The 10 Best Things to do Good for Kids in Mansfield, England

Outdoor Adventure Activity provider. Fully Insured and AALA Licenced to provide activities to under 18's. Climbing, Caving, Abseiling, Weaseling, Gorge Walking,Orienteering and Team Building.

We offer fun rides for all capabilities including beginners right into the heart of the beautiful Sherwood Forest. Our aim is to get people smiling and enjoying the great outdoors on horseback. From the age of 3 years for paddock rides and from the age of five for treks. Fully licensed and insured and health and safety conscious.

Famous by its historical association with the legend of Robin Hood, Sherwood Pines Forest Park is the largest forest open to the public in the East Midlands. Just 20 miles from Nottingham, our leafy hideout offers the best views over 3000 acres of stunning woodland.

Sherwood Forest Railway is a real steam railway in miniature with 6 locomotives 12 coaches, signals, level crossings, and tunnel all perfectly recreated in miniature which kids love to experience. To make the day even more memorable we also offer free of charge an adventure play area, under 5,s play area, picnic area and offer drinks and refreshments at very reasonable prices.

Have an adventurous day out in the great outdoors, at any time of the year. Come and explore one of the Midland’s most well-known forests! With activity trails, play areas, bike hire, wild running and mountain biking trails, Sherwood Pines will set the scene for a great day out for all. Get back to basics on one of our bushcraft experiences or soar through the trees on Go Ape’s famous zip wires. If you are feeling a bit peckish after adventuring around the forest, drop in to the Sherwood Pines Café for a range of locally sourced snacks. Top off your trip with an overnight stay! Forest Holidays have a selection of stunning cabins located in the heart of the forest, perfect if you are looking to escape the everyday. Camping in the Forest also provide the perfect spot to pitch your tent and stay in the great outdoors, opening spring 2021.

This award winning museum contains a fascinating mix of permanent displays of local art and artefacts. Made in Mansfield introduces you to the industrial history of the area the hands-on XplorActive children's environment gallery offers educational fun and games. Let the exquisite Buxton watercolours take you back to the turn of the century and savour the delicate beauty of the Pinxton porcelain. A rolling programme of national and local temporary exhibitions ensures there is always something new to see, be it works from the vibrant local amateur scene or nationally known professionals.

Vicar Water Country Park has had a fascinating and varied history before becoming a 78 hectare, Green Flag award winning green space. In the Middle Ages the Vicar Water stream was known as Warmebroke - "Warm Brook" before becoming Vicar Water. Vicar Water was dammed in 1870 by the 5th Duke of Portland creating Vicar Pond for use as a fishery to supply the lakes at Welbeck Abbey. In the early 1900's Vicar Pond was used for boating and swimming by soldiers posted at the nearby Clipstone Camp. In 1912, the 6th Duke of Portland leased the area around Vicar Pond known as Anne Bower Hill to the Bolsover Colliery Company and coal was reached in 1922 after a break due to the First World War. In 1976 coal ceased to be tipped around the immediate area around Vicar Pond and 10 hectares of woodland was planted. In 1982 Vicar Water Country Park officially opened with Newark and Sherwood District Council officially taking over ownership in 1992. The park doubled in size in 1999 after more reclamation work was undertaken on further areas of spoil tipping. In 2000 the Visitor Center opened and the park received its first Green Flag award, which it has received every year since. In more recent times the park has become an officially accredited Country Park through Natural England and provides a host of recreational activities including fishing, cycling, dog walking, wildlife watching, model boat sailing, and horse riding. There are 3 waymarked trails available free of charge from the visitor centre where there is also toilets and Rumbles café to purchase refreshments.