Attractions and Places To See around Newark And Sherwood - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Newark And Sherwood include a diverse range of historic landmarks, ancient woodlands, and natural features. This district in Nottinghamshire offers visitors opportunities to explore significant historical sites and engage with the natural environment. The area is characterized by its rich heritage, including medieval castles and ancient forests, alongside various parks and nature reserves.
Best attractions and places to see around Newark And Sherwood
- The most popular attractions is The Major Oak, a natural monument located in the heart of Sherwood Forest. This ancient oak is said to have been the shelter of Robin Hood and his merry men, and it was voted 'England's Tree of the Year' in 2014.
- Another must-see spot is Sherwood Pines Trail Centre, an MTB park offering a cafe, toilets, visitor centre, and bike shop. It is the largest forest open to the public in the East Midlands, providing various outdoor activities including cycling and mountain biking.
- Visitors also love Vicar Water Lake, a trail and man-made park with facilities. This park features different trails, a cafe, bike racks, and a kids' playground, serving as a starting point for walks and bike rides with connections to surrounding routes.
- Newark And Sherwood is known for its historical sites, ancient woodlands, and natural parks. The area provides a variety of attractions to see and explore, from significant religious buildings like Southwell Minster to extensive forest parks.
- The attractions around Newark And Sherwood are appreciated by the komoot community, with 157 highlights, 38 photos, and 378 upvotes from visitors.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Sherwood Pines Trail Centre
Highlight • MTB Park
Check out more at forestryengland.uk/sherwood-pines/cycling-and-mountain-biking-trails-sherwood-pines
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The Major Oak
Highlight • Natural Monument
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Fledborough to Doddington & Harby Railway Path
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
The path crosses over the Trent on a long, old viaduct.
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Oxton Bank Climb
Highlight (Segment) • Climb
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Southwell Minster
Highlight • Religious Site
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Death Valley Trail
Highlight • MTB Park
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Vicar Water Lake
Highlight • Trail
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Fountain Dale Ponds
Highlight • Forest
Interestingly, Sir Walter Scott wrote his famous novel Ivanhoe here. The novel is partly to thank for the modern perception of many of the principal characters of Robin Hood folklore, including the Prince of Thieves himself.
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St Mary's Church, Edwinstowe
Highlight • Historical Site
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Rufford Icehouse
Highlight • Historical Site
Although Rufford Abbey once boasted five ice houses, only two remain today. All were constructed around 1820, when the estate was owned by John Lumley-Savile, 8th Earl of Scarbrough (1788–1856). The five ice houses are located near Rufford lake, created c. 1750; for the simple reason that the movement of ice from its source was easier.
Not all of Rufford's ice houses faced north, as accessibility and the logistics of the ice may have meant that the builders found it easier to place the doorways facing the lake rather than northerly. It is believed that ice was mainly taken from Blackwalk Pond, which was drained to make way for housing in the 20th century. Blackwalk Pond was used to serve the abbey in Rufford's monastic era, and later supplied water to Rufford's water tower and brewhouse, which remain on site today.
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Tips from the Community
The park has different trails, including flat paths and steeper climbs. If you're looking for a challenge, try the route up Clipstone Tip for spectacular views.
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good starting point for walks and bike rides, can easily get into sherwood pines from here and all surrounding routes, a very nice area and seems popular for fishing
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Due to its venerable age, an old legend has manifested itself on this large oak tree: the story of ROBIN HOOD, which has been told over and over again for many centuries - although by no means historically confirmed - and is known and loved from literature and film far beyond the borders of England. This tree is said to have given him and his loyal followers, whose area of activity is located in Sherwood Forest, shelter here. You may want to believe it or not - the main thing is: the myth lives on!
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The earliest church on the site is believed to have been founded in 627 by Paulinus, the first Archbishop of York, when he visited the area while baptising believers in the River Trent. The legend is commemorated in the Minster's baptistry window. In 956 King Eadwig gave land in Southwell to Oskytel, Archbishop of York, on which a minster church was established. The Domesday Book of 1086 recorded the Southwell manor in great detail. The Norman reconstruction of the church began in 1108, probably as a rebuilding of the Anglo-Saxon church, starting at the east end so that the high altar could be used as soon as possible and the Saxon building was dismantled as work progressed. Many stones from this earlier Anglo-Saxon church were reused in the construction. The church was originally attached to the Archbishop of York's Palace which stood next door and is now ruined.
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Great place for some XC mountain biking. Nothing very extreme so really good for Beginners or youngsters. If you're looking for hardcore downhill or bike park Wales-type trails you'll be disappointed as there is not much in the way of elevation. Cafe on-site and a bike shop too with a jet wash to clean your bike off after your ride. Can get very busy at weekends.
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This place of worship owes its popularity, which has remained unbroken for a long time, to the successful linking of this real, existing place with a myth that is significant for England: the character of ROBIN HOOD, which has by no means been historically verified but has been retold over many centuries, has been widely used in literature and film known and loved beyond the borders of England. Here then with the extremely romantic addition of the wedding with MARIAN.
