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
Everything was Excellent.
Everything was excellent. Lovely room and wonderful service by extremely nice staff. Thank you very much.
Olivia (Apr 26)
Review score: 10/10
Absolutely Spotless.
Very much enjoyed my stay at Bridleways. Absolutely spotless rooms, immaculately well maintained. Breakfast was lovely and fresh with a good choice.
Hannah (Apr 26)
Top Stay!
This place is absolutely amazing the host Emyr is a top bloke, will go out of his way to help /accommodate you. Rooms are top notch, both caravans or guest house.
John (Mar 26)
Review score: 5/5
Really Helpful.
Really helpful and flexible team who make the stay special.
Nick (Apr 26)
5* Customer Service.
Amazing customer service, very clean and well equipped rooms. Breakfast was top notch also! Overall a 5* experience. I wouldn’t certainly recommend.
Josh (Feb 26)
Review score: 10/10
Highly Recommended.
Exceptional clean and fantastic service.
John (Apr 26)
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.
Mark (Apr 26)
Definitely Recommend.
Stopped for 2 nights while working away. Lovely clean rooms. Amazing breakfast. And the owner is very polite and helpful. If back, this is the first place I shall try!
Sean (Apr 26)
Review score: 10/10
Amazing !!
The location, the peace and quiet, the room amenities. Everything lovingly designed
Patricia (Mar 26)
Wonderful Stay.
Wonderful stay, which exceeded our expectations. Our hosts were very welcoming. We found the guest house to be well equipped, very comfortable, & extremely clean.
John (Feb 26)
Review score: 10/10
Very Enjoyable.
Breakfast out of this world all staff fantastic so welcoming and helpful easily the best guest house I have stayed in and I travel throughout UK.
Stuart (Mar 26)
Review score: 10/10
Cozy & Clean.
A warn welcome from host, cosy room, spotlessly clean, attention to detail.
Scott (Mar 26)
Review score: 10/10
Great Guesthouse.
Very clean and tidy. Lovely location, close to town. Friendly host, very professional. Excellent breakfast, with a great choice.
Paul (Mar 26)
Love This Place!
The welcome I received from Tracey was second to none & her husband Emyr greeted me like an old friend at breakfast. Nothing is too much trouble. The breakfast is fantastic.
Craig (Mar 26)
Review score: 5/5
Excellent Hosts.
Comfortable room with two very good recliner chairs. Fridge in the room. Plates and cutlery available to eat food in the room. Well cooked plated breakfast. Excellent hosts.
Tim (Feb 26)
