Into Robin Hood Territory Lincoln to Nottingham Tuesday 24th June

After  a very pleasant stay in Creston Villa in Lincoln, one of the better B&B's, and some brainstorming about different aspects of UK B&B's to those in Australia, I think we both had some ideas to use in our respective businesses.

Before we left Lincoln, we drove up a hill close to where we were staying where yesterday I glimpsed a great shot of the Cathedral.  Unfortunately yesterday's sunshine was replaced with cloud, but never fear, cause we were lucky to have Mick send us another great shot from when they were here last year.

The top photo is certainly much better than we were able to get, because we couldn't get to the top of the walls of the castle.  And then because we couldn't get to the front of the cathedral, he also sent the Imp

Cheeky little man!

As Lincoln was only an hour or so away from Nottingham, we thought we would head west towards Sheffield.  But I couldn't resist a photo of this house which is for sale.

The decoration on the house was stunning looked like carved wood

A few wrong turns, due to not being able to count the exits on the roundabouts, and we saw a sign for Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre.  Now we dumb Aussies thought Sherwood Forest was at Sherwood which is close to Nottingham, so we retraced our route and went in.

Sure enough we were at the right place, and spent a pleasant time enjoying the forest and what it had to offer.  The visitor centre is quite interesting, and like most museums here catered for the young.

We learnt about the heroics of Robin, and his quest against the dastardly Sheriff, (one of my ancestors was the Sheriff of Nottingham) and Robin's life with Marion.  Now is Robin Hood real? Who knows but there are some facts that show that a Robert Hod lived in the area!  Anyway, it is a tradition that has traveled down time, to the enjoyment of movie goers and storytellers.

Little John and Robin having a bit of a tussle.

There was a short film about the forest and its uses over time.  A lot was chopped down in the war years, and later an oil well operated within the thick forest.  There are some magnificent oak trees here, many years old.  But first who was Robin Hood?  This one, or Russell Crow?

Inside we had to take sides, John was definitely from the Robin Hood make up (thief) and I was from the Sheriff, (the goodies).  

I needed a driver otherwise I might never have let him out?  Bit uncomfortable cause they were smaller people way back then! Into the forest, for a 20 minute walk, I would not have been able to do that before this trip!

The Major Oak, it is huge, and the signboard gives a good description of why it is like this. It is 1000 years old

It is propped up to assist it with its shape

Lunch over we headed to Bakewell, which is the home of the tart named after it.  But on the way we found another interesting thing to do.  The Crestwell Crags.  Rock formations millions of years old, with rock art from so many years ago.  The whole setup is very well done, and you can also explore the caves, that is unless they are closed for school excursions, as John found out.

Very peaceful, people just come and enjoy the solitude, and the scenery.  Home to many ducks.

We continued along the road through many small villages and into Clay Cross.  While digging a tunnel for the North Midland Railway, coal was discovered along with iron, coal mines frequent huge portions of the area we drove through today.

Our accommodation at Thorpe House is quite smart, even get our breakfast in our own bay window, mind you we just made it in before a shower of rain!

Looking forward to doing the Museum of Justice tomorrow along with the other attractions of Nottingham.