Sustainable travel is a central part of how we protect Sherwood Forest and manage the visitor experience at the Gathering of the North.

As an event set within one of Britain’s most historic landscapes, reducing private car use is not only environmentally responsible but essential to preserving the character and tranquillity of the forest.

Reliable public transport links, flexible on‑demand services, and safe cycling routes make it possible for visitors to arrive in ways that support both the environment and the event.

Encouraging low‑impact travel

Sherwood Forest’s narrow rural roads and sensitive woodland ecosystem benefit significantly when visitors choose alternatives to single‑occupancy car travel. Public transport, cycling, and car sharing help to reduce emissions, ease congestion, and maintain the forest’s natural atmosphere. These methods also improve the arrival experience, reducing queues and allowing visitors to enter the site more smoothly.

Bus access to Sherwood Forest

The forest is well connected by regional bus services, with the Stagecoach Sherwood Arrow providing the most direct and frequent access. The service runs between Nottingham City Centre, Worksop, and Retford via Ollerton, stopping directly at the Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre.

It operates from 5:40am until 12:36am Monday to Saturday, and from 8:45am until 10pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays . This makes it a practical option for visitors attending the event across all three days.

Nottingham to Sherwood Forest

Direct buses depart from Victoria Bus Station in Nottingham and travel straight to the Visitor Centre. Services run several times per day, with an average journey time of around 55 minutes . No transfers are required, making this one of the simplest and most reliable routes for attendees travelling from the city.

Mansfield and surrounding areas

Mansfield connects to the Sherwood Arrow route via nearby stops such as Ollerton. Local services feed into the main corridor, allowing travellers to join the Arrow for the final leg into Sherwood Forest.

Newark Northgate & on‑demand

Visitors arriving by rail at Newark Northgate can complete their journey using the NottsBus On Demand service. This flexible transport option links rural areas to the Sherwood Arrow route and can be booked to meet train arrival times. It is particularly useful for long‑distance travellers or those arriving outside fixed bus schedules.

Car sharing as an alternative

For those who must travel by car, sharing a vehicle remains an effective way to reduce environmental impact. Car sharing lowers emissions per passenger, reduces parking pressure, and helps maintain smoother traffic flow around the forest. It also allows groups to begin their event experience together before they even arrive.

Please note there is a daily £15 parking charge per vehicle.

Cycling to the event

Sherwood Forest is served by the National Cycle Network, with Sustrans Route 6 running along the western edge of the reserve. This provides a safer, largely traffic‑free alternative to main‑road cycling and offers a practical way for visitors to approach the event through woodland rather than busy highways.

The forest is also connected to Route 648, a predominantly off‑road link that joins Route 6 within the trees. This route offers additional access from Shirebrook, Market Warsop and neighbouring communities, forming part of a wider network of bridleways and shared trails that make cycling a viable and environmentally responsible choice for many attendees.

We do, however, ask cyclists to dismount on arrival at the event area in recognition of the increased pedestrian footfall during the Gathering. Sherwood’s paths are shared by walkers, wheelchair users, families, dog‑owners and horse riders, and considerate cycling is essential to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for all.

Cyclists are encouraged to remain on designated bridleways and to observe all markers indicating where cycling is not permitted. This is particularly important on the Major Oak trail, which experiences high levels of family traffic throughout the day.

Supporting a greener Gathering

Encouraging sustainable travel is part of our commitment to protecting Sherwood Forest and ensuring a positive experience for all visitors.

By choosing buses, shared travel, or cycling, attendees help preserve the landscape, reduce congestion, and support the long‑term sustainability of the event.