Description
Sherwood Pines is a sprawling woodland destination in the heart of Nottinghamshire, offering 3,300 acres of forest for families to explore. It is widely considered one of the best things to do with kids in Mansfield, providing a vast natural playground where children can run free, build dens, and tackle world-class cycling trails. This Forestry England site manages to balance peaceful woodland walks with high-octane adventure, making it a staple for a healthy, active day out.
Access to the forest itself is essentially free, with no admission charge for visitors arriving on foot or by bike. If you are driving, parking prices start from £4.00 for a short stay, with an all-day rate that allows you to make the most of the facilities from dawn until dusk. Specific activities like the high-ropes courses or bike hire carry their own separate charges, giving you the flexibility to spend as little or as much as you like.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines fresh air with physical challenge, Sherwood Pines is a top-tier choice. From the imaginative play areas to the thrill of a zip line, it caters to everyone from toddlers on balance bikes to teenagers seeking an adrenaline rush. It is a location that rewards repeat visits, especially as the forest landscape changes beautifully through the seasons.
Features
- Free
- Host birthday parties: No
Features
What makes Sherwood Pines unique?
Sherwood Pines stands out because it is the largest educational day out in the East Midlands, featuring a unique mix of ancient heritage and modern recreation. While many forests are just for walking, this site is a hub for interactive exhibits like the World War I trenches and themed discovery trails. It offers a sensory play experience that few indoor venues can match, allowing kids to engage with nature through touch, sight, and sound in a safe, managed environment.
Top 5 Highlights for Families
- The Robin Hood Play Area: Located near the visitor centre, this themed playground features wooden structures that encourage imaginative role-play among the trees.
- Go Ape Treetop Adventure: A high-ropes course designed specifically for younger explorers over 1 metre tall, allowing them to gain confidence at height.
- The Room on the Broom Trail: A seasonal, immersive walk where children can help the Witch find her lost belongings while looking out for the Dragon.
- WWI Training Trenches: A fascinating historical sub-exhibit where families can walk through life-sized reconstructions of the trenches used by soldiers for training 100 years ago.
- Pedal and Play: A brand-new area for 2026 designed to help young children build their cycling skills on a dedicated, fun off-road track.
Beyond the Main Attraction: Just a 10-minute drive away, you can visit the legendary Major Oak at the Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve. For those who want to stay longer, the Sherwood Pines Campsite is right on the doorstep, offering everything from basic pitches to luxury pods. Nearby Rufford Abbey Country Park also offers beautiful gardens and a lake, perfect for a quieter afternoon.
4.11 miles
