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.
Forever associated with Nottingham and Sherwood Forest, many people venture out to seek out authentic Robin Hood experiences.
Pick up the Robin Hood Trail from theNottingham tourism centre and discover the seat of Robin’s arch enemy at Nottingham Castle together with the place where he distributed law and order, the Galleries of Justice. You’ll also see the oldest pub in England which would have been a favoured meeting point for soldiers on the Crusades in the time of Richard the Lionheart.
Venturing out into the wider county and Sherwood Forest, you can see beautiful scenery with ancient oak trees hundreds of years old and ancient caves where Robin may have hid. Attractions in the area offer invigorating activities like a tree top adventure course and off road cycling, you can search through the different Robin Hood attractions here on our website.
Tradition tells that Robin Hood was an outlaw who poached the king's deer in the royal hunting forest of Sherwood and fought with the Sheriff of Nottingham. Stories relate how travellers through the forest provided rich pickings for the gentleman robber and his band of "merry men".
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Robin Hood is often seen as a champion justice by robbing the rich to give to the poor. Central to the legend is how Robin outwitted the Sheriff and King John, and turned the tables on corrupt churchmen and officials who abused their power over an oppressed peasantry.
Many people have tried to unravel the legend by delving into its origins. Did the tale of Robin Hood begin with a real historical figure, or was he a creation of medieval storytellers? Should we search for his origins in court records, or among the woodland spirits of ancient pagan myth?
You can find out for yourselves, the story of the real Robin Hood is given here with reference to the original tales and much, much more. Explore the legend online or visit our region and relive the history.