Hop aboard the Sherwood Arrow for free every weekend in August

Hop aboard the Sherwood Arrow for free every weekend in August

Nottinghamshire and Nottingham bus passengers are in for a treat this summer as Stagecoach’s Sherwood Arrow bus will be free to travel every weekend throughout August, including all three days of the Bank Holiday weekend.

The offer, which is funded by Nottinghamshire County Council as part of the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), means passengers will be able to travel for free to the famous Sherwood Forest, home to the Robin Hood Festival and Nottinghamshire Day. Rufford Abbey Country Park will also take place, as well as other attractions including White Post Farm, Wheelgate Park and Clumber Park.

It’s not just passengers traveling to events in the county council’s country parks who can take advantage of this free travel offer, as travel along the entire Sherwood Arrow bus route will be free, from Nottingham City Center to Worksop and Retford via Ollerton.

Nottinghamshire Day celebrations will take place at Sherwood Forest on Sunday 25th August and visitors can enjoy a range of activities including craft workshops, outlaw orientation, poetry writing workshops – not to mention loads of of fun at the Robin Hood Festival with archery, historical re-enactments, music, comedy and more.

The 38th Robin Hood Festival kicks off at Sherwood Forest on Saturday 3rd August and will run every weekend throughout August until Bank Holiday Monday (26th August).

Councilor Neil Clarke MBE, Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “It was only a few weeks ago that we announced that we, together with Nottingham City Council, funded discounts on selected group bus tickets throughout the summer and we are delighted to announce that passengers can now travel on one of the most popular buses. free county trails every weekend in August.

“We have worked closely with Stagecoach to make this offer possible and we would like to thank them for the contribution they have made in helping us achieve this.

“Our ambition is to make bus travel better for everyone in Nottinghamshire and with summer finally here, there’s never been a better time to get out on the bus.

“Every year people travel from far and wide to visit the delights of Sherwood Forest and it’s great news that visitors to the annual Robin Hood Festival will be able to get there for free by bus.

“Of course we can’t forget Nottinghamshire Day – a day that celebrates our great county – and what better way to do this than by offering free rides for what promises to be a fun-filled day for all the family.

“We cannot forget that the Sherwood Arrow connects the communities of North Nottinghamshire to Nottingham City Center and that passengers will not only be traveling to events in our country parks. Free travel will also benefit those looking to travel to other attractions along the route, as well as those heading into the city center for all that is on offer there.

“You may have heard the words Bus Service Improvement Plan in our news over the last few months, and that’s because we’re committed to using this funding to deliver improvements that Nottinghamshire and Nottingham passengers will appreciate.”

Councilor Scott Carlton, Cabinet Member for Communities and Public Health at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “This is great news for bus passengers from Nottingham City to Worksop and Retford and beyond, and I’m delighted that visitors to Sherwood Forest in particular will be able to benefit from this ahead of all the festivities. offered there this summer.

“Whether you’re traveling to Nottingham City or attending an event at one of our country parks, I’d encourage everyone to take advantage of this fantastic offer this August.”

Dave Skepper, Commercial Director, Stagecoach East Midlands, said: “We are delighted to be working with the team at Nottinghamshire County Council to offer free bus travel on the Sherwood Arrow during summer weekends in August. With regular departures taking people into the heart of Sherwood Forest Visitor Center and Rufford Park. Sherwood Arrow is the ultimate route to a great day out in the beautiful Nottinghamshire countryside.”

Rob James, RSPB Communications Officer at Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve, said: “The free travel offer is available every day of this year’s Robin Hood Festival which is brilliant news.

“It’s already free to go to the reserve and enjoy the Festival’s fabulous shows and performances, which include battle and combat shows, historical re-enactments, comedy, music and more.

“Free travel to Sherwood Forest in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire means even more people can come and have an amazing value for money day out celebrating our outlaw hero’s legacy and spending time in his beloved forest.”

Councilor Neghat Khan, Leader of Nottingham City Council and Executive Member for Transport, said: “Buses are a great way to get around Nottingham. Running the Sherwood Arrow for free on weekends during the summer holidays will help our residents plan great days out.

“It will also make it easier for those living in the county to come and enjoy the city’s many attractions, such as Nottingham Castle or Old Market Beach.

“I’m delighted that we can use funding from the Bus Service Improvement Plan to work with bus operators and other local authorities to rethink how we can improve public transport and improve access to our region’s natural and cultural heritage.”