email | share | rss

del.icio.us	digg	facebook
reddit	yahoo buzz	stumbleupon

Few films are so inextricably tied to their setting as the ones about Robin Hood, the legendary bandit whose group of “Merry Men” is said to have roamed the forests of England’s Nottinghamshire in the Middle Ages. Now, with the release of the newest Robin Hood directed by Ridley Scott and starring Russell Crow, the Midlands region is finally on the map — but for more than men in tights. In Nottingham you’ll find new museums, a burgeoning art and fashion scene, noteworthy restaurants and great shopping (it’s the home of Paul Smith, after all). Still, if you’re top priority is retracing the footsteps of history’s most philanthropic thief, Nottinghamshire is ready to guide you from the giant oak tree hideaways of Sherwood Forest to the iconic Sheriff of Nottingham (a position that still exists).

Nottingham Castle
By British standards, the current incarnation of the castle is relatively new (it was restored and re-opened in 1878 by the then-Prince of Wales). However, there’s been a strategic fortress or royal residence on the site since the 11th century. Famous inhabitants have included William the Conqueror and Richard the Lionheart. It was under the latter that the castle entered the Robin Hood legend: When the house was left empty while Richard was off on the Third Crusade, it became the base for the Sheriff of Nottingham — and the setting of his final showdown with Robin. These days, visitors can enjoy sweeping hilltop views and browse galleries showcasing historic and modern art as well as decorative items. Through October 2010, “Robin Hood—The Movie” exhibits costumes and props from the new film, curated by set designer Sonja Klaus.

Sherwood Forest
Once a vast royal hunting ground that stretched between several villages, Sherwood Forest has been divided into a series of country parks and woodlands as well as private estates. The area most associated with the Robin Hood story is Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve, where you can amble among the ancient trees that may have once served as hiding places for the Merry Men. Most famous is the Major Oak (pictured), a massive specimen with a 33-foot circumference and estimated to be around 800 years old. If you’d really like to unleash your inner Robin, you can take an archery session courtesy of Adrenalin Jungle, who also offer decidedly un-medieval activities in Sherwood Forest, like paintball, off-roading and laser tag.

Lace Market Hotel
In the 19th century, Nottingham was one of the world’s most important lace manufacturing centers, with over 130 factories located in what is now a leafy part of town known as the Lace Market. This former industrial sector is home to the recently opened Caruso St. John-designed Nottingham Contemporary Museum, clad in dramatic lace-embossed panels; the always-lively Pitcher & Piano bar, located in a deconsecrated church; and the Lace Market Hotel — one of the first modern boutique properties opened outside of London. Set in two converted Georgian townhouses (with expansion underway into a third), the hotel features the gourmet restaurant Merchant’s, and uniquely furnished guestrooms with claw-foot tubs and Georgian windows.

City of Caves
Hidden underneath modern Nottingham is an elaborate series of hand-carved sandstone caves that, over the last several centuries, have served as everything from cellars and store rooms to housing and air raid shelters. The caves have also been used as hideaways for those fleeing the law, and local lore has it that Robin and crew may have laid low in a cave or two. City of Caves allows visitors to tour several rows of carved nooks, some of which served as tanneries and Victorian-era dwellings, while guides paint a picture of what life was like underground.

Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem Pub
Affectionately known as “The Trip,” this pub built into the rock at the foot of Nottingham Castle claims to be the oldest watering hole in England. Whether that’s a fact or not (two other pubs in Nottingham alone contest the title), it is likely this was the site of the castle’s brewhouse in the 12th century. The curious name references the legend that Richard the Lionheart and his knights rested here before heading off to the Crusades. Current guests can fuel up on upscale comfort food before their own crusades. Much of the ingredients are sourced locally, and the menu includes lamb kofte kebabs, “southern” fried chicken, and burgers topped with Devon Cheddar or Shropshire Blue cheese. Don’t miss the network of cellar caves, once part of the brewhouse and the castle jails.

Galleries of Justice Museum
Nottinghamshire’s centuries-old courthouse and jail now houses the country’s only Crime & Punishment Museum. The site of many hangings, the museum is allegedly one of England’s most haunted sites. In the days of Robin Hood, the Sheriff of Nottingham kept his offices here, and it is believed that Robin was imprisoned underground in a sandstone oubliette (that’s a dungeon accessed by a ceiling hatch). Today guides and re-enactors bring to life the mechanics of old-school law and order, from the courthouse proceedings and arcane sentencing to the prisoners’ life on the inside.

The Walk
Down a quiet cobblestoned alley sits this whimsical teahouse and café, which is often packed with local creative types munching on excellent homemade salads and sandwiches. But it’s the desserts that are the main draw: bakery cases and countertops overflow with scratch-made cakes, pies, scones and colorful cupcakes, while the elaborate afternoon tea features gourmet versions of classic pastries. In keeping with the décor of vintage furnishings and knick-knacks, tea is served in eclectic, one-of-a-kind pots from the café’s vast collection.

Langar Hall
A favorite of designer Paul Smith, who has staged fashion shoots here, Langar Hall is a country house hotel that skips the stuffy in favor of an eclectic (some say eccentric) decor and vibe. Located 12 miles from Nottingham in the postcard-perfect Vale of Belvoir, the boutique property offers 12 rooms spread out between the 18th-century main house and carriage houses overlooking the estate’s beautiful church. Work up an appetite exploring the extensive grounds (which include a lake and plenty of grazing sheep), then tuck into an endless afternoon tea packed with homemade tarts, chocolates and cookies, or a boozy gourmet dinner that attracts customers from miles around.

Rufford Abbey
Less than 20 miles north of Nottingham, Rufford Abbey Country Park covers 150 woodland acres that, from the 12th to 16th centuries, belonged to a Cistercian monastery. In addition to the architecturally arresting abbey, there are medieval ruins, bluebell woods and formal gardens with an orangery. A stable block has been converted into a craft center, and a small gallery houses contemporary glass pieces. In the restored Jacobean wing of the abbey, you can dine in the Victorian kitchen that’s become the Savile Restaurant.