[2] In the Middle Ages, the village marked the southern gateway to Sherwood Forest.

Papplewick has numerous community and social groups, a village hall, a pub, The Griffin's Head, and an ancient church.

Tourist attractions in the parish include the village conservation area, 18th-century cottages and Papplewick Hall.

Papplewick Pumping Station is a working museum comprising steam-powered pumping engines, cooling pond and grounds in open agricultural land 1 mile (2 km) east of the village.

A local legend dictates that the body of Alan-a-Dale, one of Robin Hood's men, was buried in Papplewick.