Robin Hood has been tied to Sherwood Forest for more than 600 years, and one small Nottinghamshire village claims the legend more firmly than anywhere else. Edwinstowe, a settlement of just under 6,000 people, sits at the heart of the old royal hunting ground that once covered 100,000 acres in its 13th-century prime. According to local lore, this is where Robin married Maid Marian, and the 12th-century St Mary's Church near the village centre still holds services beneath its arched medieval windows. A statue of the famous couple gazing into each other's eyes stands on the High Street to keep the story alive.
The village itself is the gateway to Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve, a 927-acre protected area and Robin Hood's legendary hideout. Its star attraction is the Major Oak, believed to be over 1,000 years old and said to be the outlaws' meeting point. The tree is now considered dead, but it remains the forest's most visited landmark. Three marked trails, from 1.5 to 4 miles, wind past ancient oaks, heathland and wood pastures where you might spot red and roe deer, hares, woodpeckers and even the purple hairstreak butterfly. Allow around 2.5 hours for the longest route.
Edwinstowe is no museum piece, though. Its intersecting main streets and Forest Corner hold independent shops worth browsing: The Forest Archer sells longbows, medieval weapons and leather goods in keeping with the village theme, while the Sherwood Forest Arts and Craft Centre, set in the circa-1701 coach house and stables of Edwinstowe Hall, lets you watch artisans at work and pick up jewellery, candles, chocolate and textiles. The Cafe In Sherwood Forest handles the tea-and-scones stop.
Time your visit for the annual Robin Hood Festival, which runs across three weekends in August with jousting, medieval combat displays, storytelling, costume contests and live music. Archery contests, guided walks led by Robin Hood characters and birding walks run through the year, and hundreds of thousands of visitors come annually.
For families, Sherwood Pines is a ten-minute drive away, with cycling and mountain-biking trails, castle-themed playgrounds hidden among the trees, and a Go Ape course with high ropes, ziplines and segway safaris. Visitor reviews praise the woodland walks and bike trails, though note the cafe prices run a little high.
Edwinstowe suits two kinds of traveller: folklore fans chasing Robin Hood and anyone after an easy, walkable countryside base in England's East Midlands. Sheffield is about 50 minutes by car, Doncaster roughly 40, and the village has hotels and self-catering apartments close to the reserve. Pair it with the medieval town of Ludlow 120 miles away if you want to build a longer heritage route, or stop at Elsecar for shopping and history.
