Do we make enough of a deal about Robin Hood in Nottinghamshire? Here’s what some visiting tourists told us

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Robin Hood Statue in Nottingham City Centre.

By George Palmer-Soady

Robin Hood Chase, Maid Marian Way, Sherwood Forest – look at a map of Nottinghamshire and you’ll find plenty of references to the heroic outlaw, at least in place names.

But for many years, political and business leaders have agreed Nottinghamshire doesn’t do enough to make use of it’s status as the home of Robin Hood – arguably one of the world’s most famous legends.

The story of the medieval outlaw who robbed the rich to give to the poor, all while buckling swashes and being as fast with a bow and arrow as a student downing a pint in the Trip has appeared in at least 146 films and television series – from cartoons to Hollywood blockbusters.

A new survey launched by the County Council this week asks residents, visitors and local businesses their thoughts on how the legend should be used to promote the area and boost tourism.

It’s believed to be the first time anyone in authority has tried to canvas public opinion on what we could do better to make the most of the man who’d definitely give you a fiver to pop into Greggs.

The authority says Robin Hood is already worth more than £2 billion to the local economy. A consultation in 2023 found it was by far the most popular element of the city and county when it comes to attracting tourism.

The 1,000-year old Major Oak at Sherwood Forest remains a major draw for Robin Hood fans.  

Feedback from the consultation suggested even more could be done to showcase the legendary outlaw, who has been depicted countless times in films and TV series shown around the world.

The survey, open until February 7, also asks people how they view Robin Hood, and which of the many depictions they feel best accurately portray the character. Not being based on any tangible evidence, his story is considered essentially fictional by historians and other heritage experts, meaning his place in museums tends to be centred on his cultural legacy.

Keith Girling, the county council’s cabinet member for economic development and asset management, told Notts TV: “[Robin Hood’s] always mentioned, he’s a prominent brand everywhere you go.

Keith Girling, Nottinghamshire County Council’s cabinet member for economic development and asset management says he believes Robin Hood has been ‘utilised’ in promoting the area

“I think we’ve missed a bit of a trick and I don’t think we utilise it enough.

“Everyone will have their own idea on how we can promote the whole legend and that’s what we want to know.

“If you look at some of the things that have been tried in the past, they’ve often been half-cocked attempts. This is about looking at how we can make a concerted effort to capitalise on the brand.”

There have been various explicitly Robin Hood-themed attractions aimed at visitors and families in the city and county over the years, the majority of them privately-owned.

Two re-enactors, Tim Pollard and Ade Andrews, have both also spent years bringing the legend to life with tours and appearances at public events.

An old menu in the former Tales of Robin Hood building (LDRS)
An old menu still on the wall of the former Tales of Robin Hood visitor attraction on Maid Marian Way. It opened in 1989 and used a chair-lift ride to take visitors through a recreation of medieval Nottingham, before closing in 2009

The Tales of Robin Hood visitor attraction on Maid Marian Way opened in 1989 and used a chair-lift ride to take visitors through a recreation of medieval Nottingham, before closing in 2009. The smaller Robin Hood Experience Museum, on Friar Lane, permanently closed last year after being set up in 2017.

While the city may not currently have specific Robin Hood-dedicated attraction aimed at children, not withstanding some references at Nottingham Castle and Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre, the legend of Robin Hood continues to bring tourists into the city and county.

We asked visitors in Nottingham how well they think the outlaw is promoted in the area – and what more they believe needs to be done.

Matt Therbrum, from South Carolina, US, was visiting the city with eight-year-old son Luke to watch the Forest v Liverpool game on Tuesday (January 14).

Matt Therbrum, from South Carolina, USA, was visiting the city with eight-year-old son Luke to watch the Forest v Liverpool game on Tuesday

He said: “From just the little bit of time I’ve spent here already, there are a lot of references that tie back to Robin Hood – the castle and of course the Sherriff of Nottingham.”

Ona Varnas, came to the city from London with her daughter who was competing in the aptly-named ‘Robin Hood’ ice skating competition.

“We’ve visited the statue and the Castle,” she said.

“But I think Nottingham could do more to promote the city by using [Robin Hood]. We didn’t find any attractions online about him. More attractions would be a good way to promote him.”

Ona Varnas, came to the city from London with her daughter who was competing in the aptly-named ‘Robin Hood’ ice skating competition

Dylan Whitney, from Montana, USA, has lived in Nottingham for nine months, and was visiting the Castle and the Robin Hood statue for the first time.

“I grew up watching the cartoons and movies. When I moved here, I learnt some of the background behind it.

“As an outsider living in Nottingham, the first thing that comes to mind is the Castle and Sherwood Forest.

Dylan Whitney, from Montana, USA, has lived in Nottingham for nine months, and was visiting the Castle and the Robin Hood statue for the first time

“But most of what I know about Robin Hood is from word of mouth. It’s nice to see places like Maid Marian Way that are named after it.

“But as far as actually advertising for tourism, I don’t think I’ve seen any of that. It’s mainly grassroots and organic.”

The County Council’s survey is open online until February 7.

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