Discover Edwinstowe: nature, crafts and history

As a destination, Edwinstowe combines nature experiences in Sherwood Forest with a historic church building, a legend and visible craftsmanship. Its offerings range from a guided evening walk past The Major Oak to St Mary’s Church and the Sherwood Forest Arts and Craft Centre. Rather than trying to fit everything into a single itinerary, you can focus on nature, history, crafts and cycling in different ways. This also helps when planning your holiday: if you are travelling with family, you can compare your fellow travellers’ interests and tailor your search for a holiday cottage in Edwinstowe to the nature, cultural or cycling activities you want.

Nature and trails in Sherwood

Sherwood is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). One natural highlight is The Major Oak: it is considered the largest oak tree in Britain and is thought to be between 800 and 1,000 years old. Together, Sherwood’s SSSI designation and the oak’s estimated age offer two different perspectives on nature: the designated area and an individual tree. After dark, you can join a guided bat or glow-worm walk in Sherwood Forest. The guided walks vary according to the animal they focus on; check when your chosen tour takes place before travelling.

From the Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre, it takes 15 minutes to walk through the forest to The Major Oak. You can visit the oak whenever the nearby Visitor Centre is open. Opening hours for 2026 are seasonal; check the hours for your visit before you go. For visits from 2027 onwards, check them again after 31 December 2026.

Church history and crafts

St Mary’s Church dates from around 1175 and combines an early construction date with a well-known legend. Hundreds of tourists visit the church each year, where Robin Hood and Maid Marian are said to have married, according to legend. At the same time, it is still used daily for prayer and services. So there are three aspects to consider when exploring the church: its date of construction, around 1175; the wedding, identified as a legend; and its daily religious use.

The Sherwood Forest Arts and Craft Centre is housed in the converted coach house and stables of the former Edwinstowe Hall. The site showcases more than historic buildings: visitors can watch staff put the finishing touches to many original gifts and products. The staff’s craftwork sits alongside the architecture of the former coach house and stables. The Ancient Sherwood Cycle Route starts at the Centre; it runs mostly through flat terrain, and the paths are generally maintained. Trail conditions can change seasonally; check them before your ride.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: West Bridgford, Torworth, Edwalton, Whatton, Misterton, Beeston, Dunham, Calverton.

Go to the main travel overview: Nottinghamshire.