Nottingham & Sherwood Forest
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Nottingham & Sherwood Forest Everyone has heard of Robin Hood, Nottinghamshire’s most famous son and the world’s favourite folk hero. His adventures have been retold down the generations, from medieval ballads to Hollywood blockbusters. So much of today’s Nottingham and Sherwood Forest lies at the very heart of the legend of Robin Hood, from the city’s Norman castle, the legendary home of his arch enemy, the Sheriff of Nottingham, to the ancient forest of oak trees and caves where he lived with his ‘Merry Men’ and where, together, they robbed from the rich to give to the poor. Nottingham Castle Sherwood Forest is an area commands spectacular views of outstanding natural beauty over the city. The castle made up of country parks was built by William the and woodland. It contains Conqueror’s son after the some of the oldest trees in Norman invasion in 1068, and Europe, including the Major its history is chequered with Oak, Britain’s most famous sieges, murders and intrigue, tree. According to local particularly when home to the folklore, this huge oak tree, Sheriff of Nottingham, Robin about 800 to 1,000 years old, Hood’s mortal enemy. When was Robin Hood’s shelter destroyed after the Civil War it where he and his ‘Merry was replaced by a magnificent Men’ slept. There are several ducal mansion in 1674. In waymarked trails around Nottingham Castle 1875 it was converted into the Sherwood Forest the forest, while the Visitor first municipal museum and Centre tells all about the art gallery outside London. legend of Robin Hood. Robin Hood was a heroic As well as being considered outlaw in English folklore, a great shopping area, a highly skilled archer and Nottingham also has an swordsman. Assisted by array of museums, galleries a group of fellow outlaws and historical sites such as known as his ‘Merry Men’, Nottingham Castle. If you Robin stole from the rich and fancy something different why gave to the poor, as well not explore the underground as falling in love along the caves which lie beneath the way with the beautiful Maid streets of Nottingham. Take a Marian. Many songs, books stroll down to the lace-making and films have been made of quarter, once the heart of the the adventures of Robin Hood world’s lace industry during and his friends Little John, the days of the British Empire, Robin Hood Will Scarlet and Friar Tuck, as Nottingham City Centre which is full of impressive well as his mortal enemy the examples of 19th century Sheriff of Nottingham. industrial architecture. What else can I see and do? Take a gruesome journey through the Galleries of Justice, based stories they tell us. Take a stroll along Beeston Canal, which runs at Nottingham’s old courthouse and gaol. There are many ways to through the city centre. Have lunch at one of the many great cafés or explore this museum of crime and punishment, with free exhibitions, restaurants and watch the narrow boats float by. The Castle Wharf audio and performance-led tours, plus a themed café. area in particular is buzzing with bars and al fresco dining, all at the water’s edge. It is overlooked by Nottingham Castle, perched The Museum of Nottingham Life at Brewhouse Yard is housed within dramatically on a high rock above the city. five 17th-century cottages, where you can learn about the people of Nottingham through the objects made, used or owned and the Your Travelsights leader today is The coach will leave Nottingham today at Mobile no Please ensure you are on the coach 10 minutes before the departure time. Travelsights Ltd, 10 Market Street, Swavesey, Cambs CB24 4QG Check out our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/travelsights 01954 232998 | [email protected] | www.travelsights.co.uk for more info and competitions!.