Then why not wrap up warm and head off to one of our local country parks, savour the beautiful scenery and sample some events which may be happening whilst you are there!
The children can do the Santa Trail at both Rufford and Sherwood Country Park for a £1.00 – it is a self guided trail where they follow the clues and at the end are rewarded with a treat! The trails run from 10.30am – 3.30pm at Rufford Country Park until 23rd December and 11am – 3pm at Sherwood Country Park until 3rd January. And of course, it wouldn’t be the same without Santa himself being in his Grotto where for £5 your child can receive a gift and tell Santa if they have been naughty or good!
Santa will be at Sherwood Country Park until 20th December and Rufford Mill until 23rd December. On Sundays whilst waiting to see Santa you could be entertained by Freddie the Magician on the 13th or Peter Presto on the 6th or 20th between 2-4pm at Rufford Mill. In the Coach House Courtyard why not grab a cuppa and relax to the sounds of Steel Pantastic on Sunday the 6th December 2pm to 4pm, Q.M Barbershop Quartet on Sunday 13th or Sempre on Sunday 20th.
This Sunday the 5th December Santa ‘Claws’ will be in his ‘Dog Grotto’ at Sherwood Forest Country Park 11am – 12.30pm and 2pm – 3.30pm, bring along your pooches and show how much they mean to you. There is a minimum donation of £2 per dog, which includes a gift and all proceeds will be donated to Jerry Green Dog Rescue.
Why not try your hand at ‘Tree Dressing’ at Sherwood Country Park on Sunday 6th 11.30am – 1pm or 2pm – 4pm. Join in with this ancient custom, and where better to celebrate the wonder of trees than in one of England’s most famous forests. The Visitor Centre lights switch on will take place at 4.15pm.
Sherwood Forest will also host it’s ‘Sparkling Sherwood’ Evening Event from Friday 11th to Sunday 13th December tickets being £3 per person. See Sherwood’s ancient oak trees in a whole new light – a truly magical start to winter and a memorable experience to treasure. The walk route is approximately one mile. There are timed entry tickets 6pm, 6.15pm, 6.30pm 6.45pm & 7pm Tickets are limited and are selling fast, they must be bought in advance. For information and tickets call 01623 823202.
Enjoy an evening of traditional Hog Roasting and Fine Festive Merriment at Sherwood Forest’s Ceilidh Night on Saturday 19th December at 7pm. Dance to the Ceilidh Band until midnight in the heart of Sherwood Forest. Book early on 01623 822944.
Blow of those cobwebs over Christmas and take some walks in Sherwood Forest ….. escape the Christmas rush, take a stroll led by a Ranger on Christmas Eve 11am – 12.30pm. Breathe in the fresh air on Boxing Day 11.30am – 1pm or kick start your new year with a leisurely stroll through the forest 10.30am – 1pm on Sunday 3rd January, looking at the woodland and finding out about the history. Booking is advisable for all walks, call 01623 823202.
Some other great dates for your diary ………………On Saturday 19th & Sunday 20th December at 4pm or 6pm you can take part in ‘A Christmas Tale’ at Rufford Country Park ….Come along and listen to a story told by Father Christmas’ Chief Elf Pog including a walk to Pog’s Workshop. We ask that you dress appropriately and bring a torch for this seasonal walk. Tickets are £4 per person and are available from us at the Tourist Information Centre.
A sneak preview of Pog’s workshop, Shh! ………………….
If you are looking for that extra special gift for someone or just want to treat yourself,
have a browse around the ‘Craft and Gift shops at Rufford or Sherwood, there are lots of lovely things to choose from 🙂
The Sherwood Forest area has lots to offer, if you have not wandered into one of our Country Parks before set some time aside …….you will not be disappointed, it’s magical at this time of year.