| Director: Kevin Reynolds Cast: Kevin Costner, Morgan Freeman, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Christian Slater, Alan Rickman Release Year: 1991 Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, Romance Age Certificate: 12 Studios: Warner Bros., Morgan Creek Entertainment Plot Summary: Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves follows Robin of Locksley (Kevin Costner) as he returns to England after years away, only to find his homeland oppressed under the cruel rule of the Sheriff of Nottingham (Alan Rickman). Teaming up with allies like the wise Azeem (Morgan Freeman) and the spitited Maid Marian (Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio), Robin becomes an outlaw hero who fights to protect the innocent and restore justice. Blending adventure, romance and rich medieval atmosphere, the film reimagines the legendary tale with heart, humour and memorable characters. |
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves Filming Locations
Countries Where It Was Filmed: England, France
Featured UK Locations:
- Alnwick Castle
- Aysgarth Falls
- Burnham Beeches
- Hardraw Force
- Hulne Priory
- Old Wardour Castle
- Seven Sisters
- St Bartholomew the Great
- Sycamore Gap
Robin Returns to England
The iconic Seven Sisters cliffs in East Sussex appear in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves during one of the film’s most memorable sequences — the moment Robin Hood and Azeem first arrive in England.
Although the story is set in medieval northern England, the production chose the dramatic chalk cliffs of Seven Sisters to represent the English coastline. The result is one of the film’s most recognisable visuals.
Rescuing the Boy
Sycamore Gap — once one of the most photographed trees in the UK — appears in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves during the famous “Robin rescues the boy from the Sheriff’s men” sequence.
Although the story is set in Nottinghamshire, the production used this dramatic spot on Hadrian’s Wall for its striking, cinematic landscape. The tree became so iconic that it was widely known as the “Robin Hood Tree” for decades.
The Ruins of Locksley Castle
Old Wardour Castle in Wiltshire appears in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves as the home of Robin’s father, Lord Locksley.
This is the location where the Sheriff’s men confront Robin’s father, accuse him of treason, and ultimately burn the castle and kill him. The ruined, skeletal structure of Old Wardour Castle provided the perfect backdrop for this tragic early sequence.
Sherwood Forest
In Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, the legendary Sherwood Forest is not a single location. Instead, the production stitched together three major UK landscapes to create the film’s version of Robin Hood’s woodland world:
- Burnham Beeches — the core forest setting
- Aysgarth Falls — the river fight with Little John
- Hardraw Force — the waterfall pool where Marian spies on Robin
Together, these locations form the cinematic geography of Sherwood Forest — lush, dramatic, and full of character.
Nottingham Church
St Bartholomew the Great was used for interior scenes of the church’s main chapel. It’s used for the Sheriff’s main authority and religious ceremonies.
Marian’s Home
Hulne Priory in Northumberland appears in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves as the home of Marian Dubois.
After returning to England, Robin travels here to deliver the ring of Marian’s brother, Peter Dubois, who died alongside him in the Crusades. The priory’s secluded medieval setting perfectly suits Marian’s quiet, protected life away from Nottingham.
Nottingham Castle
Alnwick Castle, in Northumberland, is the primary real castle location used in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.
It appears on screen as the courtyard and inner grounds of Nottingham Castle, forming the backdrop for the Sheriff’s soldiers, public gatherings, and several key action moments.