Edwinstowe

Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire is the last surviving tract of primeval forest in England. In medieval times it was a royal hunting forest – the shire or sher wood of Nottinghamshire – and it became the setting for the legend of Robin Hood. Other attractions around the fringes of the forest are Clumber Park, Rufford Abbey, and the village of Southwell near Newark. The forest surrounds the village of Edwinstone, where they relentlessly market the Robin Hood link. (As they need to – it was a mining village until 2014, when Thoresby Colliery closed.) There are various themed events here especially in school holidays, and visitor facilities. Most visitors come on daytrips: if you plan to stay over and have your own transport, Southwell or Newark (England) | Newark are better bases.

Edwinstowe Halal Travel Guide

The Forest

When the last Ice Age ended around 10,000 BCE, Northern Europe became blanketed by forest. Early inhabitants gradually cleared areas for agriculture, and in England this process was well advanced by Norman times. When the Domesday Book was compiled in 1086, only about a quarter of Nottinghamshire was still covered by forest and heath. In the following centuries this dwindled further, so the Sherwood Forest we see today is just a remnant called Birklands & Bilhaugh. This medieval forest wasn’t a wilderness. It contained areas of open heath, royal game reserves, and woodlands harvested for timber, fuel, and acorns for pigs. People lived there, few of them outlaws, and major routes criss-crossed the forest.

Elsewhere in England the ancient forests were entirely cleared away. New forests were created, from Norman times up to the present day, but they could not re-create the original eco-system. Sherwood Forest is therefore an SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest), NNR (National Nature Reserve) and SAC (Special Area of Conservation), jointly managed by Nottinghamshire County Council and the Forestry Commission. Its most striking features are the ancient oaks, some of them perhaps 1000 years old. These have a strange “blasted” appearance, as fungal infection has caused their tops to die back, and some limbs are propped up, like unsteady dowager duchesses, to put off the day when they keel over.

About a mile west of the main stand of forest, Thynghowe has recently been identified as a meeting place during the Danelaw era, 9th to 11th C.

Robin Hood

Robin Hood is a completely fictional character, but he is one of the most powerful, enduring legends of England. It’s because of Robin, rather than some ancient trees, that up to a million people visit Sherwood Forest each year. See under Robin Hood for a summary of how the legend arose sometime in the 13th C, and the main Wikipedia entry for a fuller discussion. His forest companions are equally fictional. However The Sheriff of Nottingham was, and is, a real official, but nowadays his or her duties are mainly ceremonial.

Fairbanks Robin Hood standing by wall w sword - Douglas Fairbanks as Robin Hood in the film of 1922

Travel to Edwinstowe

The forest is best accessed via the Visitor Centre off B6034 just north of the village of Edwinstowe. Most visitors day-trip by car. From Yorkshire, follow A1 south to A614 (signed “Nottingham”) and follow this to Ollerton. From the south, either leave A1 at Grantham and follow A52 east then A6097 north; or leave M1 at Leicester and take A46 north then A6097 & A614.

The forest is free but it costs £3 to park at the Centre, £5 when events are on. Considering walking in from nearby, eg the village, but please take care to avoid inconveniencing residents.

By bus: the Stagecoach Sherwood Arrow runs from Nottingham Victoria Bus Station, dropping off at the Visitor Centre and at Edwinstowe village. It takes an hour, and runs hourly Monday to Sat and every two hours Sundays.

From Worksop and Retford the Sherwood Arrow runs to Ollerton, change there for the Nottingham Arrow to Edwinstowe. Every two hours Monday to Sat, only two buses on Sunday.

Some Arrows don’t stop at the Visitor Centre, get off in Edwinstowe and walk 5-10 minutes. There are no National Express coaches through the village: their nearest stop is Newark, but Nottingham is better connected.

By train: Mansfield station 7 miles away has a train every 30 mins from Nottingham, taking 30 mins, alternate trains continue to Worksop. From Mansfield take bus 14 or 15 (every 30 mins Monday to Sat, hourly Sun) to Edwinstowe, 30 mins. Newark Northgate has better mainline train services but lacks bus connections to the forest.

By air: the closest airport, with good connections across West Europe, is IATA Flight Code: EMA East Midlands Airport about 35 miles south-west. But if you’re hiring a vehicle from the airport and there’s a wide choice including IATA Flight Code: BHX Birmingham, IATA Flight Code: MAN Manchester, and the London airports.

Get Around

Edwinstowe is a small place so walking is the method of choice. Local taxi services will take you further, but ask for a quote before travelling. Those staying at Center Parcs can hire bikes there.

What to See

Start at the new Visitor Centre, opened in Aug 2018 and then stroll through the forest at least as far as the Major Oak. After that, maybe see the events at Edwinstowe, but a lot of them are tacky, catchpenny merchandising. Further out are Clumber Park and Rufford Abbey.

• Sherwood Forest Country Park - Visitor Centre | Edwinstowe NG21 9RN 53.198, -1.067 off B6034 just north of village ☎ +44 1623 823202 Opening Hours: April - Oct 10:00-17:00, November - Mar 10:00-16:30 Forest is free, but parking is £4 (RSPB members free), more for events Can get very busy but includes an interesting display about the forest's history and ecosystem. Café and toilets here. Dogs welcome.

Major Oak - The Major Oak

• The Major Oak 53.204639, -1.072444 - Major Oak Robin Hood Major Oak - About ½ mile from the Centre along a well-marked, wheelchair accessible track. The Major Oak is the oldest of the 900+ ancient oaks here and could well be 1000 years old. (So in Robin Hood's time it was small and insignificant and the obvious meeting point was at Thynghowe.) This part of the forest can be busy but carry on to find quiet glades and mysterious paths.

