Real or fictitious, Robin Hood is definitely Nottinghamshire's most famous son. And Nottinghamshire doesn't do anything to clear up this debate, visitors will find all sorts of Merry Men related sights and attractions outside of Sherwood Forest, in amongst Nottinghamshire’s other beautiful green woods and vales. Nottinghamshire also has numerous genuine historic treasures, among them the castle of Nottingham, in the region’s lively hub. Our recommendations for the best places to stay in Nottingham can be found close to Sherwood, in central Nottingham, or in a collection of pretty Midlands villages, and range from Michelin-starred restaurants with rooms, to simple city break hotels and atmospheric pubs with rooms.
If you’re visiting Nottinghamshire for Robin Hood related fun, then Sherwood is definitely your pin in the map. Whatever you feel about the man in green, Sherwood is a spectacular sight, an ancient forest, surrounding the pretty village of Edwinstowe. Within the forest is the Major Oak, a real, and rather magical tree, between 800 and a thousand years old, and said to mark Robin’s hideout. There are numerous Robin Hood festivals held in the forest each year, culminating in one lasting through much of August, where you can see jousting, medieval crafting and smithing, hear storytelling and music, and have all sorts of Merry fun.
If you’re planning to stay in Nottingham, we recommend visiting the castle, and the tunnels underneath it, which the castle's inhabitants needed for their daring escapes. Nottingham is also home to one of the pubs claiming to be England's oldest, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem Inn, off Maid Marian Way in Brewhouse Yard, which is also where some of the tunnels from the castle come out. This pub is at least 800 years old. Outside of Nottingham, the county has a number of very lovely stately homes, including Lord Byron's Newstead Abbey and architecturally fascinating Wollaton Hall.
This county is a busy destination for business as well as leisure travellers. So if you want to guarantee a room in one of the best places to stay in Nottinghamshire (especially the smaller ones), get organised and book ahead.