England’s best free outdoor attraction revealed – with ‘frisbee golf’, playgrounds and ziplines

They took "a deep dive into 2024’s must-visit attractions" by comparing several factors, from the most visited destinations to the most Googled places.

This enabled them to create the list of the top free and cheap places to take youngsters in the country.

All of the attractions they considered either have free options or are priced at £30 or less for a family of four.

From their research, Go Outdoors determined that Sherwood Pines in Nottinghamshire was the best free destination in England.

It came second overall on the list of free UK attractions, with only the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh beating it to top spot.

Described as "the East Midlands' forest playground", the attraction is incredibly popular with mountain bikers, with a skills loop and several different trails and routes for people of all ages and standards.

For those without a bike of their own, they can be hired from the on-site Sherwood Pines Cycle Centre.

However, there's much more to do at the site than just cycling, with the Robin Hood Hideout play area and the the Mushroom Village play area offering play options for older and younger kids respectively.

Fun can also be had among the tree tops, with the forest home to a Go Ape high ropes and ziplines course, as well as Go Ape nets, for kids to bounce around in high above the trails.

Back down on terra firma, a special route has been laid out for fans of The Gruffalo, which is celebrating its 25th birthday this year.

To celebrate, the new Gruffalo Party Trail has been created, with characters from the classic Julia Donaldson book dotted along the walk for youngsters to find.

Visitors can grab a pack from the Visitor Centre on arrival to get involved in the trail.

Other activities at the forest include Disc Golf, which is a game a lot like golf, but played with frisbees instead of clubs and balls.

The game is free to play on site to anyone who has their own disc, or they can be hired for £3.50 from the site.

This is merely scratching the surface of what's on offer at Sherwood Pines, with running trails, bushcraft courses, segway tours and horse riding among a number of other activities that can be enjoyed in the forest.

There's also a cafe, toilets and a visitor information point.

For people who need more than one day to make the most of the on-site options, there are also camping and glamping options.

A family of four can stay at the forest in a serviced hardstanding pitch for £39.69 per night.

After naming it the best outdoor place in England for a cheap day out, Go Outdoors said of Sherwood Pines: "There are plenty of activities to take part in, from cycling and mountain biking trails to wild running.

"Sherwood Pines also offers an immersive woodland experience. Be it horseback riding, orienteering, park runs, or even picnics; there is something for everyone."

Meanwhile, here are London's best free kids' attractions.

And this new garden attraction is also open at one of the UK's best free museums.