Sherwood Castle Holiday Forest

7 readers found this review helpful

We went for a Monday-Friday stay in early February, and we had a lovely stay. Considering the most recent review was so negative, I was a little worried, but had no reason to fret!
We arrived early evening on the Monday, after a stop at the local Tesco to stock up on food for the week, as this is "room only". There was a little confusion on the name booked in; the cabin we were booked into had previously been booked by someone else for the same week, but that person had then cancelled, but their name came up on the booking in sheet. This gave us a worrying few minutes, but a quick check of our booking reference had everything sorted out.
After paying a £15 deposit for gas and electricity, we got into our cabin and were very happy with it. There was a spacious living/kitchen area, two well fitted bedrooms and a nice bathroom. The location, right in the middle of the woodland, was beautiful, and everything seemed clean and well maintained. The bed was very comfortable, and the bunk beds in the second room (that we did not use) made good use of the small second bedroom. The kitchen area was better than we could have expected. A good oven/grill and hob, a microwave, toaster, kettle and fridge with ice box. There was a good selection of pots, pans, cutlery and crockery including cups and glasses, plus a knife block! There was even a tin opener and cheese grater! Our cabin came with a spa bath and double sink, which is where our only small criticism lies. The bath had instructions to fill no more than 4inches when using the spa, otherwise water would go everywhere, but we found we were unable to fill more than 4inches at any time at all. As there was no shower available (other than a fitting to attach to the bath taps that leaked, causing water to run out into the living room), this meant getting clean involved splashing around in a shallow pool of water. And the spa feature was so noisy and the water was pumped so forcefully, there was no way of relaxing in it, so we didn't use it outside of the first try. If given the choice, we would definitely recommend requesting a cabin with a shower!
Anyway, we spent our time at the site walking around the forest enjoying the beautiful surroundings. As you wander through the forest, there are facts about Robin Hood dotted around. The animal corner was worth a visit, though there aren't that many animals in there. Still, I'm sure children would love to see the sheep, chickens and pigs, as well as the rabbits and other farmyard creatures. For £3, you can take an archery lesson, which we were definitely glad we did. The instructor is a friendly man who helps you to get the best shot you can, and makes it all very enjoyable.
The main barn houses most of the attractions, including the swimming pool and tennis court. We did not use many of these, but the swimming pool was nice enough. Very small, but there is no real need for anything bigger on such a small site. There was only one other couple in there when we went. The jacuzzi is an excellent addition! We also had a game of pool in there, one a very run down pool table, which would benefit greatly from at least a new set of pool cues!
The barn (which is the location of the reception area) also features a small shop, that proves handy at times! Selling a small selection of food, drinks, souvenirs and sweets. The selection is very small, but it saves a trip to the supermarket if you need a couple of bits (for example, we forgot to buy anything to drink!). The small range of Robin Hood memorabilia is a nice addition, I bought my nieces and nephews some Robin Hood hats and Maid Marion headbands as a little gift.
The site is situated in a good location for accessing Nottingham itself. In less than half an hour we were in Nottingham, and had a lovely day out there (the Galleries of Justice is a must see!).
We enjoyed ourselves so much that while we were still there, we were speaking with my sisters talking about arranging a return visit later in the year with them and their partners and children. We would definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for a nice relaxed get away. We were sad to leave!

10 readers found this review helpful

I cannot believe that the other reviewers are genuine on this page. This place is a dump. We were booked in for 2 weeks in Dec 09 but left a week early because we were so dissapointed. The cabin rooms were very small, only a couple of feet all around bigger than the bed itself. The 'wardrobes' consist of an open rail and open shelves. The living area was small with two uncomfortable sofas. The lino in the kitchen had two burn marks where somebody had dropped a pan. The bathroom had a jetted tub, which was badly fitted the other side of a hacked hole in the wall. We saw many dead and alive woodlice in all the rooms and the whole place and bedding smelt damp. The elec and gas cost us £15 extra for the week, despite the fact that we were rarely in the cabin.
There are only a small number of cabins (8 I think) that are actually around the 'lake' in the centre, the rest are dotted around in the woodland. The main barn houses the facilities, dressed up as a castle from the outside. Inside the sports hall wouldn't have looked out of place in the 80s, concrete floors, with painted on courts. But unfortunately, the facility now looks pretty dated and in need of upgrade. The pool is small but looked okay, we didn't try it.
Ironically the website says that day passes for Center Parcs can be purchesd for £25 per adult per day, but when we tried, they told us that they no longer offered that service, so check first.
Overall, the cheap prices and empty cabins and lots of availability speaks volumes. I recommend saving up a few more pounds and staying at Center Parcs, you'll find it worth every penny more.

