Nottinghamshire County Council planning Robin Hood attraction to boost tourism

Nottinghamshire needs to create a Robin Hood attraction to ensure more tourists visit the city, says the deputy leader of the county council.

Bruce Laughton, Conservative member for Muskham and Farnsfield, said Nottinghamshire had never been very good at selling itself and has failed to promote its jewel in the crown ­— Robin Hood.

He revealed the county council was working at securing a private investor that could set up a tourist attraction around the legendary outlaw.

The plans were revealed at the first ever Nottinghamshire Day held at County Hall next to the River Trent today (Wednesday).

Nottinghamshire Day is about promoting everything about the county, with plans to stage street parties, events, and activities next year.

Nottingham did have a Tales of Robin Hood attraction in Maid Marian Way, before it closed in 2009 due to falling visitor numbers.

Visitors were taken on a chair-lift ride through medieval Nottingham and into Robin Hood’s hideaway in Sherwood Forest.

There were also archery classes and a banquet to enjoy.

Mr Laughton told Local Democracy Reporting Service: “Nottinghamshire has never been very good at selling itself. We have always had the jewel in the crown, which is Robin Hood, which is internationally known.

“What have we done to sell it? The amount of complaints we get that we are not taking advantage. We are now starting to look into this area.

“We have got to start to sell Nottinghamshire and Nottinghamshire Day is just the vehicle to do that.”

Asked if the council could run the Robin Hood attraction, he added: “You have got to be careful it is not a lead weight around your neck.

“When councils start to run non-essential services, they have not got a good history. We have got to encourage the private sector. It on our radar.”

He said Center Parcs in Sherwood Forest was a good example, as the council worked with the sports and leisure holiday provider.

Dignitaries, including local MPs, gathered at County Hall to celebrate the area’s first ever Nottinghamshire Day, which was organised by Nottinghamshire County Council.

The Nottinghamshire flag, which sports a prominent picture of Robin Hood, was also raised.