What’s on this May near Bridleways
A Day Out To Explore Nottinghamshire
Published: April, 2026
As spring arrives in full colour across Sherwood Forest and the surrounding Nottinghamshire countryside, May is one of the best times to visit. With longer days, fresh greenery, and a packed calendar of local events, there is plenty to enjoy during your stay at Bridleways Guest House.
Here is our guide to some of the highlights happening nearby this May.
🎉 Retford Charter Day (4 May 2026)
Kicking off the early May Bank Holiday, Retford Charter Day is one of the biggest and most vibrant community events in the area.
Taking place across the town centre and King’s Park, this much-loved annual celebration marks the historic royal charter granted to Retford. Expect a lively mix of food and craft stalls, street entertainment, fairground rides, and family-friendly activities throughout the day.
With something happening around every corner, it is a fantastic day out for all ages. A fantastic way to experience the local community at its best.
🌼 Walled Kitchen Garden Tour at Clumber Park (5 May 2026)
Just a short drive from Bridleways Guest House, Clumber Park is hosting a wonderful, guided experience on 5 May.
Spanning four acres, the walled kitchen garden is one of the grandest surviving 18th-century walled gardens in England. Join the team to discover its fascinating history and see how it is still maintained today using traditional horticultural methods.
The tour begins at 11:30am at the entrance to the walled kitchen garden. There is no need to book, and admission is free.
It is a perfect outing for garden lovers, history enthusiasts, or anyone looking to enjoy a peaceful spring morning in beautiful surroundings.
🌾 A true taste of the Countryside: Nottinghamshire County Show (9 May 2026)
One of the biggest highlights of the month is the Nottinghamshire County Show. A fantastic day out celebrating farming, food, and rural life.
Held at Newark Showground on Saturday 9th May (9am–5pm). This long-standing event brings together everything that makes the countryside special. From livestock and equine displays to local food producers, craft stalls, and traditional competitions.
Visitors can enjoy interactive areas such as the Festival of Food, countryside activities, and family-friendly entertainment throughout the day.
New for 2026, expect exciting additions like live arena displays and opportunities to meet local farmers and learn more about rural life.
It is a brilliant event for all ages and a perfect way to experience the heart of Nottinghamshire’s agricultural heritage.
One of the biggest highlights of the month is the Nottinghamshire County Show, a fantastic day out celebrating farming, food, and rural life.
🏰 Step back in time: Gathering of the North (23-25 May 2026)
Over the late May Bank Holiday weekend, Sherwood Forest hosts the Gathering of the North. A vibrant medieval re-enactment event.
Expect thrilling combat displays, living history camps, traditional crafts, and interactive experiences for all ages. It is a fantastic way to bring history to life in the legendary home of Robin Hood.
🚂 Heritage and family days out
Keep an eye out for special events across Nottinghamshire’s heritage attractions this month, including steam railway experiences and family activity days.
These events often run on selected weekends and are perfect for adding something extra to your stay.
🌿 Enjoy Sherwood Forest in Spring
Of course, some of the best experiences are not ticketed at all.
May is the perfect time to explore the ancient woodland of Sherwood Forest, with birdsong, wildflowers, and peaceful trails in every direction. Whether you are walking, cycling, or simply unwinding, the forest feels at its most magical at this time of year.
☕ Make the most of your stay
- Explore walking and cycling trails right from Sherwood Pines.
- Visit nearby villages like Edwinstowe for local cafés and pubs.
- Pack a picnic and enjoy the peaceful woodland setting.
- Ask us for recommendations on hidden gems and local favourites.
🏡 Stay at Bridleways Guest House
Bridleways Guest House is ideally located for enjoying all the events and natural beauty the area has to offer in May.
With popular events like the Nottinghamshire County Show and Bank Holiday weekends, accommodation fills up quickly, so we recommend booking early to make the most of your visit.
If you would like help planning your stay or finding even more events, feel free to get in touch – we are always happy to help you discover the best of the area.
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Review score: 10/10
Fantastic!!
I always love staying at Bridleways. Immaculate and great in every way. Fantastic breakfast. The team are so welcoming. Close to town but in a peaceful location.
Lisa (Mar 25)
Review score: 10/10
Think Of Every Detail!
We are returning customers as the service and welcome are the best you will ever receive! Great location and beautiful Guest House and Tracey and Emyr think of every detail.
Michele & Victor (Feb 25)
Absolutely Excellent
Absolutely excellent, would highly recommend. Emyr & Tracey are a lovely, friendly, helpful couple who run the entire place superbly, attention to detail is perfect. Thank you
Caron (Feb 25)
Review score: 5/5
My go to place.
My go to place to stay in the area. Delicious breakfast and super clean rooms. Thank you!
Rachael (Feb 25)
Great, Friendly, Relaxed B&B
A really lovely place, with lovely hosts and lovely rooms. Loads of parking, close to amenities and a great breakfast (cooked to order).
Andrew (Feb 25)
Review score: 10/10
Late booking that amazed!
A last-minute booking that amazed. Service and cleanliness like no other. 100% recommend. Attention to every detail and service you just do not receive anywhere else!
Mark (Jan 25)
Review score: 10/10
A Wonderful Experience
Tracey and Emyr are lovely hosts and the cottage was brilliant, we were made to feel so welcome and cannot wait to come back.
Debra (Jan 25)
A Perfect Stay!
The guest house is a solid 10/10, but what sets it apart are the “little big moments” that truly enhance the stay. These thoughtful touches made us feel genuinely valued.
Dan (Nov 24)
Review score: 10/10
I’ll Definitely Be Coming Back
I was warmly welcomed on arrival and shown to my room. Which was lovely. Nice and quiet. I had a lovely freshly made filter coffee each morning. Really enjoyed the stay.
Sarah (Jan 25)
Excellent.
A really lovely guest house in a beautiful location with a warm and friendly welcome. The rooms are very well presented with comfy beds and immaculately clean.
Libby (Jan 25)
Review score: 10/10
Brilliant.
Breakfast was very good. Parking easy. All the staff lovely. Room very suitable for two people especially when one had mobility problems.
Lesley (Dec 24)
Review score: 10/10
Lovely Guest House.
Bridleways was friendly and the hosts very welcoming. My room was cosy and had everything I could possibly require. Breakfast was perfect and an ideal location for exploring.
Jillian (Dec 24)
Review score: 10/10
Exceptional In Every Way!
As returning guests to the Bridleways what can we say except we love it. The team at Bridleways are exceptional! Always made to feel welcome and taken care of. A must stay.
Marie-Ann (Dec 24)
Exceptional Accommodation.
We always stay when visiting the area and wouldn’t consider going anywhere else. Emyr and Tracey provide the warmest of welcomes and the standard of service is second to none.
Sybil (Nov 24)
Review score: 5/5
We Will Return.
After a lovely warm welcome, we were shown to a bright spacious comfortable room. I particularly liked the lovely comfy sofa. The breakfast menu was varied and plentiful.
David (Nov 24)