• Street Mary's Church Church Street Edwinstowe NG21 9QA 53.195519, -1.065939 ☎ +44 1623 8224 Opening Hours: Generally open daytime Street Mary's Church, Edwinstowe St.Mary's church, Edwinstowe - - 237723 - A5979414 Dates from 1185 so hundreds of forest dwellers have been baptised, married and buried here. Inevitably it’s touted as the place where Robin Hood and Maid Marian got married, but since she only showed up in legend 300 years later, she sure kept him waiting.

• Clumber Park Worksop S80 3AZ 53.273, -1.064 near jcn of A1, A57 and A614, follow signs ☎ +44 1909 544917 Opening Hours: Park open dawn to dusk, facilities mostly 10 am – 4 pm daily Adult £4, child £2, NT members free Clumber Park - Apleyhead Gate, Clumber Park - - 53333 Run by the National Trust, this extensive park has an elegant serpentine lake. Formerly the home of the Dukes of Newcastle, but the mansion fell into disrepair and was demolished in 1938. The 1889 Church of Street Mary (not to be confused with the one in Edwinstowe) remains in use and is a Grade I listed building in Gothic Revival style.

• Rufford Abbey - Rufford Park | Ollerton NG22 9DF 53.1753, -1.03556 about 3 miles south of Edwinstowe ☎ +44 1623 821338 Opening Hours: Daily 10 to 5 Free, but parking is £3, and £5 for events. Rufford Abbey Rufford Abbey (geograph 3674622) - Ruins of Cistercian Abbey, and part-ruined part-restored mansion house, set in an extensive park.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Edwinstowe

• Sherwood Pines Edwinstowe NG21 9JL off B6030 near Kings Clipstone ☎ +44 1623 822535 Opening Hours: Daily from 8 am, to 6 pm (October - Mar) and 10 pm (April - Sep) Parking £2 one hour, £4 two hours, £6 all day Run by the Forestry Commission. You can "Go Ape" (yes, that’s what they call it) on a harness and swing around a large assault course suspended in the treetops. The adventure playground for kids is also excellent if you're taking a family. Sherwood Pines also host "Forest Live" rock concerts, check their website.

• Amen Corner Karting has a 550 m pro-kart circuit and two fun tracks.

Shopping in Edwinstowe

Don’t bother, it’s mostly tat.

Halal Restaurants

There are cafes at the Sherwood Forest Visitor centre, at Rufford Park and at Clumber Park. On Edwinstone High Street, find one Indian and two Chinese take-aways. The pubs listed below under “Drink” also do nice bar food.

• Robin Hood Plaice 14A High Street NG21 9QS 53.194641, -1.064692 ☎ +44 1623 823051 - Thit is, you guessed it, a fish & chip shop.

As a mining village, Edwinstowe was well supplied with pubs. These are dwindling as drinking habits change but in summer 2022 the following were still in business:

• The Forest Lodge at the main crossroads
• The Manvers Arms 400 yards west down Mansfield Rd
• The Royal Oak at the main crossroads
• The Black Swan just south of crossroads on High Street
• Hammer & Wedge off the left of the bottom of High Street

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Edwinstowe

Edwinstowe - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Edwinstowe, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Edwinstowe. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Edwinstowe and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Edwinstowe. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Edwinstowe. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Edwinstowe: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Edwinstowe.

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Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Edwinstowe, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Edwinstowe, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Edwinstowe and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Edwinstowe, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Edwinstowe, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Edwinstowe without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Edwinstowe is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Edwinstowe.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Edwinstowe is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Edwinstowe, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Edwinstowe Media: info@ehalal.io

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Muslim Friendly Hotels

Although there are various Bed & Breakfasts dotted around the village the Youth Hostel is probably the best deal in terms of value-for-money and facilities.

• YHA Sherwood Forest Forest Corner (at Church Street) Edwinstowe NG21 9RN opposite Visitor Centre ☎ +44 1623 825794 +44 1623 825796 - Clean & friendly Youth Hostel in modern red-brick building. Room for 48, family bunk rooms available. Adults from £15. Often block-booked for school parties & similar.

• Center Parcs Sherwood Forest Holiday Village NG22 9DN 53.168, -1.054 a mile south of Edwinstowe ☎ +44 344 826 6266 - Holiday village. It contains a domed faux-tropical swimming swimmingpool with chutes and a wave machine, as well as a lake for sailing and windsurfing. Prices in the stores in the holiday village are a lot higher than at the Co-op in Edwinstowe village.

• Sherwood Castle Holiday Forest Rufford Lane Newark NG22 9DG 53.185742, -1.026280 ☎ +44 1623 824400 - Log cabins with activities eg archery. Cheaper and quieter than Center Parcs nearby.

• Sherwood Forest Holiday Park Gorsethorpe Lane NG21 9HW 53.179768, -1.113154 3 kilometers west of Edwinstowe ☎ +44 1623 823132 - Campsite & caravan park on riverbank.

Travel Next

Southwell is a charming small town near Newark, with a Minster, and Victorian workhouse. The garden of the Bramley Apple Pub is said to be the origin of the Bramley Apple. The town is set in attractive bucolic countryside.

Newark (England) | Newark is a traditional English market town with an important role in the Civil War – King Charles I surrendered at Southwell. See the castle and museum, and look out for events at the Showground. Other historic centres within an hour or two’s drive are Lincoln and York.

Nottingham is a modern city, and its castle is disappointing – though for interesting reasons. For big city attractions and the obvious choices are Birmingham, Sheffield and Manchester.

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