The highlight, of course, is spending time within famous Sherwood Forest, the most important area landmark associated with Robin Hood. The trail also goes through the Clumber Country Park and past Rufford Abbey, as well as Robin Hood Hills, Thieves Wood, and Fountain Dale. Official site: Stretching all the way from Nottingham Castle to Sherwood Forest, the 104-mile-long Robin Hood Way passes many attractions associated with the legendary Robin Hood. This collection of 17th-century cottages houses displays portraying the history of the people of Nottingham. The Museum of Nottingham Life at Brewhouse Yard, just a few yards away, is also worth a visit. The picture collection in the Long Gallery includes works by Charles le Brun, Richard Wilson, William Dyce, Marcus Stone, and Ben Nicholson. There's also an ethnographic gallery (including jade jewelry from New Zealand, Burmese bronze statues, and Indo-Persian steelware). Among the latter's treasures are beautiful 6th-century Anglo-Saxon brooches, medieval ceramics and alabaster carvings, and stoneware from the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, it's home to two great collections: the Sherwood Foresters Regimental Museum, with its impressive collection of medals and regimental uniforms and the Nottingham Castle Museum and Art Gallery.

Destroyed in 1651 by Parliamentary forces, the original castle was replaced by an Italian-style palace belonging to the Duke of Newcastle. Nottingham Castle affords excellent views of the town and is notable for its bronze statues of Robin Hood and his merry men by Nottingham-born sculptor James Woodford. Note: Some businesses may be temporarily closed due to recent global health and safety issues. To learn more about what is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in England, read our list of the top attractions and things to do in Nottingham. In fact, the image of this most famous of English folk heroes is everywhere around the city, and although his once enormous woodland hangout is now considerably reduced, it lends the city a truly unique atmosphere. Known as the 'Queen of the Midlands' on account of its broad streets and picturesque parks, such as the Arboretum, Embankment, and Colwick Park, Nottingham is a great base from which to explore nearby Sherwood Forest, legendary home of Robin Hood. It also hosts many great festivals and events, one of the most popular being the annual Nottingham Goose Fair. More recently, it has become a popular cultural destination boasting numerous attractions, including two large theaters and several art galleries. The city has a long tradition as a trading hub and manufacturing center and is known for its fine lace. Nottingham, county town of Nottinghamshire, is built on a number of hills on the north bank of the River Trent. We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )