An honest review of Sherwood Forest

As a seasoned Center Parcs visitor and a parent of two young children, I've had the pleasure of experiencing Sherwood Forest on multiple occasions. In this comprehensive review, I'll share my honest thoughts on the resort, compare it to other Center Parcs villages, and provide valuable tips to help you make the most of your stay. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a Center Parcs veteran, this guide will help you prepare for an unforgettable family holiday at Sherwood Forest.

Sherwood Forest is located in Nottinghamshire, England, making it a considerable drive for those coming from Scotland, like myself. The journey from Glasgow takes approximately 5-6 hours, depending on traffic and stops. It's worth noting that you'll pass by Center Parcs Whinfell Forest on your way down, which might be a more convenient option for those living further north. It certainly felt painful driving by it on the way home.

Tip: Break up the journey with planned stops, especially if traveling with young children. Pack plenty of snacks, entertainment, and consider traveling overnight or very early in the morning to avoid peak traffic times. For us we stopped at Scotch Corner.

Upon arrival, you'll notice that Sherwood Forest has a more spread-out feel compared to some other Center Parcs villages. The check-in process is typically smooth, with friendly staff guiding you through the procedure.

We booked with Early Arrival the last time we went to Sherwood, it was worth it for us as we could get the kids down for a nap.

Tip: Arrive early to make the most of your first day. Even if your accommodation isn't ready or you don't have Early Arrival on your booking, you can start using the facilities right away. Pack swimwear and a change of clothes in an easily accessible bag so you can head straight to the Subtropical Swimming Paradise while waiting for your lodge to be ready.

Sherwood Forest offers a range of accommodation options to suit different family sizes and budgets. From basic Woodland Lodges to luxurious Treehouses, there's something for everyone.

Tip: Check the map and pick a location that suits the needs of your group.

The centerpiece of any Center Parcs holiday, the Subtropical Swimming Paradise at Sherwood Forest, is a hit with families. With various pools, slides, and water play areas, it's a great place to spend time, regardless of the weather outside. The Sherwood swimming is much better than Whinfell with a larger kids area and better rapids.

Sherwood Forest offers a wide range of activities for all ages. Some standout experiences include:

Tip: Book popular activities well in advance of your stay to avoid disappointment. Consider mixing pre-booked activities with spontaneous ones to maintain flexibility in your schedule.

Sherwood Forest offers a variety of dining options, similar to other Center Parcs villages. However, the unique offering here is Las Iguanas, a Latin American-themed restaurant. We liked the robot food delivery system, which can be entertaining for children and the soft play area for kids

But... we had a terrible experience in Las Iguanas. We had really long wait times, over 3 hours for a dinner with mains and a dessert.

One notable advantage of Sherwood Forest over some other Center Parcs villages is the quality and size of its soft play areas. These are excellent for keeping young children entertained, especially during inclement weather.

Sherwood Forest puts effort into creating magical seasonal experiences. The Winter Wonderland, in particular, has seen recent improvements, making it an attractive option for a festive family getaway.

Having experienced both Sherwood Forest and Whinfell Forest, here are some key differences:

Doable in an electric car

As I mentioned we've made this journey to Sherwood a couple of times and we've done this in an electric car. Driving to Center Parcs in an EV is easily doable and the car charging infrastructure at Center Parcs is always improving.

My most recent trip I used the Vend Electric charge points and I've written up a guide on how to use the Center Parcs car chargers which I recommend reading before you leave on your trip.

Center Parcs Sherwood Forest offers a delightful family holiday experience, particularly for those who enjoy outdoor activities and a more spread-out, forest-immersed feel. While it may require a longer journey for some, the unique atmosphere and range of activities make it a worthwhile destination.

The recent improvements, particularly to the Winter Wonderland experience, show that Center Parcs is committed to enhancing the guest experience. However, be prepared for some areas that may need improvement, such as certain dining experiences.

Remember, the key to a successful Center Parcs holiday is preparation. Book early, plan your activities in advance, and be ready to adapt your plans as needed. With the right approach, Sherwood Forest can provide an unforgettable family adventure, full of fun, relaxation, and precious memories.

Whether you're building sandcastles by the lake, zooming down water slides, or simply enjoying a quiet moment in your lodge, Sherwood Forest offers something for everyone. So pack your bags, gather the family, and get ready for an exciting forest getaway at Center Parcs Sherwood Forest!

If you think Whinfell is more you're scene check out my honest review of Whinfell.