Sherwood Forest & Major Oak
Sherwood Forest
The birthplace of the Robin Hood legend. In this ancient oak forest, the most famous tree, the Major Oak, is about a thousand years old and is said to have been a hiding place for Robin Hood and his band.
Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve lies near Edwinstowe and preserves the highest density of ancient oaks in England. Its star is the Major Oak, about 800–1,000 years old, with a crown 28 meters wide that is held up by supports. Legend says Robin Hood and his companions hid in its hollow trunk. The visitor centre run by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds has a Robin Hood-themed exhibition, and forest trails of various lengths wind through the woods. A Robin Hood Festival is held in August. Entry is free and parking is charged. It is about 35 km from Nottingham and can be reached by bus.
Opening hours
Open all day; visitor center approx. 10:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Sherwood Pines Forest Park
- Rufford Abbey Country Park
- Clumber Park
- Creswell Crags
- Newstead Abbey
- Southwell Minster
- The Workhouse, Southwell
- Green's Windmill