The British Folklore Legends That Should Inspire Your Summer Staycation
There’s an optimism in the air that this summer could be the time to start holidaying again, and while it’s likely many will be cautious about traveling abroad, 2021 could see another boom in people enjoying the staycation. Last summer the likes of Brighton, Blackpool and Bournemouth were awash with tourists, but how about somewhere a little bit different?
The history of Blighty is one full of myth and legend and there are plenty of spots across the country bursting with intrigue and stories, ideal for a staycation. Whether you’re looking for a weekend break in the countryside or an action-packed stay in a city, you’ll always find a legend with a story to tell. Here are some of our favourite legends in British folklore that could inspire your getaway to remember this year…
Robin Hood
When it comes to legends, few are as well-known as Robin Hood. The heroic outlaw has become a part and parcel of everyday life, inspiring films in which the likes of Kevin Costner, Sean Connery, and Russell Crowe have played him, as well as many other forms of entertainment from video games to bingo games. In fact, one of the leading bingo sites in the country is named after the character, with Robin Hood Bingo being one of the premier slingo sites you can play on these days. The brand’s mascot plays into the typical Robin Hood look with a green outfit and bow and arrow, but that was actually far from Robin’s look.
For most fans of Robin Hood, the tourist experience begins in Nottingham. The legend is synonymous with the city and there’s even a statue of him outside Nottingham Castle, where many of his battles with the Sheriff took place. Further afield, a trip to Major Oak in Sherwood Forest, just outside Edwinstowe is certainly a spot to tick off, while the church in the town is said to be the place where Robin Hood and Maid Marian married. An hour’s drive north to Kirklees Priory, just outside Huddersfield is then said to be the resting place of Robin Hood, with a grave referencing Robert, Earl of Huntington.
King Arthur
There are many locations across the UK that claim to have connections with King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. The story of Arthur is never far from a Hollywood script and most recently Charlie Hunnam played him in Guy Ritchie’s retelling of the Legend of the Sword.
Glastonbury Abbey and Tor is perhaps one of the spots most commonly associated with the mysticism and spirituality of King Arthur. It’s believed to be the resting place of King Arthur and many make the pilgrimage there every year, particularly around the summer solstice and Glastonbury Festival. A hike up to the Tor provides one of the most spectacular views, while a walk around Chalice Well gardens is also a must. Here the water runs red as it is also said to be the burial site of the Holy Grail.
Elsewhere, Cadbury Castle, also in Somerset is said to be Camelot, while the famous round table can be found in Winchester, where it is housed in the Great Hall. There are of course many more sites where you can enjoy the legend of Arthur, more of which can be found here.
Highgate Vampire
Certainly not as well known as Arthur or Robin Hood, but equally as intriguing is the Highgate Vampire. Many of us will be looking to London for a city break this year, but instead of the Tower of London or Buckingham Palace, why not follow the story of the Highgate Vampire.
Said to lurk around Highgate Cemetery the tale has been added into English folklore by Bill Ellis. It’s believed that in 1968, on October 31, there was a sighting of a ghostly figure. Over the following years, there have been multiple sightings and tales told, with reports of a “tall man in a hat” walking around the cemetery before melting through the walls. There are a number of tours which tell this story, while Highgate Cemetery is a tourist destination in itself, with Karl Marx and George Michael both buried there.
