Information for Disabled Visitors
Getting around
Parking for disabled badge holders is available free all year round at all three of our country parks.
Wheelchairs
To avoid disappointment, please ring the park to book wheelchairs/buggies before you visit. Wheelchairs are available on free loan at both Rufford and Sherwood Forest Country Parks. Electric buggies are also available - one at Sherwood Forest Country Park, and three at Rufford Country Park.
At Sherwood
Ask at the Visitor Information Point:
tel: 01623 824490 or
The Rangers’ Office:
tel: 01623 823202.
At Rufford
Ask at Visitor Information in the Craft Centre Courtyard:
tel: 01623 821338
For general enquiries at the parks contact:
Bestwood Country Park
tel: 0115 927 3674
e-mail: bestwood.country.park@nottscc.gov.uk
Sherwood Forest Country Park
tel: 01623 823202
e-mail: sherwood.forest@nottscc.gov.uk
Rufford Country Park
tel: 01623 822944
e-mail: rufford.park@nottscc.gov.uk
Are buildings accessible?
Visitor facilities such as shops and restaurants at both Sherwood Forest and Rufford Country Parks are accessible for wheelchairs.
There are disabled toilets at both sites.
Rufford Craft Centre includes upstairs Exhibition Gallery and Ceramic Gallery. Both are fully accessible via a lift.
Paths & surfaces
Rufford country park
Rufford Country Park is a fairly flat site, and most areas of the park are accessible except the upper level of the Abbey ruins.
Steps which enable mobile visitors to access the Savile Restaurant via the Coach House courtyard can be avoided by following signs round behind the Coach House Café.
There is a cobbled area within the Craft Centre courtyard, and some paths within the park are surfaced with gravel. However, most wheelchair users have little difficulty exploring the park.
Sherwood Forest Country Park
The Visitor Centre is situated on a level site and is fully accessible for wheelchairs. A number of paths, such as the Major Oak path, are accessible to wheelchairs, but please note that the Oak is approximately half a mile from the Visitor Centre and that there are some slight gradients along the way.
For more detailed information please ask at the Visitor Information Point or the Rangers’ Office.
Bestwood Country Park
Bestwood is the largest of our three parks, and has a varied landscape. The site includes some steep gradients. A number of paths are accessible to wheelchairs, and advice on the most suitable route is available from the Ranger Team, based at Alexandra Lodge:
tel: 0115 927 3674
e-mail: bestwood.country.park@nottscc.gov.uk.
Disabled parking is available near Alexandra Lodge, and can be booked in advance.
From time to time we organise minibus tours for mobility impaired visitors unable to access the park on foot. Please contact the Bestwood Country Park Ranger Team for more details:
tel: 0115 927 3674
e-mail: bestwood.country.park@nottscc.gov.uk.
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