Edwinstowe

About

Edwinstowe  - Robin Hood’s Village

Edwinstowe is an historic village in the heart of Sherwood Forest, the home of Robin Hood. Legend has it that it was here, at the beautiful medieval church of St Mary, that Robin married Maid Marian. The High Street is home to a statue in their honour.

Edwinstowe takes its name from the holy shrine or resting place – ‘’stowe’’ of King Edwin, the Saxon king of Northumbria who was slain in 633AD. He was buried in Sherwood Forest so that his enemies could not lay hands on his body and a small wooden chapel was later erected. The Church of St Mary’s was rebuilt in stone in 1175.

This is a vibrant and busy village with a variety of shops, restaurants and pubs. For full details on what  Edwinstowe has to offer see www.edwinstowe.co.uk .

On the outskirts of the village, just past the church, is the Sherwood Forest Art and Craft Centre. Here a you can find a number of craft shops including handmade chocolates, vintage fabrics, jewellery and a cafe.

Just a 10 minute walk from the village is the Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre and National Nature Reserve, the legendary home of Robin Hood. Many of the oaks in Sherwood Forest have stood for over 5 centuries and the mighty Major Oak (Robin Hood’s tree) is estimated to be over 800 years old. The forest is a Special Area of Conservation and is teeming with life with over 200 different species of spider and 1500 species of beetle along with birds and beasts. There are extensive paths and trails meandering through the woodlands for you to explore.

The Sherwood Forest area plays host to a number of attractions including Rufford Abbey Country Park, Thoresby Park, Sherwood Pines and children’s favourites White Post Farm,  Wheelgate and the Sherwood Forest Railway. These are all within easy reach of Edwinstowe.