This package combines the historic delights of Nottingham’s most famous son, Robin Hood, with a canal cruise, as well as historic gem, Belvoir Castle, as seen on Netflix’s The Crown. This a great alternative to our Robin Hood Weekend tour!
Major Oak, Sherwood Forest
Nottingham Old Market Square
Belvoir Castle © Nicktfry
Princess River Cruises
The Workhouse Southwell ©National Trust Images
Itinerary
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.
Hotel
Holiday Inn South Normanton M1 Jct 28
Alfreton, Derbyshire
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.
BarGround Floor RoomsLiftParking On Site & Free of ChargeRestaurantTea & Coffee making facilities
Derby Mickleover, BW Signature Collection
Mickleover, Derby
Located at Mickleover on the outskirts of Derby, the Derby Mickleover Hotel offers a warm welcome to groups. There is lift access to all 99 bedrooms which are of a good size and all contain a TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. There is a large restaurant with plenty of natural daylight and also a bar leading to the open plan reception. A lounge can be found on the first floor and is an ideal place to relax away from the hustle and bustle below. Leisure facilities include a swimming pool, sauna, steam room and solarium.
BarLeisure FacilitiesLiftParking On Site & Free of ChargeRestaurantTea & Coffee making facilities
Pricing
Inclusions
- Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre
- Entrance to Southwell Workhouse
- Belvoir Castle entrance & guided tour
- 3-hour step on guided tour of Nottingham
- 3-hour river cruise with 2 course roast lunch
See quote for hotel inclusions
Holiday Inn South Normanton
4 Nights Half Board
Twin from £417pp
Double for Sole Use Supplement from £124
Based on Thursday arrivals
Ask for Derby Mickleover, BW Signature Collection
