Sherwood Forest In England: 5 Tourist Attractions To Visit
A must-see for all Robin Hood fans, Sherwood Forest is located in Nottinghamshire, England. Although its area has significantly diminished since the Middle Ages, this forest continues the legend of the famous outlaw and hosts several attractions not to be missed.
1- Admire Major Oak, Robin Hood's hideout.
Sherwood Forest, which was once a vast deciduous forest, is now very fragmented. But it still houses a magnificent testament to its past grandeur: Major Oak!
With a circumference of 10 meters and branches that spread over 28 meters, Major Oak is the largest oak tree in Britain. It is estimated to be around 800 years old and weighs 23 tons, so it now requires supports to hold up its branches and help it stay upright.
This very large pedunculate oak is one of Britain's notable trees for its venerable age and its importance in local folklore. It is said that its hollow trunk was used as a hiding place by Robin Hood and his companions, the famous band of outlaws who stole from the rich to give to the poor...
2- Visit St Mary’s Church, following in the footsteps of Robin and Marianne.
Another must-see attraction if you want to visit Nottinghamshire following in the footsteps of Robin Hood is the village of Edwinstowe and its St. Mary's Church.
Legend has it that Robin Hood married sweet Marianne in this church. This is not surprising since the charming village of Edwinstowe is located on the edge of Sherwood Forest and near the Major Oak, which is said to have served as a hideout for Robin Hood and his band of outlaws...
3- Walking in the woods.
The current Sherwood Forest, which covers 423 hectares, is the remnant of a vast royal hunting estate. One of the best ways to visit this part of England in the footsteps of Robin Hood is simply to take a walk in this forest.
Since 2002, it has been designated as a national nature reserve for its flora rich in oaks, ferns, and birches. Just head to the park's reception, the Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre, to obtain information on the various possible routes.
The trail most popular with tourists is the one leading to Major Oak, but it is not the only hiking route offered. As you walk through these woods, you will expect to encounter Robin at every turn, one of the most beloved heroes of British popular culture.
Note: Every summer, the park organizes the Robin Hood Festival in honor of England's most famous outlaw (see the link below). For three days, visitors are invited to step back in time and immerse themselves in the legend of Robin Hood! The program includes medieval combat, troubadours, jugglers, archery workshops, and a market… medieval, of course!
4- Visit Nottingham Castle.
It would be a shame to leave the region without visiting Nottingham Castle. This listed monument, whose construction dates back to the 12th century, is the perfect tourist attraction to complement your visit to Sherwood Forest.
In the legend of Robin Hood, this castle, which offers a breathtaking view of the city, is the setting for the final confrontation between the famous outlaw and the Sheriff of Nottingham.
Today, this castle is a museum with a section dedicated to the adventures of Robin Hood. Through immersive and interactive games, visitors can step into the shoes of the famous archer and practice aiming with a bow and arrows.
5- Discover the National Justice Museum.
The last of the 5 attractions to visit in the area is the National Justice Museum in Nottingham.
This museum, located in the Lace Market district, is housed in a building that once served as a courthouse, prison, and police station. In this listed historic site, you can see courtrooms dating back to the 14th century and dungeons constructed in 1449!
In short, you will get an insight into the British judicial system and the macabre punishments that were in place during the time of Robin Hood. In light of this informative visit, the fight of this hero for social justice appears even more admirable.
