Famous British folklore: 11 places you need to visit

From Robin Hood to King Arthur, Britain is famed for its folklore, myths and legends. Exploring these tales can take you to some extraordinary places where you can let your imagination run wild. Our list below includes legendary forests, castles, spooky caves and mysterious stone circles that each play an important part in British folklore and are sure to leave both children and adults mesmerised.

1. Sherwood Forest

Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire is famously associated with the tales of folk hero Robin Hood. The main road from London to York passed through the forest, where travellers were often vulnerable to robbers or ‘outlaws’ who would wait in the forest to ambush their victims. Robin Hood of course, was known to defend these travellers with the help of his trusty bow and arrow. Today Sherwood Forest is a heritage site attracting thousands of visitors. The 1000 year old Major Oak tree is a highlight and according to legend this is where Robin Hood and his merry men sheltered and slept.

2. Tintagel Castle

Tintagel Castle in the north of Cornwall has been a site associated with the legends of King Arthur for hundreds of years, in particular, as the king’s birthplace. The ruined castle occupies a dramatic cliff side location with stunning views. There is plenty of opportunity to learn about King Arthur as you explore the castle, such storytellers who will capture your imagination tales of legends and romance while you view the spectacular scenery around you. The wizard Merlin is thought to have lived in a cave nearby which you can also easily visit.

3. Loch Ness

The Loch Ness Monster is famous all over the world. The monster is supposedly a large animal that lives in the deep waters of Loch Ness in Scotland. Reports of sightings abound, with photographs and film footage also offering questionable evidence of the creature’s existence. The story has been around since 1933 and there are still regular searches carried out today in the pursuit to find ‘Nessie’, as the creature is affectionately known. The surrounding area of Loch Ness is truly breath-taking and you can take a boat cruise on the loch or visit the ruins of Urquhart Castle nearby while hoping to catch a glimpse of the monster.

4. Bodmin Moor

Bodmin Moor in Cornwall is steeped in history and legend and is an ideal place to take a scenic walk. The famous Beast of Bodmin is a phantom wild cat thought to have been spotted many times by the local residents of the area with many farmers reporting the brutal killings of their livestock. There are many other sites to visit while you keep an eye out for the beast, including the mysterious Hurlers Stone Circle and the Jamaica Inn, famous for its smuggling history and the subject of many a ghost tale.

5. Stonehenge

Stonehenge in Wiltshire is perhaps the most famous British folklore attraction. The site dates back to 50,000 years and it’s suggested to have been a place of ritual sacrifice, sun worship or even used as a type of calendar helped by the movement of the sun and stars. Its true purpose and how it was made remains a mystery. A visit here is truly awe inspiring - don’t miss out on an audio tour of the site as well as a visit to the site’s shop for souvenirs. You can make a night of it because camping is available near to Stonehenge.

6. Glastonbury

The town of Glastonbury in Somerset is home to a number of myths and legends, particularly concerning both King Arthur and the Holy Grail. The graves of King Arthur and Guinevere were claimed by monks to have been found in the grounds of Glastonbury Abbey. Many also believe that the town’s Chalice Well is the hiding place of the Holy Grail. Glastonbury Tor is particularly noted for its strange and mysterious history and has many a curious tale associated with it.

7. Rosslyn Chapel

This medieval Rosslyn Chapel located just outside Edinburgh in Scotland has long-standing links to the Knights Templar and Freemasonry. Like the Glastonbury Chalice Well, many people claim that the chapel is the resting place of the Holy Grail. When visiting you’ll see stunning displays of craftsmanship everywhere you turn with wonderfully carved figures of mythical characters as well as beautiful stained glass windows. This is a unique attraction not to be missed.

8. Cerne Abbas Giant

The Cerne Abbas Giant is a gigantic chalk hill figure etched into the hillside near the village of Cerne Abbas in Dorset and is thought to date back to the Iron Age. It is not known what the purpose of the site is and there are many theories: local folklore has long held it to be an aid for fertility (the figure is naked!). The figure was once covered up to disguise it from the enemy who may have used the site as an aerial landmark during World War II. The charming village is worth visiting at the same time and holds a music festival, fetes and street fairs throughout the year suitable for the whole family.

9. St Michael’s Mount

St Michael’s Mount is a tidal island that lies off the coast of Cornwall. Legend has it that the island was once home to a giant named Cormoran who enjoyed terrorising the local residents of Marazion. The giant later fell down a hole set up as a trap by a local boy named Jack where he never escaped. You can still see Jack’s hole and put your head against the nearby rock where people say you can hear the giant's heart beating. The island is a lovely place to visit and has a splendid castle and beautiful gardens which are home to some exotic flora and fauna.

10. Wayland Wood

Wayland Wood in Norfolk is an ancient woodland and nature reserve full of wonderful trees including oak, ash and hazel as well as flowers such as wood anemone, purple orchids and the rare star of Bethlehem. The story of the woods goes that a wicked uncle living in nearby Griston Hall paid a couple of local criminals to murder his orphaned niece and nephew so he could gain their inheritance. They took the babes into the wood but were unable to go through with the deed so they abandoned the toddlers who subsequently died. Apparently, their eerie cries can be heard at night.

5. Wookey Hole

The Wookey Hole Caves in Somerset are a series of mysterious, limestone caves that are also the subject of an interesting legend. The story goes that the fearsome Wookey Hole Witch once lived here and she was turned to stone by a local monk sent to exorcise her. The caves provide an excellent family day out with plenty of attractions to keep everyone amused such as a mirror maze, a life sized dinosaur park, a monster mill, a fairy garden and a Victorian penny arcade.

Britain is full of attractions associated with mysterious and interesting folklore. For even more places to see how about taking a trip to the Callinish Stones in the Outer Hebrides with a story similar to that of Stonehenge or the fascinating Skara Brae Neolithic settlement on the main island of the Orkneys - the most intact of its kind in Europe. Don’t miss these great chances to discover and learn more about the folklore, myths and legends of the UK.