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The legend of Robin Hood strikes a chord with people the world over, partly due to the recent film starring Kevin Costner, but primarily from the stories of taking from the rich to give to the poor. 

The medieval kings of England loved hunting, and the Forest of Sherwood was a royal hunting park. The Forest once covered a fifth of Nottinghamshire but, unlike the portrail in the films, it was not completely covered by dense woodland, more a variety of trees, pasture and open sandy hearthland. Over the years sizable areas of oak and forest birch have been cut down as timber for ship-building, houses and charcoal burning.

The Pilgrim Fathers, founders of famous American colonies including New York, also originated from the region, from the villages around including Scrooby, Blyth and Babworth. It is easily possible to trace their footsteps from the initial gatherings to the flight to Boston (UK), sailing to Holland and the further sailing of the Bounty from Plymouth to the New World.

The region is primarily unspoiled by development and the market towns of Worksop, Retford and Ollerton lie at its heart. In the North of the region are some of the famous Nottinghamshire Coal Mines, most now disused with little evidence of the industrial heritage remaining. 

The village of Edwinstowe is at the heart of Robin Hood country. According to legend Robin Hood and Maid Marion were married here in the parish church. 

The town of Southwell hosts a magnificent 12th century cathedral. It is the smallest Cathedral town in the UK and is famous for its medieval stone carvings. In the Chapter House look out for the 'Green Men' carved faces with leaves and branches sprouting from their mouths. It is said that the Green Man, also known as the spirit of the forest, was the origin of the robin hood legend.

In the South of the region is the bustling historic town of Newark where the ruins of a medieval castle stand and where King John, Robin Hoods arch enemy, died in 1215. Newark is also famous for its Showground which hosts the largest antiques show in Europe.