England,  Europe,  Travel

Reasons You Need to Visit Sherwood Forest

Last updated on 1 September 2021

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Sherwood Forest with a low opacity white over the top. 'Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire, England' written at the centre. Reasons to visit Sherwood Forest - This Splendid Shambles

Are you ready to become Robin Hood in Sherwood Forest?

One of the joys of living in England is all the opportunities to visit places from the stories that I’ve grown up loving. The other day we went up to Nottingham. My sister has friends up there and wanted to go and visit them. One such place is Sherwood Forest.

I love Robin Hood. At primary school, we did a Robin Hood musical (which I don’t remember too much) but I do remember that I loved doing it. From 2006 to 2009 the BBC ran a TV show, called Robin Hood, for three seasons and I adored it. It’s a little different in reality (no men in tights, for one), but it’s a joy to visit.

It seems an obvious statement to make, but boy are the trees in Sherwood Forest amazing! There are little spindly ones, but in amongst those are these huge trees with knobbly bits and hollow trunks, perfect for hiding in. Many of the trees had died w  hen we visit, and it had a sombre autumnal vibe to it. But when the forest is alive with growth in the summer, I’m sure it’s a whole new kind of magical.

Around the paths throughout the forest are sculptures and wooden carvings. If you have kids, they make for a great treasure hunt. The owl above was perched on top of a sign. There was a laughing tree which someone had carved, and a structure that was four round branches coming out of the ground that was wound together at the top.
In the part of the forest where the visitor’s centre is, and the toilets and a cafe etc, they have bronze statues of Robin Hood and Little John fighting on the bridge, and also Robin Hood in some trees with his bow and arrow. Get your geek on.
So, if you’re a bit of Robin Hood fan, you live in England, and you haven’t been to Sherwood Forest yet, do go. It’s a fun time, it doesn’t take long to go round the loop track (and there’s a cycle and bridle track too), and the trees are amazing. I reckon maybe go in summer though. It was really muddy when we were there, and I imagine it will look quite different when everything (or most things) are green.
Have you been to Sherwood Forest?

Anjali Kay is an Aotearoa New Zealand-based blogger and book lover sharing travel inspiration, bookish posts, the occasional creative project, and a lot of practical blogging tips here at This Splendid Shambles. Based in Auckland, she's been writing book reviews and travel posts, sharing creative projects and blogging tips since she started her first blog in 2009. When she's not working on her own blog, Anjali also offers blog coaching and support for bloggers who want real guidance from someone who's actually done the work, and is a few chapters ahead of them.

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