Robin Hood Festival 2017

31 July to 6 August 2017 in Sherwood Forest Country Park

  • free entry
  • £5 car parking charge.

Events programme: What’s happening and where

Download the daily events guide

Activities take place at two main locations in Sherwood Forest Country Park:

  • Visitor Centre
  • Major Oak (10 to 15 minutes walk
    from the Visitor Centre)

Please note: There will be no jousting or falconry displays at this year’s festival. This is due to the building works taking place on site for the new Visitor Centre. Apologies for any inconvenience.

Children’s Outdoor Theatre performances take place daily throughout the day. Entry to the theatre includes a small charge.

Download our pre-bookable events guide.

Certain activities are subject to weather conditions. If you are travelling any distance, contact us to check ahead: 01623 823202.

Visitor Information

Car parking

  • cars: £5 for the day, including blue badge holders.
  • coaches and minibuses with over 12 seats: Free
  • motorcycle charge: £1.
  • Please follow signage rather than sat nav as road closures will be in place.

Car parking is limited and the festival is very popular. Consider using public transport or car-sharing if you can.

What should I wear?

This is an outdoor event, so come ready for our unpredictable English climate! Consider bringing with you:

  • umbrella
  • waterproof coat
  • pair of wellies
  • suncream and sunhats

Comfortable shoes are advisable as paths are uneven in places and much of the action takes place in woodland and grassy areas.

Smokefree Summer

Smokefree Summer logo

We are supporting Smokefree Summer as part of this year’s festival.

Smokefree Summer aims to make children’s and family events smokefree across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.  This means asking smokers not to light up in front of children.

Why is there a Smokefree Summer?

  • to provide positive smokefree role models for children and young people
  • reduce their exposure to smoking so it’s not seen as a ‘normal’ activity
  • increase the number of designated outdoor smokefree areas across Nottinghamshire to de-normalise smoking for adults
  • reduce the environmental and financial impact of littering of cigarette butts and packets.
  • empower parents and carers to speak up and be more vocal about not wanting their children to be around smoking.

Facilities

Food and drink

  • The Forest Table  is open from 10am to 5pm, as well as catering stalls around the park
  • there are also various picnic areas around the site
  • strictly no BBQs in the home of the oaks!

Toilets

On-site public toilets are available at the Visitor Centre only. No toilets are available at the Major Oak.

Cash machine

There are no cashpoints in the forest. Our indoor shop and catering outlets accept credit and debit cards but can’t give cashback.

There are two cashpoints in the village of Edwinstowe, which is a 15 minute (approx.) walk from Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre.

Dogs

Because of the loud noises and crowds many dogs may find the event stressful. You are advised to leave them at home.

If you do bring your dog it must be kept on a lead at all times. You must clean up after them

Dogs must not be left in your vehicle.

Scooter Hire

For people who have limited mobility, scooter hire is available through Professional Mobility. The charge is £20 per day and proof of ID is required on collection.

For more information please call Professional Mobility on:

  • freephone: 0800 6335711
  • mobile: 07989 680034
  • mobile: 07941 970911.

Getting here

By bus

Sherwood Arrow (Nottingham to Worksop or Retford via New Ollerton) stops near to the end of the main drive.

Buses do not call at the Visitor Centre during the festival week because of a road closure. Passengers will be dropped in Edwinstowe Village, which is approximately a 10 minute walk from the Visitor Centre.

Coaches and tours

Coach parking is limited and allocated on a first come first served basis.