Nottingham and Sherwood Forest Adventure

This seven-hour tour covers Nottingham's medieval past and Sherwood Forest's outlaw legends. You'll tour Nottingham Castle's dungeons and keep, explore the underground cave network beneath the city centre, then travel five miles to Sherwood Forest for a guided woodland walk. The tour includes Robin Hood folklore and local history. Best for families with children and history buffs. This is a moderate activity lasting 7 hours. Group size: max 25. You meet at Clock Tower base on High Street. Key highlights: Nottingham Castle medieval keep and 11th-century architecture, City of Caves underground sandstone network with historical context, Sherwood Forest's ancient Major Oak tree (800+ years old).

Price: £38

Duration: 7 hours

Difficulty: moderate

Group size: max 25

Minimum age: 6+

Best for: families with children and history buffs

Best time: May to September for dry weather and full forest visibility. October–November offers autumn colors. Avoid winter fog which reduces cave and forest visibility.

Meeting point: Clock Tower base on High Street

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

10:00am Meet guide at Clock Tower on High Street - Receive group briefing and tour itinerary; walk to Nottingham Castle (5-minute walk uphill).

10:15am–11:45am Nottingham Castle tour with costumed interpreter - Explore the 11th-century keep, medieval dungeons, and museum exhibits covering the Sheriff and Robin Hood legends.

12:00pm–1:00pm City of Caves tour - Descend into the medieval sandstone cave network carved beneath Nottingham; guide explains daily life and hiding places.

1:00pm–1:45pm Lunch break in Nottingham town centre - Independent meal at nearby pubs or cafes; approximately 15-minute walk from the caves.

2:00pm–5:00pm Sherwood Forest guided woodland walk and visitor centre - One-hour guided walk through ancient oak forest; visit the Major Oak tree and learn Robin Hood stories; return via visitor centre.

5:00pm Return to Nottingham Clock Tower - Walk or short coach ride back to meeting point; tour concludes by 5:30pm.

The whole experience takes 7 hours. Difficulty: moderate. You meet at Clock Tower base on High Street.

• Nottingham Castle medieval keep and 11th-century architecture
• City of Caves underground sandstone network with historical context
• Sherwood Forest's ancient Major Oak tree (800+ years old)
• Guided woodland walk with Robin Hood folklore and outlaw history
• Costumed interpreters bringing medieval Nottingham to life
• Accessibility: Nottingham Castle has 80 stone steps and narrow spiral staircases; not wheelchair-accessible. City of Caves has some steep stairs and low doorways (maximum height 6'2"). Sherwood Forest walk is on uneven woodland paths. Moderate fitness required.

What is included: Professional guide for the entire tour, Entrance fee to Nottingham Castle, Entrance fee to City of Caves, Entrance fee to Sherwood Forest visitor centre, Guided woodland walk with forest ranger.

Not included: Lunch and drinks, Parking fees (if driving separately), Souvenirs and gift items. You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes with good grip, Waterproof jacket or coat, Layers - caves stay 9°C year-round, Camera for forest photography, Spending money for lunch and snacks, Hat and sunscreen for outdoor walks. Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: May to September for dry weather and full forest visibility. October–November offers autumn colors. Avoid winter fog which reduces cave and forest visibility..

Tip: Comfortable walking shoes essential

Tip: Forest portion involves 1-hour guided walk

Accessibility: Nottingham Castle has 80 stone steps and narrow spiral staircases; not wheelchair-accessible. City of Caves has some steep stairs and low doorways (maximum height 6'2"). Sherwood Forest walk is on uneven woodland paths. Moderate fitness required..

Operator: Robin Hood Tours

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• King Richard III Visitor Centre (Not applicable - 30 miles away walk)

This activity is run by Robin Hood Tours.

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation up to 48 hours before; £10 cancellation fee within 48 hours.

Accessibility: Nottingham Castle has 80 stone steps and narrow spiral staircases; not wheelchair-accessible. City of Caves has some steep stairs and low doorways (maximum height 6'2"). Sherwood Forest walk is on uneven woodland paths. Moderate fitness required..

Best time to go: May to September for dry weather and full forest visibility. October–November offers autumn colors. Avoid winter fog which reduces cave and forest visibility..

Are children too young to enjoy this tour?

The tour suits ages 6+. Children under 6 can join but the caves tour and forest walk may tire them. The Robin Hood storytelling and castle exploration appeal to school-age children. Pushchairs cannot be used on forest paths; consider backpacks for very young children.

How much walking is involved?

Approximately two miles total: 10 minutes uphill to the castle, 15 minutes to the caves, and one hour in the forest. The pace is steady but not strenuous. Paths vary from paved streets to woodland trails. Good footwear is essential due to uneven ground and potential mud.

Can I visit the attractions separately if I prefer not to join a group?

Yes. Nottingham Castle costs £9.75 adult entry. City of Caves is £8.50 adult. Sherwood Forest visitor centre is free; forest ranger walks cost extra. Independent visits allow more time but cost approximately £20 total versus £38 for the guided tour. The tour offers better value and historical context.