Nottinghamshire is perhaps not the most obvious tourist destination.

But if you go down to the woods today, you may be in for a big surprise.

Actually, it's a forest, and not that much of a surprise, as Robin Hood, the most famous ex-inhabitant of Sherwood, is one of Britain's most lovable rogues.

But how much do you know about him and his famous home?

My family and I set off for Sherwood Forest to discover more.

Yes, we've seen the countless films, and my wife loved the latest BBC offering, but there was so much we didn't know about the man himself.

Firstly, we were surprised to discover that Robin was, in fact, a Yorkshireman!

However, it is no surprise he made Nottinghamshire and Sherwood Forest his home. It really is a lovely part of the country and ideal for a short break, though we found two days were not really enough, but then it never is.

The village of Edwinstowe, sitting at the heart of the forest, is the perfect base from which to explore the area. We stayed at the Forest Lodge Hotel, which is right in the centre of the village and opposite the parish church.

The church is a good place to start. It was here Robin supposedly wed a certain Maid Marian. The couple are also honoured in the village itself, a statue commemorating their love for one another.

From Edwinstowe, you can walk right into the heart of the forest (I did say it was the ideal base).

There is an excellent centre for visitors where you can find out all about Robin and his Merry Men. Robyn Hode's Sherwood is a fun exhibition based upon the famous outlaw, while there is also a video theatre introducing you to Robin Hood Country.

You can even clad the little ones in Lincoln green before setting off on any one of numerous well-signposted trails.

And you might even be tempted to pick up a bow and arrow yourself, which you also have the opportunity to do here. Archery is great fun and very easy to get the hang of. Within a few minutes, you will feel like you are Robin's latest recruit.

Most visitors head for the Major Oak, which is a short walk from the visitor centre. Experts believe the tree is between 800 and 1,000 years old.

In 2001, it was voted England's "Best Loved Tree". Robin and his followers are believed to have sought refuge under its branches. There are other gnarled and ancient oaks throughout the forest and it is easy to imagine yourself back in the days when travellers came here with trepidation, fearful of ambush. Of course, visitors are made much more welcome these days.

The centre also provides a wealth of information on the varied local wildlife. I don't think I have seen, or heard, as many woodpeckers in one area.

Sherwood Forest was once a royal hunting forest. Many English kings came here, including King John, Robin's legendary enemy. The country park was created in 1969. It is open 364 days a year and, best of all, is free of charge.

For those who want to discover the complete Robin Hood story, there is now an audio trail which takes the visitor further afield. The 12 locations on it cover 100 miles of Nottinghamshire's varied landscape.

One of the stops is not surprisingly Nottingham and its famous castle, once home to the outlaw's dreaded enemy, the Sheriff. There is a statue of Robin, bow and arrow at the ready, standing in the shadow of the impressive castle walls.

Nottingham is everything you would expect from a city, but much more, partly because of its Robin Hood connections and the county's rich mining heritage. Next to the castle is the Museum of Nottingham Life at Brewhouse Yard, where you can step back in time and take in life over the last 300 years. The Tales of Robin Hood in Maid Marian Way reveals more adventures of the endearing outlaw.

Also standing in the shadow of the castle is Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, reputed to be Britain's oldest inn, and the perfect place to reflect upon the fascinating people that would have come here over the years.

The market town of Newark is home to the county's only medieval castle, which stands overlooking the River Trent, and you can learn all about Robin's brushes with King John here. In fact, there are too many places with Robin Hood connections to mention. You seem to just come across them when least expecting it. It is, of course, testament to the influence he has had on the county over the years.

To the north of Nottinghamshire are the Dukeries, home to some grand country estates which were established from the former expanse of Sherwood Forest. They include Clumber Park, now owned by the National Trust, which is a fascinating place and well worth a visit. It was once home to the Dukes of Newcastle, before Clumber House was demolished in 1938.

Despite the lack of a plush mansion, there is much to see here, including the country's longest avenue of lime trees, a classical bridge over Clumber Lake, a walled kitchen garden and Gothic chapel, all situated in a quite idyllic setting.

It should be said that a Nottinghamshire, even without Robin Hood, would still be a great draw.

There really is something for all the family, from stately homes and abbeys, to wildlife and theme parks.

There are caves and crags to explore, and houses of the famous, the writers Lord Byron and D.H Lawrence both having also once resided within the county.

However, Nottinghamshire makes no apologies for marketing itself as the Robin Hood County, and why should it?

We cannot get enough of this great British hero and a visit here will really bring the man to life.

There is something very English about Robin Hood. No one will know what he was really like, but you will certainly feel you know a little bit more about him following your visit.

So, what are you waiting for? The days are getting longer and there is much to explore.

Don those walking boots, pack a pullover (preferably of Lincoln green), and discover for yourself just how many strings to its bow the fascinating county of Nottinghamshire really has.

For further details go to www.robinhoodbreaks.visitnottingham.com

Where we stayed: The Forest Lodge Hotel, Church Street, Edwinstowe.

This really is the perfect base to explore the heart of Sherwood Forest. The 17th-century coaching inn is situated just a short walk from the country park visitor centre.

The hotel is family run, which makes for a homely atmosphere. The staff were all very friendly and made us feel most welcome, but were also very professional and seemed to enjoy their work. It also has to be said that our room was spotless. Lovers of traditional ales might be tempted to spend most of their time in the cosy bar!

Go to www.forestlodgehotel.co.uk for rates and further details.