Pictures of Papplewick

About Papplewick

This delightful village lies close to the forest made famous by the legendry Robin Hood and his sweetheart Maid Marian. Sherwood forest is a romantic place, showing some lovely countryside around which you will find a number of interesting towns and villages.

Papplewick is a pretty place which has a delightful mix of stone colour-washed cottages. It also has a unique Victorian pumping station set beside an ornate pumping pond which is said to be the finest of its kind in England and the only one to be preserved as a complete working water pumping station. Looking very much as is did when it was first built, complete with its tall chimney and landscaped gardens, the station makes for a lively and informative visit.

Another interesting place is the medieval church dedicated to St.James. The church overlooking the River Leen, stands in a quiet walled churchyard. It has a lofty tower with graceful pinnacles and dates from around the 13th-century. Inside, amongst its historic treasures lies the curiosity of a pew belonging to the local squire. In it is built a private fireplace where a fire burned to keep the squire warm - it seems he sometimes rattled the fire-irons to tell the vicar it was time to bring his sermon to a close! Papplewick was the headquarters of the Sherwood Foresters and St.James's churchyard was their burial ground. Today, you can still see medieval gravestones inscribed with bows, arrows and hunting horns Legend has it that the foresters cut their bows from the yews lining the churchyard. The locals here will tell you that there are many stories connecting the church to Robin Hood.

The Leen valley is lush and green, it has lovely woodland walks as well as quite riverside paths. The centre of Papplewick, with its attractive 18th-century cottages is now a designated conservation area. The two principle buildings, Papplewick Hall and St.James's church are both Grade I listed. The village has several Grade II listed buildings, these include gravestones in the churchyard, various parts of Papplewick Pumping Station and the Griffins Head in Forest Lane.

With plenty to interest the visitor Papplewick is an ideal destination for a lively day out or to use as a base for exploring Sherwood Forest.