St Mary's Church, Edwinstowe

The historic village at the heart of all things Sherwood Forest, Edwinstowe is an ideal base if you are planning on rambling in the footsteps of some famous merry men. It is the end point of the Robin Hood Way long distance trail and is on the edge of the Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve, where a visitor centre boasts amenities and information aplenty. The parish church is said to be where Robin and Maid Marian tied the knot.

Edwinstowe is an historic village in the heart of Sherwood Forest, the home of Robin Hood. Legend has it that it was here, at the beautiful medieval church of St Mary, that Robin married Maid Marian. The High Street is home to a statue in their honour.Edwinstowe takes its name from the holy shrine or resting place – ‘’stowe’’ of King Edwin, the Saxon king of Northumbria who was slain in 633AD. He was buried in Sherwood Forest so that his enemies could not lay hands on his body and a small wooden chapel was later erected. The Church of St Mary’s was rebuilt in stone in 1175.This is a vibrant and busy village with a variety of shops, restaurants and pubs. For full details on what Edwinstowe has to offer see edwinstowe.co.uk .On the outskirts of the village, just past the church, is the Sherwood Forest Art and Craft Centre. Here a you can find a number of craft shops including handmade chocolates, vintage fabrics, jewellery and a cafe.Just a 10 minute walk from the village is the Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre and National Nature Reserve, the legendary home of Robin Hood. Many of the oaks in Sherwood Forest have stood for over 5 centuries and the mighty Major Oak (Robin Hood’s tree) is estimated to be over 800 years old. The forest is a Special Area of Conservation and is teeming with life with over 200