Accessed by the A614 highway, Sherwood Forest makes a great getaway close to Nottingham city. Rather reduced from the green splendour it evinced in the days of Robin Hood, Sherwood Forest is nevertheless as ecologically important and interesting as it is historically. Around 500,000 visitors a year come to enjoy Sherwood Forest Country Park, wandering the family nature trails, and admiring the huge ancient oaks and teeming insect and bird life. A big attraction is the mighty Major Oak, still flourishing in the forest after 800 years. Sherwood Forest is also the site of the popular Robin Hood Festival, held annually in summer.

Address: The visitor centre is found in Edwinstowe

Website: www3.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/enjoying/countryside/countryparks/sherwood/

Telephone: 01623 823202

Opening times: Open daily from 8am to 5pm. Some visitor facilities may be closed on weekdays during winter, check the website before you visit

Admission: Free admission to Sherwood Forest, though parking is £3 per vehicle