Sherwood Forest This Summer - The Robin Hood Festival 2026
A Living Medieval Adventure
Published: June, 2026
Planning a summer break in Sherwood Forest? Discover the Robin Hood Festival 2026, the Major Oak, woodland walks, family attractions and more during your stay at Bridleways Guest House.
Experience the Robin Hood Festival 2026.
If you’re visiting in August, the highlight of the summer calendar is undoubtedly the Robin Hood Festival.
Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2026, this much-loved event transforms Sherwood Forest into a living medieval adventure. Taking place across three weekends in August, visitors can enjoy:
- spectacular jousting tournaments
- thrilling combat displays
- live storytelling, music & comedy
- falconry demonstrations
And plenty of opportunities to meet Robin Hood and his Merry Men. The festival is recognised as the world’s premier celebration of the Robin Hood legend and takes place in the legendary setting of Sherwood Forest itself.
Festival dates for 2026 are:
● 1st & 2nd August – Medieval Jousting Weekend
● 8th & 9th August – Robin Hood and King Arthur Arena Spectacular
● 29th–31st August – Grand Finale Weekend
Best of all, entry is free, making it a fantastic day out for families and visitors of all ages. Parking charges apply and some activities may carry a small additional fee.
Visit the legendary Major Oak.
No trip to Sherwood Forest is complete without seeing the Major Oak, one of Britain’s most famous trees.
Believed to be around 1,000 years old, this enormous ancient oak is traditionally said to have been Robin Hood’s hiding place. Today it remains one of the county’s most photographed landmarks and is an impressive sight in every season, especially during the summer when the surrounding woodland is at its greenest.
The easy walking trails around the Major Oak make it accessible for visitors of all ages and abilities.
Explore Sherwood’s walking trails.
Summer is the perfect time to discover the network of trails winding through Sherwood Forest.
From short family-friendly walks to longer routes through ancient oak woodland, there is something for everyone. The forest offers opportunities to spot wildlife, enjoy peaceful woodland scenery and learn about the area’s rich history and folklore.
Bring a picnic, wear comfortable shoes and spend a few hours exploring one of England’s most famous forests.
Enjoy family activities at the Visitor Centre.
The Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre is an excellent starting point for your adventure.
Here you’ll find information about local trails, family activities, a café, gift shop and seasonal events throughout the summer. The visitor centre regularly hosts family-friendly experiences, including archery sessions and guided activities inspired by the Robin Hood legend.
Children especially enjoy picking up a trail map before heading into the forest to search for wildlife and hidden woodland features.
Watch a film beneath the trees
For something a little different this summer, Sherwood Forest will once again host outdoor cinema events beneath the woodland canopy.
One of the highlights is a screening of Disney’s Robin Hood on 26th July 2026, giving visitors the chance to enjoy the classic tale in the very forest that inspired the legend. It’s a wonderfully unique experience and a memorable addition to a summer break in Sherwood.
Discover Edwinstowe Village.
Just a short walk from Sherwood Forest, the village of Edwinstowe is well worth exploring.
Browse independent shops, enjoy lunch in one of the cafés or pubs, and visit St Mary’s Church, which local tradition claims was the wedding venue of Robin Hood and Maid Marian. The village provides a charming base for exploring the wider area and perfectly complements a day in the forest.
Stay at the heart of Robin Hood Country.
Bridleways Guest House provides the perfect base for discovering everything Sherwood Forest has to offer this summer. With comfortable accommodation, a warm welcome and easy access to the forest, local attractions and summer events, you’ll be ideally placed to make the most of your visit.
Whether you’re coming for the Robin Hood Festival, woodland walks, family adventures or simply a relaxing countryside escape, summer in Sherwood Forest offers something special for everyone.
We look forward to welcoming you to Bridleways Guest House soon.
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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)
