Gathering of the North 2026

Organisers of the Gathering of the North have released the preliminary daily itinerary for the 2026 edition of the historic tournament, set to take place from 23–25 May in the heart of Sherwood Forest. The three‑day event will once again bring jousting, archery, living‑history encampments and roaming performances to one of Britain’s most storied landscapes.

The schedule, while subject to refinement, offers visitors an early look at the structure of each festival day and the key moments that will shape the tournament experience.

Morning Programme

The event site opens at 9:30am, when Traders Avenue and the have‑a‑go activities welcome visitors onto the Main Green. The first arena display begins at 10:15am, with an archery demonstration on the hillside overlooking the jousting arena.

From 10:30am to 12:00pm, the wider forest becomes part of the programme as roaming skirmish groups, the Hooded Man and the Executioner make scheduled appearances around the Major Oak and surrounding pathways.

Midday & Afternoon Highlights

The first joust of the day takes place at 12:30pm, bringing armoured riders into the arena for the headline contest.
Throughout the forest. Roaming performances resume from 2:00pm to 3:30pm, offering visitors further opportunities to encounter characters and living‑history groups throughout the woodland.

A second archery display follows at 3:45pm, leading into the final joust of the afternoon at 4:15pm. Traders and have‑a‑go activities close at 5:00pm.

Living History at the Major Oak

Throughout the day, the Major Oak area hosts additional living‑history camps, have-a-go activities and interactive demonstrations.

Please note there are no personal amenities (WC) at the Major Oak. Please plan accordingly.

Travel Planning Encouraged

With high visitor numbers expected across the weekend and Sherwood Forest’s protected landscape placing natural limits on road capacity, organisers are encouraging attendees to plan their travel in advance.

Sustainable options such as the Sherwood Arrow bus service, cycling routes and shared travel are recommended to help ease congestion and protect the historic setting. Full guidance is available in the event’s dedicated travel‑planning article.

Onsite Parking is charged at £15 Per Day. Safe Car pooling is recomended with known contacts and trusted friends.

Feeding the clan

A full day in Sherwood can work up a serious appetite and the villages surrounding the forest are packed with independent pubs, cafés and restaurants that champion local produce and regional flavours. Booking ahead helps support these brilliant local businesses and guarantees you a warm welcome after the tournament.

Below is a curated list of eateries close to Sherwood Forest, along with their approximate distance from the Visitor Centre. All are within easy reach for an meal during or after the event.

These venues are all within a short walk of the forest; pre booking advised.

Please check opening hours in advance.

• The Lansbury Restaurant & Bar: 0.5 miles Modern European and Anglo‑French dishes in a beautifully restored 16th‑century cottage.
• The Olive Tree Edwinstowe: 0.5 miles A small, elegant bistro serving modern British and Mediterranean plates.
• Royal Oak: 0.5 miles A popular gastropub offering hearty classics and a warm village atmosphere.
• Fables Coffee House: 0.6 miles Light meals, cakes and relaxed evening bites in a cosy café setting.
• The Village Kitchen: 0.6 miles Homemade meals and friendly service — ideal for a comforting, casual dinner.
• The Forest Lodge Hotel Restaurant: 0.5 miles Traditional British dishes served in an 18th‑century coaching house.
• China Moon of Edwinstowe: 0.6 miles Long‑established Chinese restaurant and takeaway with classic Cantonese dishes.
• The Café in Sherwood Forest (Craft Centre): 0.4 miles Light meals and snacks close to the forest entrance.
• The Dog & Duck, Kings Clipstone: approx. 1.5 miles A quirky dining pub serving global dishes and pub favourites.
• The Rose Cottage, Rufford: approx. 2 miles A well‑known gastropub offering a broad menu from Italian to Tex‑Mex.
• Bella Vita, Ollerton: approx. 3 miles A popular Italian restaurant serving pizza, pasta and Mediterranean classics.
• Additional cafés and takeaways in Ollerton: approx. 3 miles A mix of independent options for quick, casual evening meals.

Further afield:

• The Ram Newark: 12 miles A relaxed restaurant serving British and international dishes.
• Taylor’s Restaurant: 12 miles Highly rated fine dining with a seasonal menu.
• Tambo Lounge: 12 miles Casual dining with a broad, family‑friendly menu.
• Prince Rupert: 12 miles A 15th‑century pub with characterful dining and real ales.
• La Vita Mia: 13 miles Italian dishes near Newark Castle Station.
• Koinonia South Indian Restaurant: 12 miles South Indian cuisine including dosas and vegetarian dishes.
• Caffrello Vietnam House: 12 miles A top‑rated Vietnamese restaurant.
• Feeling Peckish: 12 miles A simple, well‑reviewed café‑restaurant.
• Raymond’s: 15 miles A highly rated modern restaurant in the Lace Market.
• Compa Nottingham: 15 miles A Sicilian restaurant with exceptional reviews.
• Bar Iberico: 15 miles Spanish tapas in a lively, stylish setting.
• Turtle Bay Nottingham: 15 miles Caribbean dishes and cocktails in The Cornerhouse.
• Iberico World Tapas: 15 miles Moorish‑inspired tapas in a vaulted historic building.
• Mesa: 15 miles Fusion small plates and craft drinks.
• Cosy Club Nottingham: 15 miles British comfort food in a grand, atmospheric venue.
• Calcutta Club: 15 miles Refined Indian dining with classic and signature dishes.

Something missing? Comment your favourite local venue or update this list below!