£13m Robin Hood Experience planned for Sherwood Forest
by Tom Walker | 30 Oct 2012
An artist's impression of the planned Robin Hood-themed attraction
Plans have been revealed for a £13m Discover Robin Hood visitor attraction in Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire.
Nottinghamshire County Council has appointed Discovery Attractions to design and operate the attraction, which will include a mix of indoor and outdoor experiences.
Facilities include the Discover Sherwood Forest dome – which will offer an insight into the history of the forest – and The Village, exhibiting the medieval way of life with live entertainment, crafts workshops and live animals.
There will also be an open-air theatre, a torture chamber-themed scare attraction, a maze, an adventure play area and a 4D cinema showing a 10-minute Robin Hood film.
The attraction's 'jewel in the crown' will be a daily entertainment show, produced in partnership with US-based BRC Imagination Arts.
The show will consist of a blend of live action, 4D projection, special effects and theatrical illusions to transport guests back to 12th century England to join Robin and his warriors on their adventures.
Construction is set to begin in late 2013 and it is hoped that parts of the attraction will open during 2014 with the entire site fully operational in mid-2015.
Discovery Attractions was founded by entrepreneur Tom Hartley and Ian McGonigal, who has more than 20 years' experience in the design and construction of visitor attractions for major operators including Madame Tussaud's.
The company's CEO, John Lowther, is a former manager of London's Vinopolis and is also a former director of the Trentham Estate in Staffordshire.
Rob Gray, marketing director of Discovery Attractions said: "Robin Hood is a global brand that deserves to be celebrated, and where better to do this than at his spiritual home of Sherwood Forest.
"Discover Robin Hood will be the first in a series of World Class visitor attractions from Discovery Attractions, based on Britain's rich heritage of myths and legends. It will bring to life the story of Robin Hood in a way that is both entertaining and educational for kids and adults alike.
"We are absolutely delighted to be working alongside Nottinghamshire County Council and Experience Nottinghamshire to develop and operate this iconic property which will provide a real 'wow' factor and focus for tourism and leisure in the Nottinghamshire area."
To read more about the project and Discovery Attractions, click here.
Plans have been revealed for a £13m Discover Robin Hood visitor attraction in Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire. Nottinghamshire County Council has appointed Discovery Attractions to design and operate the attraction, which will include a mix of indoor and outdoor experiences. Facilities include the Discover Sherwood Forest dome – which will offer an insight into the history of the forest – and The Village, exhibiting the medieval way of life with live
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