
Thieves Wood and Fountaindale
Discover the serene beauty of Thieves Wood and Fountaindale, a network of peaceful woodland trails perfect for exploration and nature walks.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Quieter trails, fewer crowds

Thieves Wood and Fountaindale
Best Time
Quieter trails, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the serene beauty of Thieves Wood and Fountaindale, a network of peaceful woodland trails perfect for exploration and nature walks.
"Beautiful walk but the dirty dog owners leaving bags of poo ruins it - take it home lazy."

🐾 Pack Out Dog Waste
Please take all dog waste bags with you. Discarding them in the woods ruins the experience for others.
🚗 Watch for Speed Bumps
Be cautious of speed bumps when entering the car park, especially in lower vehicles.

Quick Facts
Rating
4.4 · 150 reviews
Type
National Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Endless Woodland Trails
Discover a vast network of paths winding through beautiful, quiet woods. Perfect for exploration and a peaceful escape.

Fountaindale's Natural Charm
Experience the serene beauty of Fountaindale, a lovely spot to spend a few hours in nature, alone or with company.

Dog-Friendly Exploration
A great place for your canine companions to explore numerous little trails and enjoy the outdoors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respect the Woods: Pack It In, Pack It Out
Navigating the Trails
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐾 Pack Out Dog Waste
Please take all dog waste bags with you. Discarding them in the woods ruins the experience for others.
🚗 Watch for Speed Bumps
Be cautious of speed bumps when entering the car park, especially in lower vehicles.
🐎 Be Aware of Horses
Main trails are bridleways; watch for horses when walking dogs.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Trails can be uneven; comfortable walking shoes are recommended for exploring.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐾 Pack Out Dog Waste
Please take all dog waste bags with you. Discarding them in the woods ruins the experience for others.
🚗 Watch for Speed Bumps
Be cautious of speed bumps when entering the car park, especially in lower vehicles.
🐎 Be Aware of Horses
Main trails are bridleways; watch for horses when walking dogs.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Trails can be uneven; comfortable walking shoes are recommended for exploring.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Thieves Wood and Fountaindale for their beautiful, quiet woodland setting and extensive trail network, making them ideal for exploration and dog walking. However, a significant drawback is the prevalent issue of discarded dog waste, which detracts from the natural beauty and visitor experience.
"Went for a walk with my wife and grandchildren today 14/6/2025 through Theives Wood Mansfield to be met by discarded piles of dog poo bags, why do people pick up their dogs waste then discard the bag and contents on the floor instead of taking it home and binning it, I know that there are no bins to put the bags in but that's not an excuse to just leave it on the floor. Rant over, apart from that was a nice walk away from the waste bags."
Anthony Woolley
"Beautiful walk but the dirty dog owners leaving bags of poo - when told not to ruins it - take it home lazy
It doesn’t kill you
Suggest hang on rear windscreen wiper until home
If don’t like it at home don’t take dog out"
Liz
"These woods are beautiful! A lovely, quiet place to explore and pass a few hours with your friends or by yourself. The carpark is a decent size, but watch the speed bumps as you enter as they can catch you out if you have a lower car like myself. All in all, a beautiful place that you should definitely visit sometime."
Luke Garratt
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access is typically via local roads. Parking is available in a decent-sized car park, though some visitors opt to park on nearby streets.
Yes, there is a car park available. Be mindful of speed bumps upon entry, especially if you have a low car.
Information on public transport routes is limited, but local roads provide car access. It's best to check local bus schedules if relying on public transport.
Thieves Wood and Fountaindale are located near Mansfield. This provides a good base for planning your visit.
The main access point often mentioned is via the car park, which has speed bumps. Other smaller street access points may also exist.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Thieves Wood and Fountaindale is generally free. There are no admission fees mentioned by visitors.
As natural woodland areas, they are typically open from dawn till dusk. There are no set opening or closing times.
Parking is usually free, with one reviewer specifically mentioning '1 star for free parking'.
Yes, these are natural woodland areas, so you can visit them during daylight hours. It's advisable to leave before dark for safety.
The main restriction is to be respectful of the environment and other visitors. Please adhere to local guidelines regarding waste disposal.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The primary activity is walking and exploring the numerous woodland trails. It's a peaceful place for nature lovers and dog walkers.
While the woods are beautiful, some reviews mention issues with litter, particularly dog waste. The trails themselves offer varied terrain for exploration.
Yes, it's a lovely place for families to enjoy a walk and explore nature. However, be mindful of the dog waste issue and ensure children are supervised.
Absolutely! It's a very dog-friendly location with many trails for them to explore. Just remember to clean up after your pet.
Reviews suggest a lack of bins, which contributes to the litter problem. It's best to assume no facilities are available and come prepared.
📸 📸 Photography
The natural woodland scenery, winding paths, and dappled sunlight create beautiful photographic opportunities. Look for interesting tree formations and light patterns.
Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best light for woodland photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones.
While there aren't specific man-made landmarks, the natural beauty of the woods, including mature trees and varied undergrowth, offers plenty of picturesque scenes.
A versatile lens, such as a 24-70mm or a prime lens like a 50mm, would be suitable for capturing the woodland environment. A wide-angle lens can also be useful for landscapes.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local bylaws and obtain any necessary permissions before flying a drone in the area.








Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit