Day Out Guide · Nottingham Forest

Into the pines - a day out at Sherwood Pines

Over 3,300 acres of ancient pine forest, mountain bike trails, treetop adventures, woodland walks and the legend of Robin Hood all on your doorstep. Here’s everything you need to

🌲 3,300+ acres of forest 🚴 All abilities cycling 🐾 Dogs welcome 👨‍👩‍👧 Great for families

📍 Kings Clipstone, Nottinghamshire🚗 ~25 mins from Ye Olde Bridge, Oxton 🅿️ Pay & display on site

“There’s something primal about a day spent deep in a pine forest — and Sherwood Pines delivers it in spades, from the smell of the trees to the sound of nothing much at all.”

Just a short drive from Oxton through the Nottinghamshire countryside, Sherwood Pines, is one of the largest forests in the Midlands and one of those rare places that genuinely has something for everyone. Mountain bikers tear through red-graded singletrack. Families follow Gruffalo and Stick Man sculptures through the trees. Dog walkers disappear for hours along quiet, pine-scented trails. And thrill-seekers clamber through Go Ape’s high-ropes canopy.

Whatever kind of day you’re after — adventurous, peaceful, or a bit of both — Sherwood Pines can deliver it. And it’s only about 20 minutes up the road from us at Ye Olde Bridge, making it perfect for a full day out with a proper pub meal to finish.

Cycling — from first timers to trail blazers

Sherwood Pines is widely regarded as one of the best places to go cycling in the Midlands, with dedicated mountain bike trails graded for every level from complete beginners to experienced riders looking for a challenge. Sherwood Pines Cycles offers bike hire on site if you don’t have your own wheels.

Maid Marian Family Trail Perfect for children and beginners — flat, easy and traffic-free

3 miles

Skills Loop A safe space to build confidence before hitting the main trails

Short loop

Robin Hood Trail Fast-flowing singletrack through natural forest terrain

~7 miles

Outlaw Trail The most challenging route — technical, fast and thoroughly satisfying

~12 miles

Kitchener Trail / Bike Park Dirt jumps, drops and skills features for the more adventurous

Variable

Beyond the forest itself, the wider Nottinghamshire countryside opens up excellent longer rides — including the National Cycle Network Route 66 (part of the 154-mile Derby to York route), the Kings Clipstone waterside route and the Ancient Sherwood ride through neighbouring Clumber Park.

Walking — waymarked trails for all the family

You don’t need a bike to enjoy Sherwood Pines. The forest has miles of waymarked walking trails through ancient pines, lowland heathland and open woodland — all clearly signposted so no map is needed. It’s great walking country whatever the season.

🚶 Flat & surfaced

Dragonfly Trail

An easy, all-weather surfaced trail passing through the children’s play areas, with a picnic bench at the Dragonfly Pond. Ideal for pushchairs, wheelchairs and younger children.

🚶 Gentle & varied

Nightjar Trail

Follows the Dragonfly Trail before branching into varied forest habitats — mature pine, lowland heathland and open glades. Peaceful and perfect for wildlife spotting.

🚶 Longer & adventurous

Ranger’s Trail

Explores the outer areas of the forest and some of its most historic features. The longest of the three walking trails and great for those who want to really lose themselves in the trees.

🏃 Saturday mornings

Sherwood Pines Parkrun

A free, weekly 5km run through the forest every Saturday morning. All abilities welcome — walkers included. Register free at parkrun.org.uk before your first visit.

Adventure & activities

Beyond the trails, Sherwood Pines has a brilliant range of activities that take full advantage of its remarkable forest setting.

🦍

Go Ape

High ropes · All ages from 4+

Zip wires, rope crossings, Tarzan swings and a Nets Adventure amongst 100-year-old pines. One of only three Go Ape sites in the country with the Challenge Plus course. Book in advance — it gets busy.

🛴

Forest Segways

Go Ape · All ages

Explore the forest on heavy-duty all-terrain Segways through the pines. A brilliant way to cover more ground and see parts of the forest you wouldn’t otherwise reach on foot.

🥏

Disc Golf

Casual · All ages

A full disc golf course winding through the forest — great fun for groups and families looking for something a little different. Equipment available on site.

🐺

Gruffalo Trail & Story Trails

Family · Young children

Hunt for Gruffalo sculptures hidden through the trees, follow the Zog trail with markers through the forest, and look out for seasonal character trails based on favourite children’s books throughout the year.

🏹

Robin Hood’s Hideout

Play · Young children

A Robin Hood-themed natural playground listed as one of England’s top ten natural play spots. Sand village, imaginative play and the freedom of the forest — children love it.

🔥

Bushcraft Sessions

Groups & parties

Shelter building, fire lighting and traditional woodland skills — available for school groups, birthday parties and corporate team building. The kind of thing children (and adults) never forget.

Bringing your dog

Sherwood Pines is a brilliant day out for dogs — and given that we’re a dog-friendly pub, we know how important that is. Dogs are welcome off lead throughout most of the forest (under close control), and the sheer scale of the place means there’s always room to roam.

🐾 What to know before you bring the dog

• Dogs welcome off lead throughout the forest, under close control

• Keep on lead where signs indicate — particularly near cycling trails where routes intersect walking paths

• There are no poo bins past the entrance — bring bags and take them with you

• The on-site café has a covered outside terrace where dogs are welcome

• Dogs are welcome at Go Ape but can’t join you on the course — a spectator is needed to look after them

• Water for dogs — bring your own, as water stations aren’t available on the trails

After a few hours through the pines, your dog will be thoroughly ready for the drive back to Oxton — and we’ll have a water bowl and a warm welcome waiting at Ye Olde Bridge.

Practical information

Getting there: Sherwood Pines is on the B6030 east of Kings Clipstone, between Clipstone and Ollerton. From Oxton, head north via the A614 — it’s approximately 25 minutes. Follow the brown ‘Sherwood Pines’ signs from Ollerton or the A614 (use Google Maps for the most accurate routing).

Parking: Pay and display on site. Up to 1 hour £4, up to 2 hours £7.50, up to 3 hours £11, over 3 hours £12.50. Arrives early at weekends — the car park fills quickly on sunny days.

Opening times: Open every day except Christmas Day. Summer (April–September): 8am–10pm. Winter (October–March): 8am–5pm. Visitor Centre: 9am–4pm.

On site: Café serving locally sourced food and drinks, Visitor Centre, toilets (including Changing Places facility), bike hire at Sherwood Pines Cycles, and Go Ape booking at the Go Ape cabin near the car park.

💡 Tips for a great visit

• Book Go Ape in advance online — walk-up spaces are limited, especially in school holidays

• Arrive early on summer weekends to secure a parking space

• Bike hire is available on arrival at Sherwood Pines Cycles — no need to book, but early is better

• Bring a picnic — there are brilliant spots throughout the forest, and the café can get busy

• Wear layers: the forest canopy can make it feel cooler than the open countryside even in summer

• Check forestryengland.uk for seasonal trail closures and upcoming events before you go

End the day at Ye Olde Bridge

After a full day in the forest — however tired your legs and however muddy your boots — there’s a proper meal, a cold drink, and a warm welcome waiting for you back in Oxton. Just 25 minutes from Sherwood Pines, we’re the perfect end to a perfect Nottinghamshire day out. Dogs very much included.

Ye Olde Bridge · Oxton, Nottingham · Open daily · Booking recommended for weekends