Robin Hood

Lord of the Rings fans are spoilt for choice with 10 UK destinations that “transport” you to Middle Earth – without the cost and effort of a flight to New Zealand where the film adaptations were made

Fans of The Lord of the Rings could be in for a treat, with 10 locations right here in the UK that “transport you to Middle Earth”.

The beloved trilogy, penned by JRR Tolkien, introduced countless fans to a fantastical world brimming with hobbits, elves, wizards and a host of other magical – and terrifying – creatures. Renowned filmmaker Peter Jackson famously brought the trilogy to life on the big screen, utilising his native New Zealand to recreate many of the iconic locations so vividly depicted in the best-selling book series.

If you don’t have the resources or the time to jet off halfway around the globe to immerse yourself in the world of The Lord of the Rings, there are plenty of picturesque spots right here in the UK that fit the bill.

Content creators Emily and Lucy, who have a passion for hiking and promoting local destinations, recently shared a carousel of images on Instagram showcasing 10 locations that bear a resemblance to Middle Earth.

In the caption accompanying their photos, they wrote: “Hiking through The Shire, Misty Mountains and Mordor just like Frodo and Sam – let’s transport you to Middle Earth right here in the UK.

“Just to be clear, this is our personal interpretation and imaginative comparison – not a documented statement about Tolkien’s real-life inspirations.”

Dragon’s Back

Middle Earth inspiration: The Shire

Emily and Lucy said: “The iconic landscape looks like sleeping Smaug the dragon from The Hobbit.”

This renowned trail, located in Powys, Wales, is famous for its winding shape which invites comparisons to mythical creatures.

It’s steep and challenging but provides stunning, panoramic views of the Welsh countryside.

Thor’s Cave

Middle Earth inspiration: Gollum’s Cave

The girls said: “Smeagol would love hiding away in this ancient cave high in the misty mountains with his Precious.”

This natural cavern is located in a steep limestone crag, in the scenic Peak District. It has an instantly recognisable arched entrance, and provides spectacular views across the valley.

Yorkshire Moors

Middle Earth inspiration: Rohan

The hikers continued: “Picture the Rohirrim army led by King Theodon riding to battle across these wild moors.”

Atmospheric, brooding and expansive, the Yorkshire Moors are renowned for their beauty. In North Yorkshire, this tourist destination is home to one of Britain’s largest stretches of heather moorland.

Gordale Scar

Middle Earth inspiration: Helm’s Deep

Emily and Lucy said: “It’s rumoured that JRR Tolkien did actually visit and draw inspiration from this place for his fortress built within a gorge with a stream running through.”

This limestone ravine is situated near Malham in North Yorkshire.

Pooles Cavern

Middle Earth inspiration: Mines of Moria

The nature fans said: “What lurks in the deep? A balrog? An army of orcs? Probably just some natural limestone and a gift shop [to be honest].”

A historic landmark and celebrated tourist attraction “known as one of the finest caves in Derbyshire”.

Arthur’s Seat

Middle Earth inspiration: Mordor

They said: “Hard to imagine but this was once an active volcano – the perfect place to cast the One Ring into the fire!”

An incredibly famous landmark in Edinburgh, it’s the principal peak of a group of hills that draw countless tourists and locals alike.

Sherwood Forest

Middle Earth inspiration: Fangorn Forest

They explained: “This legendary place, once Robin Hood’s stomping ground, could also have been home to the giant Ents. The Major Oak pictured below is thought to be 1,100 years old!! Can you imagine it coming to life?”

This renowned, ancient woodland can be found in Nottinghamshire.

Lud’s Church

Middle Earth inspiration: Shelob’s Lair

The LOTR enthusiasts said: “This eerie cavern has been the setting for many a spooky folktale – so why not a giant spider waiting to lure you in?”

Located in Buxton, this atmospheric spot is a deep, moss-covered abyss steeped in history and myths.

Old East Buxton Lime Kiln

Middle Earth inspiration: Minas Tirith

The hikers conceded: “Okay, okay! It may not be as grand as Boromir’s home and capital city but with a little imagination, you could explore this abandoned kiln as the rightful King of Gondor.”

These Derbyshire-based industrial heritage structures can be discovered along the Peak District’s trail and make for a popular hiking spot. They were used for converting limestone into quicklime.

The Giant’s Causeway

Middle Earth inspiration: Mount Doom

Emily and Lucy added: “A little cheat as we’ve already covered Mordor but another tribute to a once active volcano but in Northern Ireland! When it erupted thousands of years ago, it formed these hexagonal pillars.”

This iconic and celebrated nature reserve is situated in Northern Ireland and holds designated World Heritage Site status. An extraordinary natural phenomenon, its 40,000 interlocking basalt columns create a fascinating spectacle.

A group of pub reviewers ‘one of the oldest pubs in England’ and they were blown away by its history – the Grade II-listed building claims to date back to 1189

Pub fans have shared their verdict on “one of the best pubs in England“, and were absolutely staggered by its history. Known under the handle @thosepubguys on social media, the group travel the country , sampling pubs and rating them online.

In a latest clip, they descended upon Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem in Nottingham, prompting them to wonder: “Is this the oldest pub in England?” Their Instagram caption declared: “This pub ranks 2nd in our list of best pubs in the country, and you can see why! There is so so so much history. It is literally built into the side of a cliff with secret tunnels to Nottingham Castle above it!”

During the footage, they guide viewers through the establishment and its passageways, recounting legends and historical tales.

The Grade II-listed premises is believed to trace back to 1189, though certain records indicate it might have been founded several centuries afterwards.

According to History Hit: “The pub’s name derives from King Richard the Lionheart and his men gathering there before journeying to Jerusalem in 1189 AD.”

“It was also said to be a local hideout for the legendary outlaw, Robin Hood. Indeed, the word ‘trip’ in the name is thought to refer to a stop in a journey, rather than the journey itself, marking out the pub as somewhere people would stop at on a long pilgrimage, for instance.”

This distinctive watering hole features a compact cave network within, hewn from the sandstone rock. Connected to Nottingham Castle, the tunnel network has served as a clandestine route in and out of the fortress for hundreds of years.

The statement continues: “In one of the pub’s upstairs buildings is a small model of a wooden ship, known as the cursed galleon.

“It is said that a number of people who cleaned the ship all met untimely and unexplained deaths, so landlords have since refused to let anyone clean it, and have instead put the ship into a glass cabinet.

“Elsewhere, the pub houses the ‘pregnancy chair’, an old chair which was said to increase a woman’s chances of becoming pregnant when she sat in it.”

Reacting to their video, one viewer commented: “Always wanted to visit this pub.”

Someone else added: “My favourite city pub until I moved away.”

A third person said: “I’ve only just realised I’ve never been to Nottingham! Need to fix that, looks amazing.”

Another viewer added: “That’s really interesting, steeped in history.”