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Blue Bell Cottage - Sherwood Forest

 

Forests, Nature & Outdoor Attractions Near Blue Bell Cottage

Blue Bell Cottage is perfectly located for exploring the natural beauty of Sherwood Forest and the surrounding Nottinghamshire countryside. From ancient woodland and wildlife reserves to walking trails and outdoor adventure parks, there are plenty of nearby attractions for nature lovers, families, cyclists, and walkers.

Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre

Ancient Woodland, the Major Oak & Robin Hood History
Approximately 4 miles from Blue Bell Cottage

Sherwood Forest Country Park is one of the most famous woodland destinations in the United Kingdom and home to the legendary Major Oak, traditionally linked to Robin Hood and his Merry Men.

Part of the protected Birklands National Nature Reserve, the forest features more than 450 acres of ancient woodland with oak, birch, holly, hawthorn, and rowan trees. Visitors can enjoy scenic walking trails, wildlife spotting, and family-friendly outdoor activities throughout the year.

The visitor centre includes:

  • Robin Hood exhibition
  • Café and gift shops
  • Adventure playground
  • Activity centre
  • Information and walking routes

Visitor Information

  • Location: Edwinstowe, Nottinghamshire
  • Admission: Free
  • Open: Daily (forest open dawn to dusk)
  • Parking: Charges may apply during peak periods

Sherwood Forest is one of the top visitor attractions near Blue Bell Cottage and an ideal destination for countryside walks and family days out.

Sherwood Pines Forest Park

Walking, Cycling & Outdoor Adventure
Approximately 4.4 miles from Blue Bell Cottage

Sherwood Pines Forest Park is one of the largest public forests in the Midlands and a popular destination for outdoor activities in Sherwood Forest.

Managed by Forestry England, the park offers:

  • Walking trails
  • Family cycling routes
  • Mountain bike trails
  • Adventure play areas
  • Forest café and visitor centre

Bike hire is available on-site, making it easy to explore the woodland trails.

The park is also home to Go Ape, featuring high-rope courses and zip lines through the trees for adventurous visitors.

Visitor Information

  • Location: Near Kings Clipstone and Ollerton
  • Admission: Free entry
  • Parking: Small parking charge applies
  • Open: Daily, dawn to dusk

Sherwood Pines is ideal for families, cyclists, walkers, and outdoor enthusiasts staying at Blue Bell Cottage.

Sherwood Heath

Historic Heathland & Wildlife Reserve
Approximately 0.5 miles from Blue Bell Cottage

Sherwood Heath is a Local Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) located close to Old Ollerton.

Part of the historic Royal Forest of Sherwood, this protected heathland supports rare wildlife and plant species adapted to the area’s sandy soils. Conservation work by the Sherwood Forest Trust has helped restore traditional heathland habitats and improve biodiversity across the site.

Visitors can enjoy:

  • Quiet walking routes
  • Wildlife spotting
  • Open heathland landscapes
  • Educational nature trails

Visitor Information

  • Location: New Ollerton, Nottinghamshire
  • Admission: Free
  • Parking: Free parking available near Ollerton Roundabout

Sherwood Heath is perfect for peaceful walks and discovering the natural heritage of Sherwood Forest.

Boughton Brake

Community Woodland & Accessible Walking Trails
Approximately 0.5 miles from Blue Bell Cottage

Boughton Brake is a 123-acre community woodland managed to encourage wildlife conservation and outdoor recreation.

The woodland includes:

  • Accessible walking paths
  • Wildlife habitats and ponds
  • Broadleaf woodland
  • Picnic areas and benches

A highlight is the Whitewater Trail, a surfaced route suitable for wheelchairs and family-friendly walks.

Visitor Information

  • Location: Boughton, Nottinghamshire
  • Admission: Free
  • Parking: Free parking near Boughton Pumping Station
  • Sat Nav: NG22 9NE

Boughton Brake offers a relaxing outdoor experience for guests staying at Blue Bell Cottage.

Creswell Crags

Prehistoric Caves & Ancient Cave Art
Approximately 10.6 miles from Blue Bell Cottage

Creswell Crags is a dramatic limestone gorge on the edge of Sherwood Forest and one of the most important prehistoric sites in Britain.

The caves contain evidence of human occupation dating back tens of thousands of years, including Ice Age cave art and archaeological discoveries linked to early humans and Neanderthals.

Visitors can explore:

  • Guided cave tours
  • Museum and exhibitions
  • Walking trails
  • Family play areas

Creswell Crags is internationally recognised and has been considered for UNESCO World Heritage status.

Visitor Information

  • Cave tours available throughout the year
  • Advance booking recommended
  • Sat Nav: S80 3LH

This unique attraction is ideal for history lovers, families, and anyone interested in Britain’s prehistoric past.

Stay Close to Nature at Blue Bell Cottage

Blue Bell Cottage provides the perfect base for exploring the forests, nature reserves, walking routes, and outdoor attractions of Sherwood Forest and Nottinghamshire.

Whether you are planning:

  • Woodland walks
  • Family adventures
  • Cycling holidays
  • Wildlife watching
  • Relaxing countryside breaks

you’ll find some of the region’s best natural attractions just minutes away.