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The church is often open during the summer months, but visitors are advised to call ahead if coming from far away.
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In 2022, the Major Oak was selected as one of 70 ancient trees from around the UK to take their place in the Queen's Green Canopy, a 70th anniversary program to inspire the planting of new trees across the country. This oak is very old and must be supported because of its weight.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore in Newark And Sherwood?
Newark And Sherwood is rich in history. You can visit the ruins of Newark Castle, which played a significant role in the English Civil War, or delve into the past at the National Civil War Centre in Newark. Don't miss the impressive Southwell Minster, a major architectural and cultural landmark. Other notable sites include The Workhouse, Southwell, offering insight into Victorian life, and King John's Palace (Kings Clipstone), a scheduled monument.
Where can I experience nature and ancient woodlands in the region?
The district is home to iconic natural areas. Explore the ancient woodlands of Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve, famous for its association with Robin Hood and home to over a thousand ancient oaks, including the renowned The Major Oak. For more active pursuits, Sherwood Pines Forest Park offers extensive trails for walking and cycling. You can also discover diverse wildlife at Besthorpe Nature Reserve or the ancient heathland of Sherwood Heath.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Newark And Sherwood?
Yes, there are several family-friendly options. Sherwood Pines Forest Park features a children's adventure trail and Go Ape! for older kids. Vicar Water Lake offers a kids' playground and easy trails. Robin Hoods Wheelgate Park is an amusement park, and White Post Farm provides an interactive farm experience. Many historical sites like Southwell Minster and natural areas like Sherwood Forest are also suitable for families.
What outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
Newark And Sherwood offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy mountain biking at Sherwood Pines Trail Centre, which has dedicated trails like the Death Valley Trail. For cycling, the Fledborough to Doddington & Harby Railway Path provides a traffic-free route. Hiking and walking are popular throughout Sherwood Forest and various country parks. You can find more detailed routes for mountain biking, gravel biking, and easy hikes in the area on komoot's dedicated guides, such as MTB Trails around Newark And Sherwood, Gravel biking around Newark And Sherwood, and Easy hikes around Newark And Sherwood.
Are there any wheelchair-accessible walks or attractions?
Yes, some attractions offer accessibility. The Major Oak in Sherwood Forest is noted as wheelchair accessible, allowing visitors to get close to this ancient tree. Many country parks and nature reserves often have well-maintained paths suitable for wheelchairs, though it's always advisable to check specific trail conditions beforehand.
What is the best time to visit Sherwood Forest attractions?
Sherwood Forest attractions can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and summer offer lush greenery and warmer weather, ideal for walking and cycling, with heather and gorse vibrant on Sherwood Heath. Autumn brings beautiful foliage, while winter provides a quieter, often atmospheric experience. Check specific attraction opening hours, especially during off-peak seasons.
Where can I find cafes or facilities near walking trails?
Many popular outdoor spots offer facilities. Sherwood Pines Trail Centre has a cafe, toilets, and a visitor centre. Vicar Water Lake also features a cafe and playground. Rufford Country Park is another location where you can typically find amenities and refreshments after a walk.
Are there any hidden gems or lesser-known historical sites?
Beyond the main attractions, Newark And Sherwood holds many lesser-known historical treasures. The district boasts 71 scheduled ancient monuments, including medieval castle remains and prehistoric mounds. You might discover sites like Rufford Icehouse, an interesting historical structure, or explore the local heritage assets in historic village cores, which often feature medieval churches and manor houses. For more information on local heritage, you can visit the Newark and Sherwood District Council's page on Local Heritage Assets.
What kind of wildlife can I spot in the area?
The natural reserves and woodlands are excellent for wildlife spotting. Besthorpe Nature Reserve is a significant habitat for various birds, wild plants, and creatures like great crested newts. Sherwood Forest and Sherwood Heath are home to diverse flora and fauna, including many ancient oak trees. Keep an eye out for local bird species and woodland creatures during your visit.
What do visitors enjoy most about Newark And Sherwood?
Visitors frequently praise the blend of history and nature. The ancient The Major Oak and the legends of Robin Hood are a big draw. The well-maintained trails at places like Sherwood Pines Trail Centre and Vicar Water Lake are popular for cycling and walking. The historical significance of sites like Southwell Minster and the National Civil War Centre also receive high acclaim for their educational and cultural value.
Are there any specific cycling routes recommended for families?
Yes, the Fledborough to Doddington & Harby Railway Path is a flat, well-surfaced, traffic-free route suitable for families, cyclists, and walkers. It's part of the Dukeries Trail cycle path and offers a pleasant ride over the River Trent on an old viaduct. Sherwood Pines Forest Park also has various trails, including easier options suitable for family cycling.
Most popular routes around Newark And Sherwood
Most popular attractions around Newark And Sherwood
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