Sherwood Forest and Robin Hood Country
Sherwood Forest is one of England’s most legendary landscapes – the home of Robin Hood, the famous outlaw who (legend says) robbed the rich to give to the poor. But beyond the stories is a real place: ancient woodland, some of England’s oldest oak trees, and a landscape that’s remarkably preserved despite centuries of change. Whether you’re here for the legend, the trees, or just a woodland walk, Sherwood Forest delivers a genuine connection to England’s medieval past.
The Real Forest
What Remains
Sherwood Forest Country Park – About 450 acres of remaining ancient woodland, a fraction of the original Sherwood but still impressive. This is the heart of Robin Hood country, with most visitor facilities and the famous trees.
Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve – Adjacent to the country park, this area protects ancient woodland and associated habitats. Less developed, more wild, and excellent for serious woodland walking.
Other woodland – Scattered remnants of the former royal forest exist across Nottinghamshire, preserved by the Forestry Commission and private landowners.
The Trees
Major Oak – The forest’s star attraction. Estimated at 800-1,000 years old, this enormous oak weighs about 23 tons and has a girth of 33 feet. Its hollow trunk could fit several people standing inside.
Legend or reality? Stories say Robin Hood and his Merry Men sheltered inside. While romantic, the tree was already centuries old in Robin Hood’s time (12th-13th centuries), so this particular association is likely later invention.
Other veteran trees – Sherwood has numerous ancient oaks, some even older than the Major Oak. Look for the Seven Sisters (seven oaks growing from one stump) and various named trees around the forest.
The Ecosystem
Ancient oak woodland is rare and valuable habitat. Sherwood supports:
- Rare insects – including beetles that only live in ancient wood
- Woodland birds – woodpeckers, nuthatches, and owls
- Wildflowers – especially in spring
- Fungi – particularly in autumn
The biodiversity is what makes Sherwood special – it’s not just about individual trees but the living ecosystem they support.
The Robin Hood Connection
Historical Reality
Was Robin Hood real? Probably not, or if he was, he’s lost in history. What we know comes from medieval ballads and later stories that evolved over centuries.
Why here? Sherwood Forest was a royal hunting preserve (mentioned in Domesday Book 1086). The law enforcement in royal forests was harsh (forest laws protected the king’s deer), creating natural sympathy for outlaws who hunted illegally.
When? Medieval ballads place Robin Hood in the 12th-13th centuries (reigns of Richard I and John), though the stories evolved over hundreds of years.
The Legend Today
Robin Hood is everywhere around Sherwood:
The visitor centre has displays about the legend and the forest’s history.
Events – Various Robin Hood-themed events throughout the year (archery, medieval festivals).
Local culture – pubs, signs, and businesses all reference the legend.
But beyond the commercialisation, there’s something real about the forest – trees that were already ancient when medieval ballads were first sung, woodland that’s been here for thousands of years. That connection to the past is what makes Sherwood special.
Exploring the Forest
The Main Walking Routes
The Major Oak Walk (1.5 miles) – Short, accessible walk through the heart of the forest. Takes in the Major Oak, visitor centre, and some of the most impressive trees. Suitable for families and casual walkers.
The Silver Birch Walk (2.5 miles) – Longer route that explores different parts of the forest, including some beautiful silver birch groves and more remote-feeling woodland.
The Sherwood Trail (6 miles) – Serious woodland walking through the country park and parts of the nature reserve. Expect varied terrain and some challenging sections.
Guided Walks
The visitor centre runs guided walks at various times throughout the year. These are excellent for learning about the forest’s ecology, history, and hidden features that you might miss on your own.
Seasonal Highlights
Spring – Wildflowers (bluebells, wood anemones), fresh green leaves, birds singing. Perhaps the forest’s most beautiful season.
Summer – Lush greenery, long days, good weather for walking. Busy with visitors but worth it.
Autumn – Spectacular colour, fungi, falling acorns. The forest feels particularly atmospheric.
Winter – Bare branches reveal tree structure, quiet and moody, sometimes snow (rare but spectacular when it happens).
