Robin Hood Statue, Nottingham, Visitor Guide & Things to Do Nearby

The Robin Hood Statue is a bronze figure of England's most famous outlaw, standing close to the walls of Nottingham Castle in Nottingham. It is the city's best-known tribute to the legend of Robin Hood and a favourite spot for photos. It is also an easy first stop for anyone exploring the old centre on foot.

The story behind it

The statue was made by the sculptor James Woodford and put up in the middle of the 20th century. It shows Robin as an active figure with his bow, which suits a hero whose tales are about daring and defiance. Nottingham has embraced the legend of the outlaw of Sherwood Forest, and the story of Robin, the Sheriff of Nottingham and the castle above has become part of the city's identity.

The streets around the statue are full of older layers. Nottingham sits on soft sandstone, and the city is known for its many man-made caves cut beneath the streets and buildings. Local tales link some of these hidden spaces to secret meetings and hidden treasure, but those stories are best treated as folklore rather than proven history.

What to look for

• Look at Robin's pose and bow, which capture the moment of action rather than a calm, formal portrait.
• Notice the setting below the castle walls, which makes the statue feel tied to the old rivalry between outlaw and Sheriff.
• Check the base and the surrounding figures, which help tell the wider story of Robin and his band.
• Glance up at the castle rock and walls behind, a reminder of how high the fortress stood above the town.

Tips for your visit

• The statue stands outdoors and can be viewed from the street, so you do not need a ticket to see it. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for photos and a look around.
• Go in the morning or on a quiet weekday for the clearest photos without a crowd around the base.
• Nottingham Castle is close by, so you can combine the statue with a visit there. Check current opening hours before you go.
• The historic pub Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem is a short walk away, below the castle rock, and the city centre is easy to explore on foot from here.

See it on a quest

Play Maid Marian's Nottingham: Finding Robin Hood if you want to see the statue as part of the Robin Hood legend. You reach it on foot as one stop on a longer route through the area, the app tells you about each place as you arrive, and you solve a puzzle in front of what you can see. One ticket covers the whole group.

Prefer a mystery? Murder Mystery: Death in the Shadows in Nottingham passes this spot too. You walk between the stops at your own pace, hear about each place and solve a puzzle on the spot. One ticket covers the whole group.

You can also try Nottingham Detective Mystery: Infiltrate a Secret Society., a self-guided detective walk that includes this stop. There is no guide and no group to join, and you can start whenever you like. One ticket covers the whole group.