Is Sherwood Forest real, and is Robin Hood real?

Sherwood Forest is very real — an ancient woodland and National Nature Reserve in Nottinghamshire, England, and a surviving fragment of a much larger medieval royal hunting forest. Robin Hood is a legendary folk hero from English ballads of the 14th–15th centuries; no single historical Robin Hood has ever been proven, but the forest and city of Nottingham that the stories describe are genuine places you can visit.

Can you still see the Major Oak after it died?

Yes. The RSPB announced in June 2026 that the roughly thousand-year-old Major Oak is believed to have died, but it will remain standing for many years as a natural monument and wildlife habitat. You can still walk the short boardwalk trail to see it from the visitor centre. Please view it from the path and don't touch or climb it.

How much does it cost to visit Sherwood Forest?

Entry to the forest and its trails is free. You pay only for car parking at the visitor centre (a few pounds for the day) and anything you buy in the café or shop. Nearby paid attractions include Nottingham Castle (around £18 per adult) and the City of Caves.

How do you get to Sherwood Forest without a car?

Take a train to Nottingham or Mansfield, then a bus. From Nottingham, the Sherwood Arrow bus runs out to the forest in about an hour and stops near the visitor centre; from Mansfield, local buses serve Edwinstowe, a short walk from the entrance. Services are reduced on Sundays and bank holidays.

When is the Robin Hood Festival?

The Robin Hood Festival is held at Sherwood Forest in August each year, with a 40th edition in 2026. It features jousting, archery, combat displays, costumed characters and family activities. Entry is typically free, with paid parking. Check the official Visit Sherwood site for exact dates and the daily programme.

What's the best time of year to visit Sherwood Forest?

Late spring to early autumn is ideal. May brings bluebells, summer has the best weather and the August festival, and autumn offers colour and fewer crowds. Wear sturdy shoes and bring a waterproof whatever the season.

Is Sherwood Forest suitable for families and wheelchair users?

Yes for families — short flat paths, a play area and the pull of the Robin Hood legend make it very child-friendly. The main Major Oak trail is largely accessible, though some longer routes are rougher and can be muddy. Check current accessibility details with the visitor centre before you go.

Sherwood Forest & Robin Hood: A Visitor Guide

Skip to main content

.pk

Travel.pkElevated Journeys

Flights Hotels Packages

Stay Updated with Exclusive Deals

Subscribe to our newsletter and get access to premium travel deals, insider tips, and exclusive offers.

.pk

Travel.pk

Elevated Journeys

Pakistan's trusted online travel platform. Book flights with the best fares, transparent pricing, and reliable customer support.

Customer Support

Help Center
Contact Us
Booking Management
Refund Policy
Terms of Service
Privacy Policy

Get in Touch

24/7 Customer Support

+92-42-35692952

Email Support

info@travel.pk

Head Office

231-B Main Boulevard, Commercial Broadway Sector B, Phase 8, DHA
Lahore, Pakistan

Business Hours

24/7 Online Support

Office: 9 AM - 6 PM

Secure Booking

SSL Protected

Live Pricing

Real-time Airline Fares

24/7 Support

Always Available

Premium Service

Trusted Platform

Made in PakistanSSL Encrypted

Sherwood Forest & Robin Hood: A Visitor Guide