Things To Do
in Ollerton

Ollerton is a serene village in Nottinghamshire, England, nestled near the edge of the Sherwood Forest region. The town sits beside the River Maun, offering leafy lanes, countryside walks, and a friendly, community feel. It serves as a calm base for exploring nearby forested reserves, historic estates, and quaint market towns.

Visitors can enjoy traditional pubs, local markets, and easy access to outdoor attractions while staying in a welcoming rural setting.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Begin your day with a leisurely stroll through the historic center of Ollerton, where you can admire the charming architecture and quaint streets. Stop by a local café for a traditional English breakfast, enjoying dishes like eggs, bacon, and baked beans. As you explore, take note of the local shops that showcase unique crafts and artisanal goods.

afternoon
:

Visit the nearby Ollerton Watermill, an iconic structure that dates back to the 19th century, and learn about its history and significance. Afterward, enjoy a relaxing walk along the scenic riverbank, where you can spot local wildlife and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. Take a break at a riverside picnic area, savoring some homemade treats or local snacks.

evening
:

As the sun sets, head to a local pub for dinner, where you can indulge in classic British dishes like fish and chips or a hearty shepherd's pie. Enjoy the lively atmosphere, perhaps catching some live music or a quiz night. After dinner, take a stroll under the stars, soaking in the peaceful ambiance of Ollerton at night.

day 2
Nature Trails and Wildlife Watching
morning
:

Start your day with a hearty breakfast before heading out to Sherwood Forest, just a short drive from Ollerton. Spend the morning hiking the various trails, where you can immerse yourself in the lush greenery and discover the ancient oaks that have stood for centuries. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife, including deer and numerous bird species.

afternoon
:

After a morning of exploration, enjoy a packed lunch surrounded by nature, perhaps at one of the designated picnic areas within the forest. In the afternoon, visit the Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre to learn more about the history of Robin Hood and the significance of the forest. Participate in any guided tours or ranger-led activities available to enhance your experience.

evening
:

Return to Ollerton and unwind at a cozy bistro for dinner, where you can sample seasonal dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy a glass of wine or a local ale as you share stories from your day's adventures. Conclude your evening with a peaceful walk through the village, reflecting on the beauty of the natural surroundings.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
Coffee in a café$2-4
🥗Lunch for two at a casual cafe$20-30
🚌Public transport ticket (one-way)$2-6
🏨One night in a mid-range hotel$70-120

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Peaceful countryside with easy access to Sherwood Forest
  • Charming village atmosphere and traditional pubs
  • Good base for day trips to Newark, Mansfield, and Notts parks
  • Limited nightlife within Ollerton itself
  • Fewer dining and nightlife options compared with larger towns
  • Public transport can be infrequent outside peak times

Places to Visit in Ollerton

Visit one of these nice places.

Sherwood Forest Major Oak

An iconic ancient oak tree and the surrounding woodland offer dramatic landscape shots, especially at sunrise or sunset.

Rufford Abbey Lake and Ruins

Reflections on the lake with the ruins creating atmospheric compositions—great for moody or serene photography.

Ollerton Canal and River Maun banks

Tranquil waters, reeds, and rural scenery ideal for long-exposure or pastoral succeeds.

Clumber Park Gatehouse

Historic estate architecture framed by trees and seasonal color for classic rural photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Ollerton

Ollerton sits in a region famous for hearty pub fare and seasonal produce. You’ll find traditional dishes in village pubs, along with tea rooms and cafes offering light meals and local snacks. The area is well suited to exploring Notts oatcakes and classic comfort foods, often paired with local ales or ciders.

Ollerton Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Beef and ale pie

A hearty pub classic with tender beef in a rich ale gravy, usually served with mashed potatoes or chips.

Must-Try!

Nottinghamshire oatcakes

Thin, savory oatcakes often filled with cheese or mushroom; a regional staple perfect with a hot drink.

Roast gammon with mash

A common pub mains option featuring tender gammon, creamy mash, and seasonal veg.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Ollerton Village Market

Occasional weekend market stalls offering fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts.

