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 and mobility scooters 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:
The Rangers’ Office:
tel: 01623 823202.

At Rufford:
Ask at Visitor Information in the Craft Centre Courtyard:
tel: 01623 821338

A free Access Map leaflet is available at Visitor Information, showing routes around the park graded with levels of accessibility for wheelchair and mobility scooter users. Pick up a free copy from Visitor Information or download a Rufford Access Map [PDF 4MB] (please note that this is a large file).

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. Also at the Abbey end of the park, the Visitor Information Office is on the ground floor (small ramp to entrance) and is equipped with an audio loop.to help visitors with hearing problems.

At the north end of the park the Tea Shop, Outdoor Living Shop and Garden Shop are all on the ground floor and easily accessible.  The Talbot Suite - our upstairs function room, has a lift as well as stairs. An accessible toilet is available on the ground floor of Rufford Mill.

Paths and 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 ambulant visitors to access the Savile Restaurant and Formal Gardens from the Abbey can be avoided by using the ramp down from the Coach House Courtyard. Simply follow the signs.

There is a cobbled area within the Craft Centre courtyard. Some paths within the park are surfaced with gravel. However, most wheelchair users have little difficulty exploring the park. You will find a number of wheelchair adapted picnic tables within the park.

tel: 01623 822944
e-mail: rufford.park@nottscc.gov.uk

Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve

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.
tel: 01623 823202
e-mail: enquiries@nottscc.gov.uk

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.

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: enquiries@nottscc.gov.uk