Itinerary idea: legend, culture and history galore in Nottinghamshire

Located in the heart of England, Nottinghamshire is one of the country’s most historic counties. Home to the legendary Robin Hood and the majestic Sherwood Forest, literary greats like D.H. Lawrence and Lord Byron, there’s lots to explore. 

With a modern metropolitan city where you can experience cuisine from all four corners of the globe to ducal palaces in the north of the county, there’s something for groups of all tastes. With so much to see and do in this legendary part of England, deciding what to do on your group tours can be a little tricky, thankfully we have this handy itinerary to get you started.

Here’s what you could pack into a day trip to Nottinghamshire… 

10am: Located at the courtyard of the Welbeck Estate, the Harley Gallery is north Nottinghamshire’s leading art gallery. Mixing contemporary exhibitions alongside next door’s Portland Collection Museum which hosts historic collections of artwork, the Harley Gallery is a great place to kick off any group travel itinerary.

11.30am: Sherwood Forest is perhaps the most famous forest in the world thanks to its historic connection with Robin Hood. Get a group tour through Sherwood Forest’s RSPB Nature Centre and Wildlife Reserve and soak up the splendour and majesty of this historic woodland. 

Expect to see a range of wildlife, including some rare and endangered insects. Groups can also look out for bright red cardinal beetles in the bark of fallen trees or spot alien-like funghi sprouting from tree trunks.

1pm: From Sherwood Forest’s RSPB Nature Centre and Wildlife Reserve, head into the quaint nearby village of Edwinstowe to the Forest Lodge Hotel for a bite to eat at lunch time. Forest Lodge offers fresh ingredients and an expert team in the kitchen, serving up delicious food. Their a la carte menu is served every day between 12pm - 2.30pm. 

3.30pm: Journey from Sherwood Forest into the vibrant metropolitan city of Nottingham which has a number of coach drop off points throughout the city centre. Meet your expert tour guide to the city, none other than the hooded man himself, Robin Hood. Join Robin as he shows you the sights, sounds and history of the city. This top-rated Trip Advisor tour guide can accommodate private group bookings to suit various itineraries.

End your Robin Hood Town Tour with some of the finest ales in all the land at England’s oldest inn, the Ye Old Trip to Jerusalem. This quaint old pub oozes old world charm, with exposed wooden beams, small door frames, as well as its own caves which were historically used for brewing beer. This is a great chance to grab a photo with Robin following your tour. 

Evening: Head to one of the East Midlands’ best Indian restaurants Masala Junction.The second restaurant from leading Nottingham restaurateur Amita Sawhney, Masala Junction focuses on cooking great tasting Indian cuisine using traditional tandoori ovens. A large and beautifully designed restaurant makes this perfect for group bookings.

If you’re staying overnight, the Mecure Nottingham Sherwood Hotel across the road from the restaurant has ample parking for larger vehicles such as coaches and is easily accessible.