Belvoir Castle Credit Richard Brown
The Major Oak, Sherwood Forest
Newark Castle
River Trent Cruise
River Trent Nottingham
The Workhouse Southwell ©National Trust Images Tom Webster-Deakin www.nationaltrust.org.uk
UPDATED TOUR
This package combines the historic delights of Nottingham’s most famous son, Robin Hood, with a canal cruise, as well as Belvoir Castle, as seen on Netflix’s The Crown. This a great alternative to our Robin Hood Weekend tour!
Grant says…
Cracking location and superb value for money with lots on the doorstep to offer, including the Peak District. A great hotel that gives a warm welcome to groups.
PACKAGED ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrival
We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner.
Day 2 Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre, Newark & Southwell Workhouse
This morning, we enjoy an adventure at the Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre, gateway to the historic woodland with many beautiful trails and legendry home of Robin Hood, one of the world’s best loved folk heroes. We follow a trail through the forest to discover its most famous ancient resident, the Major Oak Tree. With a canopy spread of 28 metres, this amazing tree is the oldest oak in Britain and fabled to have been used as a shelter for Robin and his Merry Men as they outwitted the forces of law. We have free time for lunch in Newark-on-Trent. In the afternoon we indulge in a sobering social history at the atmospheric Southwell Workhouse. It offers a fascinating vignette of how the poor lived as we explore the rooms, vegetable garden and yards and find out about the role of the workhouse and how it evolved through time.
Day 3 Belvoir Castle & Melton Mowbray
This morning, we visit Belvoir Castle, used as ‘Windsor Castle’ in series 3 of the hugely successful Netflix series, The Crown. We embark on a guided tour of the castle and learn about the rare treasures and impressive painting collection as we walk in the footsteps of past Dukes and Duchesses. We have time to explore the choice of gardens including the Rose Garden, Japanese Woodland, Hermits Garden and Dukes Walk to mention but a few. This afternoon, we have free time in the ancient town of Melton Mowbray, famed not only for its delicious pork pies and stilton cheese, but also its Royal connections through the centuries as well as a centre for local agriculture. We have time to explore the pretty streets dotted with half-timbered buildings, quirky shops and bustling markets.
Day 4 Guided Tour of Nottingham & River Cruise
We meet our guide in Nottingham for a 3-hour part walk/part step-on guided tour by ‘Ezekial Bone’, Nottingham’s official outlaw, Robin Hood! We stroll around the Victorian Lace Market, once the commercial heart of a world-wide empire in machine made lace, learning about the evolution of Nottingham’s textile industry. We hear the truth behind the Robin Hood legend with masterful storytelling by our aptly dressed guide. This afternoon we take to the water for a relaxing 3-hour cruise on the River Trent. As we sail, we tuck into a 2-course traditional roast lunch with tea and coffee, taking in the lovely scenery and superb views of the historic city.
Day 5 Departure
After breakfast, we make our way home.
Offering convenient M1 motorway access, this modern, welcoming hotel is ideally located within a short drive of the beautiful Peak District and a mile from the East Midlands Designer Outlet. The 157 bedrooms are stylish and well equipped with a TV, hairdryer, tea/coffee making facilities, iron & board and free Wi-Fi and a good number are located on the ground floor. Food and drink wise, there’s a contemporary restaurant, bar and lounge.
4 Nights Half Board
Twin from £405pp
Double for Sole Use Supplement from £124
Based on Monday arrivals
Inclusions
• Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre
• Entrance to Southwell Workhouse
• Belvoir Castle entrance & guided tour
• 3 hour guided tour of Nottingham
• 3-hour river cruise with 2 course roast lunch
Please refer to your quote for hotel inclusions.
