20 Attractions to Explore Near Rufford Abbey

The Sherwood Forest Trust is the only charity whose work is solely focussed on the protection, preservation and promotion of Sherwood Forest. Its project is focussed on the restoration of lowland heathlands, the creation of a new afforestation toolkit, planting new trees and creating woodlands and increased community engagement with nature.

This majestic church was an ancient Parish and Civic Church of Nottingham. The present building, over 500 years old, is believed to be at least the third church on the site. It is an iconic example of Nottingham’s prosperity during the 15th century. Its magnificent architecture - massive tower, slender columns, huge windows and alabaster monuments. is an iconic example of Nottingham’s prosperity during the 15th century. Its magnificent architecture - massive tower, slender columns, huge windows

Sherwood Pines is one of the largest forests in the midlands that is open to the public to explore and provides a picturesque setting for your next adventure. The site is perfectly located, providing an excellent base to explore the forest with numerous walking and cycling routes. It is also within walking distance to the many activities provided by Forestry England, including adventure playgrounds, Go Ape, bike hire, picnic areas, plus open-air concerts held throughout the year.

King John's Palace is the remains of a former medieval royal residence in Clipstone, north-west Nottinghamshire. The name "King John's Palace" has been used since the 18th century; prior to that the site was known as the "King's Houses". It is not known how or when the building became associated with King John as he only spent a total of nine days here.

Vicar Water is a small river in Nottinghamshire, England. It is a tributary of the River Maun, and runs through an area which was once the royal hunting ground of Clipstone Park. It gained its present name in the early nineteenth century, and was dammed in 1870, in order to make a trout fishery, which was used to stock the lakes at nearby Welbeck Abbey.

Sherwood Pines is one of the largest forests in the midlands that is open to the public to explore and provides a picturesque setting for your next adventure. Whether you want to have a leisurely wander through the trees, get the kids to let off some steam at one of the exciting play areas or go on a family bike ride, Sherwood Pines is bursting with opportunities.

Sherwood Forest is a royal forest in Nottinghamshire, England, famous by its historic association with the legend of Robin Hood.The area has been wooded since the end of the Last Glacial Period. Today, Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve encompasses 423.2 hectares , surrounding the village of Edwinstowe, the site of Thoresby Hall. The forest gives its name to the Sherwood Parliamentary constituency.

The Sherwood Forest Railway, home of Nottinghamshire’s only narrow gauge steam railway, nestled in a valley in between Mansfield and the historic village of Edwinstowe. The railway is still operated by its original two steam locomotives, 'Smokey Joe' and 'Pet'. The line has a light electric locomotive named 'Anne' used principally on works trains, and a light track inspection/works railtruck, 'Lottie Lister'

Vicar Water is a small river in Nottinghamshire, England. It is a tributary of the River Maun, and runs through an area which was once the royal hunting ground of Clipstone Park. It gained its present name in the early nineteenth century, and was dammed in 1870, in order to make a trout fishery, which was used to stock the lakes at nearby Welbeck Abbey. Since the cessation of coal mining, much of it has been incorporated into a country park, and is a designated Local Nature Reserve.

Thoresby Hall is a grade I listed 19th-century country house in Budby, Nottinghamshire, some 2 miles (4 km) north of Ollerton. It is one of four neighbouring country houses and estates in the Dukeries in north Nottinghamshire all occupied by dukes at one time during their history. The hall is constructed of rock-faced ashlar with ashlar dressings. It is built in four storeys with a square floor plan surrounding a central courtyard, nine bays wide and eight bays deep.

Sherwood Forest Golf Club stands apart from all the other golf courses in Fresno. Since 1968, golfers have enjoyed playing these 18 holes along the banks of the Kings River through the beautiful grove of mature Oaks and Sycamores that makes up the “forest” at Sherwood. It was hand-built by former PGA Pro Carol Hansen and his wife, Jane. The Hansen family has taken great pride in developing Sherwood Forest into an immaculate “destination” public golf course with a country club atmosphere.

Robin Hoods Wheelgate Park is a 30 acre family theme park and water park in Farnsfield, Nottinghamshire, England. The park includes two large indoor play centres, a farm and a water park, all included with admission.Animals are the residents of Wheelgate Park, and throughout the park there are many places where kids can see and visit the animals. There are many play zones within the park each having a specific associated theme. Within each zone, are rides and activities that follow the theme of

White Post Farm can provide a unique day out with plenty of opportunities to get up close to the animals. The farm covers around 25 acres of land, with more than 3,000 animals! These include classic farm animals such as cows, goats and pigs, as well as some more exotic animals such as llamas, wallabies and reptiles.

The National Trust's Clumber Park is a historic country park located near Worksop, Nottinghamshire. This wide expanse of parkland, farmland and woods covers over 3800-acres and was once the seat of the Dukes of Newcastle. There are over 120 different types of tree at this wonderful National Trust property, offering year-round colour and including the memorable avenue of limes, 2 miles (3km) long, which forms the main approach.

A beautiful historic park which offers a mix of open grassland with mature trees, woodlands, gardens and rockeries with ornamental features from earlier periods including a Grotto and a Victorian Glasshouse and more recently a bandstand was erected which is located to the centre of the park. The house dates from the early nineteenth century, with the parklands set out to provide an appropriate setting for the building.

Mansfield Museum is a local authority museum run by the council in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. The five galleries of Mansfield Museum contain a fascinating mix of contemporary and modern displays, from the exquisite Buxton watercolours and Pinxton porcelain to the hands-on XplorActive environment gallery.

The trail is 7.5 miles and built on the former railway line of the Midland Railway. It stretches from Southwell to Bilsthorpe and passes the villages of Farnsfield, Kirklington and Maythorne. The Trail supports a wide range of habitats, because it crosses two distinct geological areas.

Southwell Minster, the Cathedral of Nottinghamshire, is rich historical and architectural interest. It provides fine examples of the main styles of architecture, particularly Norman and early English. The latter is very evident in the 13th century Chapter House, one of the Minsters most glorious features with some of the finest examples of naturalistic carvings in the country - the Leaves of Southwell.

Baily House is a historic home located at Newark in New Castle County. It was built about 1835 and is a 2+1⁄2-story "L"-shaped frame dwelling with a three-bay front facade. It was probably constructed as a single-family dwelling that may have been formerly connected to a row of matching houses. Some believe that it was moved from Baltimore to Newark in the mid-19th century. It was the residence of Harriet Baily, who headed the Art Department of the University of Delaware from 1928 until 1956.

The Workhouse is a National Trust place located in Southwell, Nottinghamshire, and the most complete workhouse in existence. This austere building, the most complete workhouse in existence, was built in 1824 as a place of last resort for the destitute. Its architecture was influenced by prison design and its harsh regime became a blueprint for workhouses throughout the country.