About The Area

Edwinstowe is a historic village set in the heart of Sherwood Forest, famously associated with Robin Hood. According to legend, he wed Maid Marian at the picturesque medieval Church of St Mary. A statue commemorating the legendary couple stands on the village’s High Street.

The Major Oak

Located in Sherwood Forest, just a few minutes walk away from No10, this world famous tree is renowned for being Robin Hood’s hideout in the 12th century. It is thought that he met up with his merry men and camped out underneath the branches. The Major Oak is between 800 and 1000 years old; it weighs an estimated 23 tonnes and has a girth of 10 metres!

Follow the Major Oak trail from the Visitor Centre (approximately 15 minutes) and enjoy the woodland walks and wildlife along the way. For more details about visiting the Major Oak, including parking and opening times, please visit The Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre.

Edwinstowe Village

Edwinstowe High Street and village centre has a range of places to eat and drink, from cosy coffee shops to pubs and restaurants as well as takeaway options. There are independent shops and boutiques giving Edwinstowe a lively high street feel despite its rural setting. There is also a craft centre nearby at the Visitor Centre which is home to a variety of unusual crafts including textiles, fossils and gemstones, paintings, candles, hand crafted chocolate, handmade soap and jewellery.

The statue on High Street commemorating Robin Hood and Maid Marian

Places of interest

Whether you’re into nature, history, culture or adventure, you will find a variety of activities locally. We have compiled a varied, although not exhaustive, list of things to do in the area.


Explore Sherwood Forest: Walk, hike, or cycle trails, find the legendary Major Oak, and visit the Visitor Centre for history, events and souvenirs.

Robin Hood Themed Activities: Take guided walks led by experts, try your hand at archery or watch the annual jousting and medieval entertainment at Sherwood Forest.

Go Ape at Sherwood Pines: Enjoy high ropes and zip lines.

Sherwood Pines: A vast area for cycling, mountain biking and play areas.

 

FAMILY & THEME PARKS

White Post Farm: Feed animals, enjoy play areas and go-karts.

Wheelgate Park: Theme park with rides, adventure courses and animal encounters.

Twinlakes Park and Sundown Adventureland: Other nearby theme park options.


HISTORY AND CULTURE

Rufford Abbey: Explore the historic abbey ruins and country park.

Bolsover Castle: A spectacular castle with unique architecture.

Creswell Crags: Discover Ice Age caves.

Sherwood Forest Railway: Home of Nottinghamshire’s only narrow-gauge steam railway.


NOTTINGHAM CITY (Around 45 mins drive)

Nottingham Castle and City of Caves: Explore the castle's history and underground caves. The castle features the Robin Hood Adventures experience with digital archery, storytelling and costumes.

Town Tours: Take Robin Hood walking tours through Nottingham City.

Old Inn Tour: Visit Ye Old Trip to Jerusalem, an ancient inn linked to the legend.

Wollaton Hall & Deer Park: A grand Elizabethan mansion with extensive grounds. Also home to Splendour Music Festival.

National Justice Museum and Green's Windmill: Museums for history and science.


ADVENTURES & MORE

Skirmish Paintball & Activity Centre: At Budby, Sherwood Forest.

Pony Trekking: Available nearby.


INDOOR ACTIVITIES

 Escape Rooms and Karting in Nottingham.


If you would like to go further afield, we are just over an hour from the Peak District National Park.