down to Sherwood Pines instead.

Sherwood forest is, in my opinion, no longer an open forest. It is now a money making scheme designed at using the age old tale of adventure by a legendary hero, who by all rights would have a myocardial infarction in today's world watching what has become of a once beloved place.

Remember folks, touching mushrooms won't kill you, despite what the forestry industry tells you. Eating certain mushrooms will not do you, your liver, or other important organs any...