Jetsettersblog

www.visitbritain.us/robinhood  which offers itineraries, behind-the-scenes location information and travel ideas.

VisitBritain, the national tourist office for England, Scotland and Wales, is inviting travelers to visit the British sites that set the stage for this year’s action-adventure film from director Ridley Scott, “Robin Hood,” starring Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett, in theaters May 14.

VisitBritain launched a Robin Hood-themed microsite,

Visitors can follow in a legend’s footsteps while walking Nottinghamshire’s Robin Hood trail, stopping at 12 thematic locations along the way that explore the legend of Robin Hood. Nottingham Castle has a Robin Hood — The Movie exhibition of costumes, props and behind-the-scenes memorabilia from the new film, which was created by the movie’s set designer, Sonja Klaus, and will be on display through October.

May is Robin Hood month in Nottingham, with activities planned including, jousting, archery and medieval festivals (www.mynottingham.gov.uk/robinhood).

Travelers can also explore the locations that provide the backdrop for the film, which was shot on location in England and Wales.

In Nottinghamshire, travelers can embark on the Robin Hood trail using a map that highlights 12 locations throughout Nottinghamshire.

Each location is relevant to the legend and includes places he lived, fought, hunted and preyed upon rich folk.

“In the Footsteps of Robin Hood,” a free audio trail podcast is available for free download on the website.

For more information, visit www.robinhoodbreaks.visitnottingham.com

Visitors to Nottingham Castle can tour the 17th century mansion built on the site of the original medieval palace, once the seat of power for the Sheriff of Nottingham.

Just a short distance away from the Old Market Square, this ducal mansion, which is in use as a museum and art gallery, houses most of Nottinghamshire’s finest and decorative art collections. Also at the foot of the castle is the seven-foot Robin Hood statue.

City of Caves plays an integral part in Nottingham’s history, as well as the time of Robin Hood and the Sheriff of Nottingham. Visitors can travel back in time at this attraction and explore the labyrinth of hand-carved limestone caves underneath the city, which once led to the Nottingham Castle.

For more information, visit www.cityofcaves.com

Travelers can end their day in Nottingham with a pint at Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, thought to be the oldest pub in England.

Carved out of castle rock, it is thought that tales of Robin Hood were told here, helping to spread the word about the legend and his antics.

For more information, visit www.triptojerusalem.com.

Nearby, visitors should travel to Sherwood Forest and stop along the way in the village of Edwinstone. Here, travelers can find the Church of St. Mary, where Robin Hood and Maid Marion were wed. There is a statue of Robin and Marion in the town center.

Legends say Robin Hood lived in many parts of Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve. Here, visitors can find the Major Oak — the oldest living tree in the forest that some say was Robin Hood’s hideout.

Visitors can also travel along walking and cycling trails and stop by the new “Robin Hood — The Movie” exhibition, which appears like a medieval encampment deep in the forest.

A large wooden cart that was used in the film provides rustic seating to view behind-the-scenes footage.

In August, visitors can attend the annual Robin Hood Festival, which re-creates the Robin Hood legend with sword fighting, story telling and archery demonstrations.

For more information, visit www.sherwoodforest.org.uk  or www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/countryparks

Film locations used in “Robin Hood” include Freshwater West, in Pembrokeshire, Wales, which served as the setting for the French invasion scene in Robin Hood. This expanse of beach in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is ornamented by pools of rocks and bordered by low cliffs.

For more information, visit www.visitwales.com

The Virginia Water, also in Surrey, was one of the settings chosen for “Robin Hood.” Located a few miles outside London, it is part of The Great Park, which comprises thousands of acres of gardens, lakes and woodland.

The Great Park is recorded in Saxon documents as a hunting forest used by monarchs and nobles. Adjoining the royal residence of Windsor, it has evolved over the centuries under the patronage of Kings and Queens.

For more information, visit www.theroyallandscape.co.uk

A battle scene featuring mounted warriors was filmed in the glens of Thorpe Pastures in Dovedale. Visitors can discover this dramatic limestone ravine famous for its stepping stones that cross the River Dove.

This part of the Peak District is superb for walking, riding, cycling and climbing.

For more information, visit www.derbyshireuk.net/dovedale.html

In the film, the Tower of London was recreated via an elaborate set and digital effects, but visitors to London can visit the real Tower of London and get an authentic flavor of this brutal period in Britain’s history.

The fortress on the banks of the River Thames has been a royal palace, a prison, an execution site, an arsenal, a mint, a keep for wild animals and a jewel house.

You can see artifacts from every part of this history on a visit. See the crown jewels, awesome architecture, and fearsome arms and amour.

For more information, visit www.hrp.org.uk

For general information, visit www.robinhoodthemovie.com  or www.visitbritain.org