
Sherwood Pines Forest Park
A cyclist's paradise and family adventure hub nestled in the heart of Sherwood Forest, offering thrilling trails, nature walks, and treetop fun.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking

Sherwood Pines Forest Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A cyclist's paradise and family adventure hub nestled in the heart of Sherwood Forest, offering thrilling trails, nature walks, and treetop fun.
"Absolutely amazing place with so much to do! Loads of scenic trails perfect for walking, biking, or just exploring."

Book Bike Hire Ahead
Popular bike rentals can sell out, especially on weekends. Book online to secure your ride! 🚲
Check Parking Fees
Parking costs can add up. Consider the 'park and ride' option or check for discounted rates for specific activities like parkrun. 🅿️

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Gruffalo & Superworm Trails
Forest Trails
Magical, interactive walks bringing beloved children's book characters to life. Perfect for little adventurers!

Go Ape Adventure
Tree Canopy
Experience thrilling treetop adventures with zip lines and obstacle courses. A true test of courage for all ages!

Mountain Biking Trails
Dedicated MTB Tracks
Explore a network of exhilarating mountain bike trails, from beginner-friendly to expert-level challenges. Bike hire and workshops available.

Playgrounds & Picnic Spots
Various locations
Enjoy family fun at nature-inspired playgrounds and relax with a picnic amidst the beautiful woodland scenery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Bike Hire & Trail Prep
Parking & Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Bike Hire Ahead
Popular bike rentals can sell out, especially on weekends. Book online to secure your ride! 🚲
Check Parking Fees
Parking costs can add up. Consider the 'park and ride' option or check for discounted rates for specific activities like parkrun. 🅿️
Dress for Adventure
Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes are a must for exploring the trails. :athletic_shoe:
Kid-Friendly Trails
The Gruffalo and Superworm trails are a hit with toddlers and young children. Easy and engaging! :child:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Bike Hire Ahead
Popular bike rentals can sell out, especially on weekends. Book online to secure your ride! 🚲
Check Parking Fees
Parking costs can add up. Consider the 'park and ride' option or check for discounted rates for specific activities like parkrun. 🅿️
Dress for Adventure
Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes are a must for exploring the trails. :athletic_shoe:
Kid-Friendly Trails
The Gruffalo and Superworm trails are a hit with toddlers and young children. Easy and engaging! :child:
Cafe & Food Options
There's a cafe on-site, and a chip van. For a treat, try a local pub for Sunday roast. ☕
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Sherwood Pines Forest Park is widely praised for its extensive cycling trails, family-friendly activities like the Gruffalo trail, and the thrilling Go Ape experience. Visitors appreciate the natural beauty and the variety of outdoor pursuits available. However, some find parking costs high, and accessibility on certain trails can be challenging for those with mobility issues.
"A Fantastic Day Out with Something for Everyone!
Absolutely amazing place with so much to do! There are loads of scenic trails perfect for walking, biking, or just exploring. We hired bikes (plenty of hire options available on-site), and the cycle routes were brilliant—great fun and very well maintained.
The children loved the jump stations and adventure areas, and Go Ape was a real highlight! We did the Challenge Plus course (18+), which was £45 and honestly great value for money. There are different courses suited to a variety of ages and abilities, which is a big plus.
There’s a good mix of free activities and paid ones. Some of the pricing felt a little steep—bike hire was £12.50 per hour or £55 for the day, and parking was just under £4 per hour—but it’s all clearly signposted at each location.
The facilities were excellent. The toilets operate on a one-way system and were spotless every time we visited, even on busy days. There are plenty of places to grab food and drinks too, and the Visitor Centre staff were incredibly friendly and helpful.
All in all, a clean, well-run, and activity-packed destination for all ages. I’d absolutely recommend a visit!"
Emily
"Absolutely recommend it. I went there on a field trip from AVS. I love that place. You can meet characters from Julia Donaldson & Axel Sheffler. Come here for a day out. There is a line park called go ape. I didn't go on it. Entire country park, amazing."
Aga Curzydlo
"Trails are very well mapped and easy to follow. Bike workshop staff were really nice and fixed my puncture really quickly. Nice and cheap place too. Will definitely be visiting again very soon."
