Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre

The Midlands & the Marches


Sherwood Forest's 2018-opened curved timber visitor centre provides information about the forest's wildlife, walking trails and Robin Hood legends – including the 800-year-old Major Oak, a broad-boughed oak tree (propped up by supporting rods) alleged to have sheltered Robin of Locksley. There's an amphitheatre, a cafe and a shop selling everything from bows and arrows to bird seed, as well as a children's play area. Alongside Robin Hood–themed activities, nature-based activities include the chance to get involved with conservation work.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby The Midlands & the Marches attractions

1. Southwell Minster

9.59 MILES

Rising from the village centre, the awe-inspiring Southwell Minster, built over Saxon and Roman foundations, blends 12th- and 13th-century features,…

2. Southwell Workhouse

9.68 MILES

On the road to Newark, 1 mile east of the village centre, the Southwell Workhouse is a sobering reminder of the tough life faced by paupers in the 19th…

3. Newstead Abbey

9.78 MILES

Founded as an Augustinian priory in around 1170, this evocative lakeside property was converted into a residence in 1539. It's inextricably associated…

4. Hardwick Hall

10.23 MILES

One of the most complete Elizabethan mansions in the country, Hardwick Hall was designed by eminent architect Robert Smythson. The hall featured all the…

5. Hardwick Old Hall

10.32 MILES

Now a romantic ruin, Bess of Hardwick's first house, Hardwick Old Hall, neighbours the manor Hardwick Hall.

6. Newark Castle

13.46 MILES

In a pretty park overlooking the River Trent, the ruins of Newark Castle include an impressive Norman gate and a series of underground passages and…

7. Newark Air Museum

14.64 MILES

Situated 2 miles east of Newark by the Winthorpe Showground, this aviation museum has over 100 aircraft, including a fearsome Vulcan bomber, a Vampire T11…

8. Chesterfield Museum & Art Gallery

15.03 MILES

Chesterfield's history as a Roman fort through to the present day is documented at this engaging local museum, which also has information about the town's…