Explore this page to discover the guidelines and regulations that help maintain a safe and harmonious environment for everyone onsite.
Access
The main car park is located on Swinecote Road and has space for more than 250 cars and motorbikes. Our overflow parking area enables us to accommodate 700 vehicles.
The main car park postcode is NG21 9QB. Please be aware that this is also the postcode for the neighbouring residential street, Maythorn Grove.
Its What3Words reference is ///pouch.etchings.wakes
There is also an accessible car park for disabled visitors or those with mobility issues next to the Visitor Centre building on Forest Corner NG21 9RN.
Simply pay at the machines in the car parks using cash, card or contactless device when you arrive, and display the ticket in your car.
You can also use the PaybyPhone app at anytime during your visit. Our location ID is 806294.
We recommend you use this link to access the paybyphone.co.uk website
Alternatively, use the app store on your phone to download the PaybyPhone app.
If you are unable to use the machines or prefer not to use the app, you can always pay for parking in the Visitor Centre shop on arrival. Please ensure you do pay for parking, as it is the only charge we make and it helps to sustain this wonderful and rare landscape and its wildlife.
Parking
We offer on-site parking for your convenience and is charged at £15 per car, this cost is shared directly to the RSPB and helps them to continue to fund and invest in protecting this magnificent forest. Please have your parking payment ready upon arrival.
There is a separate area for coach and large vehicle parking. Please see the parking charge information below.
Disclaimer: While we provide a secure parking area, we are not responsible for damages or losses to vehicles or their contents. Please take precautions to secure your belongings.
Staying overnight or sleeping in your vehicle on the event site is strictly prohibited. Please go to the Frequently Asked Questions page for near by suitable accommodations.
Exiting after entry barriers close
After 5pm (4pm in the winter), you will find the entrance barriers to both our car parks locked. You will still be able to exit via the alligator tooth ramp in the exit lane at any time. Overnight parking or camping in the car park is not permitted.
Please do not enter the car park via the exit lane, as this damages the teeth and could also damage your vehicle.
Please refrain from parking on the turning circle outside the Visitor Centre, as this is used frequently by the Sherwood Arrow bus service. If other vehicles are parked there, even for a short time, this can block the route for the buses.
Behaviour
Respectful Conduct: We strive for an inclusive environment. Treat fellow attendees, performers, and staff with respect. Disruptive or disrespectful behaviour will not be tolerated, and may result in removal from the event. Your cooperation enjoyment and harmony of the event. Thank you.
Promotional Material: Kindly seek consent from the event organisers before distributing flyers or advertising other events.
Food and Drink: Please refrain from bringing outside food and beverages to the event site. Our vendors offer a wide variety of options for your enjoyment.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
Refunds: As there is no active cost for attending there is no refund option. Traders should view their terms and conditions for any cancellation information. We appreciate your understanding, as our top priority is ensuring a safe and enjoyable event.
Costs Incurred: Please be advised that we are not responsible for costs incurred by participants, such as travel or accommodation. We recommend making flexible arrangements when planning your visit.
Please note that the organisers keep right to change or cancel the event due to unforeseen circumstances to best protect the forest or visitors.
Fire Safety Guidelines
Onsite Fire Control: Fire safety measures onsite are stringent and closely monitored. Fire related activities are allowed but must adhere to the following rules.
No fires or barbecues are allowed anywhere in the forest at any time of year. Not only is this a threat to the incredible ancient trees and wonderful wildlife of Sherwood Forest and Budby South Forest, but also to soil-dwelling invertebrates and other vital organisms under the ground.
Please note some performers may have special permissions to have fires onsite. This should be roped off from visitors and follows strict guidance provided by their trader pack.
Reckless behaviour: Anyone found to be reckless with fire, endangering others or property, will be promptly removed from the event. We emphasise responsible fire management to maintain a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for all.
Pets
We understand that pets are cherished members of your family and welcome them to our event grounds. Please adhere to the following guidelines.
You can walk your dog at Sherwood at any time of day. For out-of-hours parking, please see our Visitor Centre section.
Please keep your dog on a lead around the Visitor Centre and under close control at all times. Well-behaved dogs are permitted in the cafe and dog bowls with water are provided in the amphitheatre and Welcome areas.
All dogs will need to be on leads in some areas of the forest to protect ground-nesting birds, or where we have cattle grazing. Please look out for signs telling you where these areas are.
If your dog is not on a lead when out on the trails in areas where it is not requested, please make sure it is within sight and recall distance.
Ensure you clean up after to your dog. Bag any waste and place it in the dog bins provided at the entrances to the forest.
You may know how your dog behaves when out with you, but others will not. Be respectful of other visitors and their dogs, and ideally put your dog on a lead where there may be the risk of encountering other animals, especially Sherwood’s vulnerable feeding and nesting wildlife.
Liability Disclaimer: While we encourage responsible pet ownership, the event organisers are not liable for any injuries cause to or by your pet. We kindly request that you consider this when deciding whether to bring your pet.
Sale of Alcohol
Legal Drinking Age: Alcohol will be served only to those of legal drinking age 18 years old. Kindly bring a valid photo ID to prove your age.
Underage purchases: It is illegal to buy alcohol for individuals under the age of 18. If we observe this happening, we reserve the right to remove the responsible party from the event grounds.
Liability
Costs and Damages: We are not responsible for costs or damages from actions of visitors, traders or the event organisers, whether direct or indirect.
Visitor Responsibility: Participation is at your own risk. We are not liable for any damages unless they result from deliberate intent or gross negligence on our part.
Traders Goods: We are not responsible for goods sold by event traders.
Staff and Volunteers
Respect for our Team: Our dedicated volunteers and staff work tirelessly to ensure that everyone enjoys a safe and amazing event experience. They generously give up their time and enjoyment to make the event run smoothly. We kindly ask that you treat them with the same respect and kindness that you would expect.
Mistreatment Consequences: Any mistreatment to our team will be addressed seriously. In cases of abuse, we reserve the right to remove the individual from the event grounds.
Video and Photography
Audience Inclusion: By attending our event, visitors consent to being photographed, filmed, or recorded as part of the audience or during performances, allowing us to capture the events essence.
Promotional usage: All media recorded onsite may be used in event promotional materials, without limitations of time and space, at the discretion of the event organisers.
Personal devices: Visitors are welcome to use their own devices for photography and videography for personal, non commercial use, ensuring you can capture cherished memories while respecting the privacy and comfort of others.
Weapons
Prohibited Items: For the safety of all event-goers, we strictly prohibit the presence of items that could fall under the Offensive Weapons Act. Please review the act here: Offensive Weapons Act.
Trader Purchases: Weapons purchased from onsite traders must be immediately taken to you car and cannot be carried around the event grounds.
Re-enactment Weapons: Only registered reenactors actively participating in the show are permitted to have re-enactment weapons on the event grounds. Any unauthorised re-enactment weapons will be confiscated and can be reclaimed from the entrance tent upon departure.
And Last but not Least
Our ultimate goal is to ensure that you thoroughly enjoy your experience at our event. You presence and participation are what make our event truly special. We have carefully crafted this event to provide you with cherished memories, unique experiences, and the opportunity to create lasting connections. So, as you immerse yourself in the festivities, we encourage you to relish every moment, explore with an open heart, and make the most of this incredible journey. Thank you for being a part of our vibrant community, and we look forward to sharing wonderful moments with you.
Gathering of the North 