Caleb
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sherwood Pines Forest Park is accessible by car via the A608. There are designated parking areas, but fees apply. Public transport options are limited, so driving is generally recommended. Some visitors suggest checking local bus routes if public transport is your only option.
Yes, there are several parking areas within Sherwood Pines. However, parking fees are charged, often hourly or with a daily maximum. Some activities, like parkrun, may offer discounted parking with a QR code.
Absolutely! Sherwood Pines is a prime destination for cyclists. You can cycle on dedicated routes or use the park's trails. There are also bike hire facilities available on-site if you don't bring your own.
Public transport to Sherwood Pines can be challenging. While some bus routes may pass nearby, it's often not the most convenient option. Many visitors rely on private vehicles for easier access.
From Nottingham, take the A608 towards Mansfield. Sherwood Pines is well-signposted from the main roads. Use a GPS or mapping app for precise directions to the main entrance and parking areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the park itself is generally free, but you will need to pay for parking. Specific activities like Go Ape, bike hire, and some adventure areas have separate charges.
Parking fees vary, but expect to pay around £3-£4 per hour, with a higher daily maximum. Some events or activities might offer discounted parking. It's best to check the latest pricing on arrival.
Yes, many of the walking trails, playgrounds, and the general atmosphere of the forest are free to enjoy. The Gruffalo and Superworm trails are also free to access, though parking fees still apply.
It is highly recommended to book Go Ape sessions in advance, especially during peak seasons or weekends, to guarantee your spot and preferred time slot.
Sherwood Pines Forest Park is generally open daily from dawn till dusk. However, specific facilities like the cafe, bike hire, and Go Ape have their own operating hours, which can vary seasonally.
🎫 🌲 Onsite Experience
Sherwood Pines offers a variety of trails, from short, easy walks like the Gruffalo Trail to longer routes through the forest. The memorial forest is also a beautiful, peaceful area for a stroll.
Sherwood Pines is renowned for its cycling opportunities. It features dedicated mountain bike trails, gravel routes, and family-friendly cycle paths. Bike hire is readily available.
Yes, there are several playgrounds designed to blend into the natural environment. While some are geared towards older children, there are options for various age groups.
Facilities include toilets, a cafe, bike hire, and the Go Ape adventure course. There are also picnic areas and information points.
While some paths are compacted gravel, visitors have reported challenges with accessibility for mobility scooters and wheelchairs on certain trails. It's advisable to check specific trail suitability if accessibility is a concern.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there's a cafe on-site offering food and drinks. A chip van is also often present. For a more substantial meal, consider visiting a local pub for a Sunday roast.
Absolutely! Sherwood Pines has numerous picnic spots, making it a great place to bring your own food and enjoy a meal surrounded by nature.
The cafe typically offers a range of snacks, light meals, and beverages. It's a convenient option for a quick bite or a warm drink after exploring.
Information on specific dietary options at the cafe can vary. It's best to check with the cafe staff directly upon your visit for the most up-to-date menu and availability.
Alcohol is generally not sold at the on-site cafe. If you wish to consume alcohol, it's typically permitted in designated picnic areas if you bring your own, but always check park regulations.
📸 📸 Photography
The forest itself offers endless photographic opportunities, especially during autumn with its vibrant colors. Look for sunbeams filtering through the trees and scenic woodland paths.
While not a dedicated wildlife park, Sherwood Pines is home to various birds and small mammals. Early mornings or late afternoons can offer better chances for spotting and photographing wildlife.
Drone usage is often restricted in forest parks to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. It's crucial to check the official Sherwood Pines Forest Park regulations regarding drone operation before flying.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer beautiful, soft light. Midday can be harsh, but sunbeams breaking through the canopy can create dramatic shots.
While there aren't designated 'viewpoints' in the traditional sense, many of the walking and cycling trails offer picturesque scenes. Keep an eye out for clearings and elevated paths for scenic shots.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit