Sherwood Hideaway takes woodland retreats to a whole new level

Spending a weekend away in the woods is a rather different experience than from years gone by.

Back in my youth, a weekend of camping would bring all the pleasures of being at one with nature and the joy of fresh crisp mornings and long walks enjoying beatutiful scenery.

It also brought a fair amount of sleepless nights, inconvenient trips to faraway toilets and a lot of hassle putting tents up and carrying boxes full of plastic mugs, cutlery, tinned food and a stove.

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Now the world has changed as holidaymakers and those seeking to enjoy a woodland retreat and escape the hustle and bustle of life look to do it in a rather more luxurious and relaxing way.

I am certainly one of those people, I like the finer things and for things to be as easy as possible.

Luckily for me I stumbled across Sherwood Hideaway as I browsed potential sites for my own slice of relaxation and escapism.

Sherwood Hideaway is a woodland retreat of luxury lodges nestled deep within Sherwood Forest on the magnificent Thoresby Estate.

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The site offers a super range of rustic, contemporary and traditional log cabins – all of which are lavishly styled, with many of the lodges including an indulgent hot tub under the stars.

Myself and my wife chose the two bed Woodland Rustic Lodge, lured in by the promise of bbqs, beer and our own private hot tub away from society and wordly stresses.

For once it was a good choice on my part, with the lodge leaving me with huge wow factor as soon as we walked through the door.

To be honest our lodge was nearly as good, if not better, than our house and would do anyone looking to live in a two bedroom apartment proud.

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A large, modern and well equipped kitchen, two spacious bathrooms, two beautiful bedrooms with the finest sheets and linen, 32 inch LCD TV and DVD player, as well as a private decking area overlooking expansive woodland with cows grazing is certainly the ideal way to pass a relaxing weekend.

For me the beauty of Sherwood Hideaway is not just the beauty it is surrounded by but its perfect location.

Walkers and history lovers will be left delighted by Clumber Park, Rufford Abbey Country Park and, let us not forget, world famous Sherwood

Forest which is on the doorstep.

Rufford Abbey remains a firm favourite of mine, with its beautiful lake walks and expansive trails an ideal way to ease away the tensions of a working week and explore Nottinghamshire’s thriving tourist industry.

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In 1146 Gilbert de Gaunt, Earl of Lincoln, founded the Cistercian abbey of St Mary the Virgin.

Rufford Abbey was moderately wealthy and able to sustain a community of monks between its completion in about 1170 and its suppression in 1536.

Rufford was one of the first abbeys in England to be affected by the Suppression of the Monasteries, and the whole estate was quickly acquired by George Talbot, 4th Earl of Shrewsbury.

The abbey and park were bought by Nottinghamshire County Council in 1952, who have done a fine job with the property over the last six decades.

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Sherwood Hideaway really does encourage you to get your feet on the go and walk, walk and walk, It’s hard for anyone to explore picturesque woodland trails, rolling fields and enjoying the silence and seclusion away from roads, supermarkets and the many other nuisances modern life can bring.

I don’t think I’ve walked as much in my life as my three days at Sherwood Hideaway. Luckily for me, a dip in the hot tub was only ever seconds away.

Sherwood Hideaway is perfect for romantic escapes, family holidays, active getaways and restful breaks.

Prices start from £520 for a four-night stay, for up to four sharing. To book visit http://www.sherwoodhideaway.comor call 01623 824 594.