Right in the heart of England this county of myths and legend, vibrant cities, ancient woodlands, beautifully countryside and historical sites are all waiting to be discovered. Sherwood Forest the legendary home of Robin Hood is one of Nottinghamshire's top tourist attractions. Packed with top cultural and family activities and some of the county's best food suppliers, there is something for everyone in this historical area. Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre and the famous Major Oak, supposed headquarters to Robin and his merry men, are great places to start your tour of Sherwood where you can take the Robin Hood audio trail. One of the best times for families to visit is during the Robin Hood Festival, held each year in the first week of August.

At the time of Robin Hood, Sherwood once covered all of Nottinghamshire but nowadays it has been reduced to around 165 square miles (423 square kilometre) surrounding the village of Edwinstowe. Providing plenty of room for fans of the great outdoors and adrenalin junkies who can chose from cycling, climbing and zip sliding to make an action packed holiday. At Rufford Abbey Country Park you can visit the 12th century Cistercian monastery and find out more about Robin's relationship with the Church. Also each June the abbey holds the internationally acclaimed Earth and Fire ceramics festival. Nott's principle city is Nottingham. It's a vibrant city and one of the country leading shopping detinations, consistently ranked in the top 5 shopping destinations in The UK and is packed with high street stores, designer labels and a growing line of independent boutiques.

At the heart of the city is the Old Market Square. The recent multimillion pound refurbishment of the Square has created one of Europe's largest market places - on a par with many public spaces in Europe. The centrepiece of the square is the Council House, which is guarded faithfully the lions. Many events are held in the square throughout the year including open air concerts, festivals and a popular monthly fine food market. Nottingham is a city of contrast, a busy commercial and retail centre by day and by night a haven for culture, music and entertainment. The Royal Centre has played host to some of the best acts in the world with the likes of the Bolshoi ballet having performed here. The Royal Shakespeare Society will be returning this year as will the Hallé as part of the orchestra's 150th birthday. While Trent FM Arena hosts global icons such as The Foo Fighters and Bob Dylan.

About the Author - This article was written on behalf of Martin&Co Letting Agent Nottingham who deal with property letting in Nottingham

1. The Prince of Wales formally opened Midland counties museum and gallery of art (formally known as the Nottingham Castle) on the 3rd of July 1878. 

2. Victoria Centre is the tallest building in Nottingham standing at 72m/256ft. Built in 1972 it is smaller than Big Ben (106m/320ft) but taller than the Leaning Tower of Pisa (55m/180ft). 

3. Four statues stand on top of the council building in the Nottingham market square. These represent Civic law, Prosperity, Commerce and Knowledge. The hallmarks of Nottingham. 

4. Nottingham is home to one of the most ornate Tudor buildings in the UK. Wollaton Hall was built between 1580 and 1588 and has recently been restored to the tune of £39 million! 

5. Newstead Abbey was built for Henry II in 1170, although the beautiful historic house set in some of the most glorious landscape in Nottinghamshire is more commonly known as the home of Lord Byron. 

6. The Queen Chambers in Market Square, Nottingham is decorated by the scowling Queen Victoria as well as other mythical and mystical beasts. 

7. Thomas Chambers Hine designed The Great Northern Station in 1856. This was later changed to the Grand Victorian Station in 1900 and is now a health club! 

8. Sir William Pierrepoint built one of the first ever brick buildings to survive in Britain. Pierrepoint Holme Hall was made in 1500 and now hosts wedding receptions! 

9. Rumours are abound about Rufford Abbey possibly getting a lottery grant to enable experts to reveal more about what many people deem the most complete estate landscapes in the whole of Britain. 

10. William the Conqueror built the first castle in 1067 and it remains a landmark to this very day.

About the Author - Property Letting in Nottingham