Climate Guide

Weather

Ollerton experiences a temperate maritime climate with relatively mild summers and cool winters. Expect rainfall throughout the year and seasonal temperature swings; average summer highs are around 20-22°C, with winter lows around 0-5°C. Pack layers and be prepared for changeable weather.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Queueing

British etiquette favors orderly queues; wait your turn patiently, especially in shops and on public transport.

Politeness and greetings

A quick

Respect privacy and private property

Ask for permission before entering private land or gardens; keep noise to a reasonable level, especially at night.

Safety Guide

Safety

As with any rural area, stay on marked paths, be cautious on narrow country roads, and keep valuables secure. Use 999 for emergencies and 101 for non-emergency police assistance. Wildlife and uneven terrain can present minor risks, especially in low light; wear appropriate footwear and stay hydrated on longer walks.

Tipping in Ollerton

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In pubs and restaurants, tipping is customary at around 10-15% if service isn’t included in the bill; rounding up is common for smaller orders.

Payment Methods

Cash and cards are widely accepted; contactless payments and mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common; some smaller venues may prefer cash.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Wildflowers bloom, birdsong fills the air, and trails are green and gentle. Pack layers and a light waterproof for occasional showers.

Summer

Long daylight hours and comfortable temperatures; perfect for walking, cycling, and late-evening photography. Stay hydrated and wear sun protection.

Autumn

Rich foliage and harvest tones in forests and parks; damp leaf-covered paths require sturdy footwear.

Winter

Cool to cold with occasional frost and shorter days; bring warm layers and waterproof footwear for rides and walks.

Nightlife Guide

Ollerton at Night

Ollerton’s nightlife is typically low-key, centered on traditional village pubs with real ales and occasional live music. For more options, nearby towns such as Mansfield, Newark, orRetford offer broader bars, clubs, and events, especially on weekends.

Hiking in Ollerton

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve trails

Iconic routes through ancient oaks and woodland with wildlife viewing opportunities.

Clumber Park trails

Extensive estate paths through parkland, woods, and lakes suitable for walking and cycling.

Rufford Parkland paths

Scenic routes around Rufford Abbey with water features and open meadows.

Airports

How to reach Ollerton by plane.

East Midlands Airport (EMA)

Approximately 30-50 miles away by road; typically a 40-60 minute drive depending on route and traffic.

Manchester Airport (MAN)

About 90-120 miles away by road; roughly 1.5-2 hours by car on major motorways.

Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA)

Approximately 70-100 miles away; around 2 hours by car depending on traffic.

Getting Around

Walkability

Ollerton is compact and walkable within the village center, with most services reachable on foot. For forest parks and larger estates, a short drive or bike ride is typical, though some routes offer scenic walking or cycling paths.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Many families reside in the village and surrounding areas, contributing to a family-friendly atmosphere.

Seniors

A stable senior population that values quiet neighborhoods and accessible green spaces.

Commuters

Residents who commute to nearby towns for work, especially Mansfield and Newark.

Tourists

Visitors drawn to Sherwood Forest and Nottinghamshire countryside seeking nature and heritage experiences.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

Widely played at local clubs, schools, and parks across the region.

Cricket

A summer staple with local leagues and friendly matches.

Rugby

Amateur and school-level matches; community clubs often host weekend games.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Ollerton is generally light, with more congestion on main routes during peak commuting times. Public transport is available but less frequent than in larger cities, so many visitors rely on a car or bicycle for forest access and day trips.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Ollerton.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are commonly available in pubs and cafes; look for veggie pies, salads, pastas, and adapt dishes with dairy-free or egg-free coatings when needed.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Local healthcare includes GP practices in Ollerton; the nearest hospitals and larger NHS facilities are in Mansfield and Newark. For urgent care, walk-in centers and A&E departments are available at regional hospitals. NHS 111 provides 24/7 medical guidance, and emergency services can be reached by dialing 999.

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