Skip to main content

Robin Hood's Hiding Place

Major Oak, Edwinstowe, Nottinghamshire Legend Medieval

Deep in the heart of Sherwood Forest stands the legendary Major Oak, a tree of enormous girth and character. For centuries, it's been linked with the tales of Robin Hood, the outlaw hero of English folklore. It's widely believed that this very tree was used by Robin as a hiding place from his enemies. The tree's massive branches and dense foliage would have provided the perfect shelter for the fugitive and his Merry Men. Even today, the Major Oak remains an impressive sight, its age estimated to be around 800 years old.

Historical records show that the Major Oak has been a significant landmark in Sherwood Forest since the 18th century. While there's no concrete evidence that Robin Hood actually used the tree as a hiding place, the legend has become an integral part of English folklore. The tree has been carefully preserved and is now supported by a network of beams and cables to prevent it from collapsing under its own weight. Visitors can still see the tree in all its glory, and it's easy to imagine why it was chosen as a hiding spot by the legendary outlaw.

Historical Context

The Major Oak has been a part of English folklore since the 18th century.

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Historic Tree
Activity Types
Visual
Witness Credibility
Local Legend
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Public Access
Date / Era
Tree still present
Postcode Area
NG21

Nearby Haunted Places

Cryptozoology 0.5 mi

The Upright Beast of Sherwood

Deep within the forest, Sherwood Forest

Deep within the ancient woods of Sherwood Forest, a legend has emerged about a mysterious, hairy figure with piercing red eyes. This enigmatic creature, dubbed the Upright Beast, has captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike. Described as a tall, hairy man, its unsettling gaze seems to leave a lasting impression on those who claim to have encountered it. While some consider it a modern-day myth, others believe it may be connected to the tree spirits of old, said to inhabit these very woods.

Woods Modern
Read Full Story
Legend 0.7 mi

Robin Hood's Wedding Ghost

St Mary's Church, Edwinstowe

St Mary's Church in Edwinstowe is steeped in history and legend. This charming church is said to be the very spot where the infamous outlaw Robin Hood married his beloved Maid Marian. While there's no concrete evidence to support this claim, the story has become an integral part of the church's folklore. Visitors to the church can't help but feel a sense of romance and magic in the air, as if the spirits of the legendary couple still linger.

Church Medieval
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.9 mi

The Man in Long Coat

Redbrick House restaurant, Edwinstowe

Redbrick House restaurant in Edwinstowe has a rather eerie reputation thanks to sightings of a mysterious figure known as the Man in Long Coat. This ghostly apparition has been spotted standing outside the restaurant at various times of the day and night. He's described as a man with long hair and a long coat, but that's about all we know for certain. The rest is speculation and theories about who he might be and what he's doing there.

Restaurant Victorian
Read Full Story
Apparition 1.4 mi

Phantom Cyclist of Edwinstowe

Road between Edwinstowe and Ollerton, Edwinstowe

The stretch of road between Edwinstowe and Ollerton in Nottinghamshire has a spooky reputation thanks to reports of a ghostly cyclist. Drivers travelling along this route have been startled by the sudden appearance of a phantom cyclist who seems to materialise out of thin air, only to vanish into nothingness after passing through their vehicle. This bizarre phenomenon has been occurring since the 1960s and continues to unsettle motorists to this day. The cyclist is said to appear without warning, leaving drivers to wonder if they really did see what they think they did.

Road Unknown
Read Full Story
Apparition 1.5 mi

The Phantom Maid of Clipstone

Archway House, Clipstone

Archway House in Clipstone is said to be home to several ghostly former servants, one of whom has been observed walking out of the kitchen and into the snow, where she vanishes without leaving a single footprint. This eerie apparition has sparked the imagination of locals and paranormal enthusiasts alike, who wonder about the story behind this phantom maid. What led her to leave the house in such a hurry, and what was she doing in the kitchen in the first place? These questions remain unanswered, but one thing is certain - Archway House has a reputation for being one of the most haunted locations in Nottinghamshire.

Private Residence Victorian
Read Full Story
Poltergeist 2.1 mi

Newark Poltergeist Haunting

Old Kings Arms Public House, Newark

The Old Kings Arms Public House in Newark is home to a rather rambunctious poltergeist. Locals and visitors alike have reported strange occurrences, including doors opening and slamming shut, furniture moving around on its own, and loud stomping noises. It seems this mischievous spirit, affectionately known as the Stomper, has a penchant for making its presence known. While there's no clear indication of when these events first started, reports have been trickling in since the 2000s. The Stomper's antics can be quite startling, but fortunately, it appears to be a harmless entity.

Public House Victorian
Read Full Story

Stay Nearby

Haunted hotels and accommodation near Major Oak