Blidworth Woods

Forestry operations are ongoing at Blidworth Woods. Please stay away from log stacks, be aware of forest traffic. and obey signage.

Visitor information

Perfect for a day out in the forest

Located near the southern section of Sherwood Forest, Blidworth Woods consists of pine woodland and open heath, providing the trails for walking and horse riding. 

Blidworth Woods can be accessed from two car parks

  • Longdale Lane is a large car park with access to three waymarked walking trails, including a surfaced easy access trail. There is an information panel which shows a map of the wood to help you explore the wider forest.
  • Blidworth Bottoms car park is a smaller car park, from which you can access the blue walking trail. There is a horse parking corral (for permit holders on a first come first served basis) and an information panel to guide you.

Picnics at Blidworth Woods

There is a picnic area close to the Longdale Lane car park and if you haven't brought your own food and drink, a tasty selection of options are available to buy from the refreshment cabin.

    Dog walking

    Dogs are welcome at Blidworth Woods but as this wood is used extensively by horse riders on the horse trail (by permit only) throughout the year, we ask you to please keep your dogs under close control at all times and that dog mess is bagged and placed in a bin.

    At a glance:

    • 3 walking trails
    • Horse riding (permit required)
    • Picnic area
    • Refreshment cabin

    Things to do

    Horse riding at Blidworth Woods

    Explore Blidworth Woods on horseback along its 9km horse riding trail. The trail is waymarked - follow the posts with horseshoe logos on them.

    A permit is needed to ride at Blidworth Woods. For more information and to purchase a horse riding permit, please see the Sherwood Pines Membership page. 

    There are some large stones and boulders to navigate in places.

     

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    Walking trails at Blidworth Woods

    Explore Blidworth Woods on our waymarked trails or smaller paths that criss-cross the forest.

    Try out the dog loop with your four-legged friend, take a short stroll on the white trail or venture further into the wood on the blue trail.  

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    Nearby forests

    Leaves turning orange at the start of autumn

    Boundary Wood

    Located near the villages of Blidworth and Rainworth, Boundary Wood is a young woodland with newly planted broad-leaved areas as well as conifers that tower above a beautiful wild-flower meadow. 

    Wander the range of surfaced paths that criss-cross through the wood, or explore the SUSTRANS national cycle route that passes through, connecting you to Sherwood Pines in the north or Haywood Oaks in the south. 

    Find out more
    Thieves Wood

    Thieves Wood

    Thieves Wood provides the scenery for an exciting day out with a walking trail that starts from the car park, offering easy access into the wood. 

    The Robin Hood Way, a long distance trail that runs through Nottinhamshire exploring the legend of Robin Hood, also passes through the wood.

    There is also a refreshment cabin in the car park where you can stock up on snacks in preparation for your adventure!

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    Ancient Oak Tree

    Birklands Sherwood Forest

    With an extensive path network, varied history and special wildlife to discover, Birklands, near Edwinstowe, is a fantastic place to explore. You can access Birklands via the Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre. 

    Wildlife to spot

    Nightjars, glow worms and thousands of other species rely on the unique habitat of Birklands, so bring your binoculars and a sharp eye - who knows what you’ll see!

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    Field of purple orchids in the sun

    Oxclose Wood

    Enjoy the mixture of woodland, wetland and grassland at Oxclose Wood. Banks of orchids, the song of the skylark and the hovering kestrel are all here for you to discover.

    The surfaced trails make it a lovely place to walk, reflect, be creative and simply enjoy the beauty around you.

    Steep climbs are rewarded with spectacular views and you may even catch a glimpse of a buzzard.

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