Beyond the Main Forest
Clumber Park
A historic park with ancient woodland, lake, andCapability Brown landscaping. About 20 miles from Sherwood but makes an excellent combination. The ancient oaks here are some of England’s finest.
Rufford Abbey
Medieval Cistercian abbey ruins set in landscaped grounds. The surrounding woodland has veteran oaks and offers different walking from Sherwood.
Bestwood Village
Historic hunting lodge and country park on the edge of Nottingham. The woodland here was once part of Sherwood Forest and has its own veteran trees.
Practical Planning
Getting There
By car: Sherwood Forest Country Park is near Edwinstowe, signposted from A614 and other major roads. Parking is available at the visitor centre.
By public transport: Limited – Nearest train station is Newark (about 10 miles). Buses connect to Edwinstowe but schedules are limited.
By bike: Sherwood is accessible via cycle routes from nearby towns. The forest itself has cycling routes.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Wildflowers, good weather, fewer crowds than summer.
Summer (June-August): Peak season – busy but good weather for walking.
Autumn (September-November): Spectacular colour, atmospheric, fewer visitors.
Winter (December-February): Quiet, atmospheric, but cold and limited daylight.
Duration
Quick visit: 2-3 hours for Major Oak and main walk
Full day: Multiple walks, visitor centre, maybe a guided walk
Robin Hood country weekend: Combine Sherwood with Clumber Park, Rufford Abbey, or Nottingham city
Facilities
Visitor centre – Information, displays, toilets, café, gift shop. The starting point for most visits.
Car parks – Main car park at visitor centre, plus some satellite parking for quieter parts of the forest.
Café – The visitor centre café serves refreshments. Limited other food options in the immediate area.
Photography Tips
The Major Oak – Best photographed in early morning or late afternoon when the light is warm and directional. The hollow trunk creates interesting compositions.
Woodland scenes – Look for light filtering through canopy, patterns of tree trunks, and seasonal changes.
Seasonal variety – Return in different seasons to capture the forest’s changing moods.
Golden hour – The forest takes on a magical quality in the golden hours after sunrise and before sunset.
Accessibility
The country park – Some paths are accessible to wheelchairs and pushchairs, particularly the Major Oak walk and some of the main trails.
Rougher sections – Some woodland paths are uneven, muddy in wet weather, and unsuitable for those with mobility issues.
Ask at the visitor centre – Staff can advise on current conditions and accessible routes.
Combining with Other Attractions
Nottingham City
Nottingham is only about 20 miles away. The city has:
- Nottingham Castle (historical significance)
- City of Caves – underground caves beneath the city
- Literary connections – Lord Byron, D.H. Lawrence
Combine city and forest for a varied weekend.
Newstead Abbey
Byron’s former home, about 10 miles from Sherwood. The house, gardens, and grounds are worth a visit, especially for literature lovers.
Southwell Minster
Beautiful cathedral just south of Sherwood. The medieval Chapter House is particularly impressive.
The Sherwood Experience
What makes Sherwood Forest special isn’t just the Robin Hood legend – it’s the connection to deep time. The Major Oak was already hundreds of years old when medieval ballads first told Robin Hood’s story. The woodland has existed in some form since the last ice age.
Walking through Sherwood, you’re not just experiencing a legendary place – you’re connecting with an ancient landscape that has seen everything from medieval hunting to modern conservation. The trees are living connections to England’s past, and preserving them is as important as preserving the legend.
Whether you’re here for Robin Hood, the ancient oaks, or just a woodland walk, Sherwood Forest delivers an experience that’s both mythic and real, romantic and rooted, legendary and living.
Final Tips
Arrive early or late – The forest is most atmospheric and least crowded at these times.
Take a guided walk – You’ll learn things you’d miss on your own.
Look up – The canopy and veteran trees are as impressive as the forest floor.
Respect the trees – Don’t climb or damage the ancient oaks.
Explore beyond the Major Oak – The forest has more than just its most famous tree.
Sherwood Forest isn’t just Robin Hood country – it’s ancient England preserved in wood and stone. Come for the legend, stay for the trees, and leave connected to a landscape that’s witnessed centuries of history.