Where Was Robin Hood Filmed? Discover the Surprising Locations Behind the Outlaw Epic

The legendary tale of Robin Hood has been retold countless times across stage and screen, but the latest version, a gritty series on MGM+, offers a fresh, thrilling take on the classic outlaw. With a cast of well-known actors and a narrative that blends political intrigue with sword-fighting action, this version stands out not just for its storytelling, but also for its unique and surprising filming locations.

While the story is rooted in the 12th century, set in the green forests of Nottinghamshire, the actual filming took place thousands of miles away in Serbia. This decision to recreate medieval England in Eastern Europe not only adds a fresh flavor to the series, but also highlights the incredible lengths the production team went to, crafting authentic, visually stunning sets and utilizing Serbia’s diverse landscapes.

Nottingham and the Sheriff’s Castle: Built in Serbia’s PFI Studios

One of the most iconic locations in any Robin Hood story is Nottingham, the bustling town where the Sheriff rules with an iron fist. This time, however, the streets, town square, and the imposing Sheriff’s castle were recreated in the PFI Studios in Šimanovci, just outside Belgrade.

Production designers Jovana Cvetković and Jelena Sopić meticulously crafted these sets to ensure that the medieval cityscape felt both realistic and immersive. While the show’s creators could have simply shot in existing castles or historical sites, they chose instead to build everything from the ground up. This allowed them to control every detail—from the narrow streets of Nottingham to the towering stone walls of the Sheriff’s fortress. Even the winter chill of Serbia added to the authenticity, with the sets constructed during a Serbian winter to capture the frosty medieval atmosphere.

Westminster Palace: A Royal Contrast

As the series shifts focus to political drama, the opulence of Westminster Palace is brought into sharp contrast with the stark, utilitarian castle of Nottingham. Here, the production team really pushed the envelope, designing a palace that looked not just historically accurate, but vividly sumptuous. The interior was built on sound stages, with elaborate, colorful set designs featuring bright sand-colored limestone and carefully crafted handmade trinkets to recreate the grandeur of 12th-century royalty.

The sets for the palace exude wealth and authority, from the finely detailed chandeliers to the 12th-century glass cups used in royal feasts. In contrast to the gloomy, gray facades of Nottingham, Westminster’s rich, vibrant colors reflect the power of Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine, played by Connie Nielsen, who takes the reins in this version of Robin Hood.

Locksley Manor: The Birthplace of Rebellion

Another key location in the Robin Hood saga is Locksley Manor, the ancestral home of the show’s hero, Rob, before it is seized by the villainous Earl of Huntington. In this version, the manor was constructed in the Rudnik Mountains of Serbia, offering a stunning backdrop for the story of Rob’s loss and eventual rise to rebellion. The estate’s courtyard, which includes a pond where Rob’s childhood romance with Marian blossoms, was built from scratch, showcasing the meticulous attention to detail.

The sweeping landscape of the Rudnik Mountains also provided breathtaking aerial shots, contributing to the show’s visual grandeur and sense of scale.

Sherwood Forest: Fruska Gora Woods in Serbia

Of course, no Robin Hood adaptation would be complete without Sherwood Forest, the iconic setting where Robin and his merry men wage their fight against tyranny. However, in this version, Sherwood’s rolling hills and dense woods are actually the Fruska Gora woods in Serbia. These forested areas are not just a backdrop, but almost become a character in the story, shifting in tone from gentle and romantic to cruel and mystical, depending on the scene.

Serbia’s untouched meadows and forests provided the perfect canvas for the production designers to create the outlaws’ hideouts and ceremonial hunts, essential to the story’s themes of nature worship and rebellion. In fact, the forests of Fruska Gora were handpicked for their versatility, able to capture the different moods required by the narrative.

The Mlava River: The Scene of an Epic Ambush

In one of the more action-packed sequences of the show, Robin Hood and his band of outlaws stage an ambush on a carriage convoy, crossing the Mlava River in Serbia. The tranquil river, with its idyllic surroundings, proves to be the perfect location for this intense scene, as the riverbanks provided the ideal environment for the outlaws’ daring attack.

A Fresh Take on an Old Legend

While many Robin Hood adaptations have portrayed the hero as a simple outlaw or a noble knight, this version takes a deeper, more nuanced approach to the story. The series explores the historical and ideological conflict between the pagan Saxons, who worship nature, and the Catholic Normans, who seek to dominate and oppress.

At the heart of this new telling is Rob, a young man pushed to the brink by injustice, and Marian, a strong-willed noblewoman who becomes his ally. Together, they challenge the corrupt authority of the Sheriff of Nottingham, with Rob’s journey from boyhood to legendary outlaw forming the crux of the series. As co-showrunner John Glenn describes it: “This is the story of a boy becoming a man, and then that man becoming an outlaw, and that outlaw a legend.”

Who Stars in Robin Hood?

The cast of this ambitious retelling is led by Jack Patten as Rob, a fresh face in the role, alongside Lauren McQueen as Marian, who brings a modern, empowered twist to the classic character. The series also boasts a stellar supporting cast, including Sean Bean as the Sheriff of Nottingham and Connie Nielsen as Queen Eleanor.

Where to Watch?

The new Robin Hood series premiered on MGM+ with a two-episode debut on November 2, 2025, and new episodes will air on Sundays thereafter. Fans of the outlaw legend and historical drama alike won’t want to miss this bold and visually stunning reimagining.