7 readers found this review helpful

Me and my boyfriend went to Sherwood castle holiday forest for a short break at the start of Feb. It was lovely! The log cabins were spacious and very clean. Everything which you needed was already in the log cabin even a tin opener!!! When we arrived we were greeted by a friendly member of staff who talked us through everything and explained when all of the activities were and at what times. Throughout our stay the staff were friendly and very helpful!
The swimming pool area was clean and the jacuzzi was nice to relax in, as it was early in the year there wernt many people at the holiday forest so most of the time there were only ourselves and about 4 other people in the pool which was brilliant!
If you go to sherwood castle holiday forest deffinatley go to "the big fish" one night for tea, its a sit down chip shop but is lovely, the staff are friendly and the food is better than the usual chip shop food that we'll all used to. its only about a 5-10 minute drive ask at reception for details!
Also mini golf was great fun, and if you have little kids theres lots for them to do there!! We would deffinatley go back here, we're thinking about coming back next year! Its perfect for a nice relaxing break or for your main summer holiday!!!

4 readers found this review helpful

This is a great value holiday and a great base to explore the surrounding area. Fantastic for kids as there are lots of activities.
The lodges are well equipped (apart from a lack of a chopping board) and ours was very spacious.
The leisure centre was used a lot by us. The kids play area was great, especially the toddler area. We played tennis and badminton a few times; you pay £1.50 for a half hour including the equipment. We hired the swimming pool one morning for £20 as we were a group of 10. It isn't huge but was adequate for us.
The children enjoyed cycling on the mountain bike track, though it wasn't very challenging for the adults. We fed the animals on our food scraps in animal corner.
The local area has lots to offer but we were only on a weekend break so didn't venture very far.
I think if you are a family with young children then this is a great place for a break or a holiday and offered us great value for money.

1 reader found this review helpful

Holiday cabin set around a lovely lake. Very clean and comfortable. All rooms had radiators it was lovely and warm. Peaceful and quiet, but with lots of activities for children away from the cabins.
Recommend the restaurant next to the cisterian abbey just after the ford, park in the country park car park and walk through the park. Excellent carvery. Could not fault the holiday. Could you give the ginger stray cat that hangs around the park and cabins plenty of scraps, cuddles and strokes! Or better still give him (or her) a home he is lovely!

2 readers found this review helpful

The log cabins were immaculate on our arrival. Very spacious, with plenty of heating facilities making the cabin very cozy. Heating included a log fire, logs were available daily for a very small charge. A deposit is requested for gas and electricity, but as we used the log fire mostly, we got a hefty refund on our deposit.
The park accommodation is limited, with no shop or cash point, but the reception do keep items such as tea, coffee and milk. However there are plenty of shops a short drive away.
The park is in 40 acres of woodland, with many different woodland activities and photo opportunities, for the old and young. It is absolutely beautiful.
The whole park is dog friendly. The staff at the park could not do enough for you, right down to advising us on days out. I would go back again, without hesitation.

1 reader found this review helpful

I'm 16 years of age, and have been coming on holiday to Sherwood for the past 7 years (since 1999). The staff are extremely friendly; both the past and present owners.
You are made to feel extremely welcome, and if you need anything they are more than happy to help, and give their advise and opinions when needed. If there is a problem with the cabin, i.e. something is broken or a bulb has blown etc, a member of staff is there as soon as they are available, usually within the hour. The facilities are flawless, and there are plenty of activities to choose from.
It is ideal for all ages, and there are plenty of attractions nearby. It is a holiday that allows you to experience new things, for example a lot of people have never done archery before. When we were there in 1999, myself and my mum tried our hand at it, and we have been doing archery every since, taking part in competitions and tournaments whenever possible.
Pets are very welcome, and all basic facilities are available on site (washing, ironing etc)
It's the best holiday I've been on, and we will continue to go to Sherwood for years to come.