Activities in Newark

Dating back to the middle of the 12th century, Newark Castle is an imposing, partially restored castle overlooking the River Trent in the heart of the town. The free-admission museum and castle grounds are ripe for exploring, with the museum uncovering the castle’s connection with King John and the Knights Templar. You can also take a trip down to the dungeon to explore its murky past. There are regular events at the castle throughout the year, including concerts, outdoor cinema screenings and haunted nights, while there are guided tours to the castle and grounds running from spring to autumn.

If you’re after a classic Regency chair, some ultra-rare Persian rugs or simply want to add to your collection of 19th-century watercolour paintings, the Newark International Antiques & Collectors Fair is here to help. The largest event of its kind in Europe, the two-day fair is held every second month and attracts thousands of dealers and buyers from across the world to its 84-acre site at the Newark Showground, which is capable of holding more than 2,500 stands. The fair is not only the perfect place to haggle for antiques and check out some amazing collections, but it’s also a great place for a casual wander into a new world, with food stalls and cafés dotted around the tents, buildings and marquees.

With more than 70 aircraft on display spanning helicopters, planes and prototypes, the Newark Air Museum is a fascinating day out at one of the best run volunteer-led air museums in the country. They open up the cockpits for several aircraft through the year, allowing you to live out any Top Gun fantasies. Plus, they have a range of indoor and outdoor exhibitions and an onsite shop and café to keep you fully charged.

The first museum of its kind in the UK, the National Civil War Museum recounts one of the UK’s bloodiest long-running battles as the Royalists and Parliamentarians fought it out across the country 370 years ago. With a death toll that wiped out one in 20 of the population, the 17th century Civil War was a brutal battle, with the Royalist stronghold of Newark under siege three times during the conflict. The museum is loaded with interactive trails, including video, audio, quiz questions and games, as well as an immersive tablet and smartphone tour. Located on the eastern edge of Newark, the museum is also home to a café and shop onsite.

Around 30 minutes north from our Newark hotel, Hawks of Steele is a family-run birds of prey experience where you can get up close and personal with hawks, owls and even meerkats. There is a range of different options including hour-long group experiences, private sessions or simply spectating, with flying visits open seven days a week.

A word to the wise, Bodenham Arboretum is not free, and the price of tickets changes with the seasons of the year but at roughly a few pounds for adults it's worth it for a peaceful afternoon outdoors.

Home to one of the highest church spires in the UK, the 72m-high St. Mary Magdalene Church dates back to the 11th or 12th century and is a Grade I listed building that can be seen across much of Newark. Next to the Palace Theatre and the Civil War Museum, the working church is wonderfully preserved inside and was lovingly restored in the 19th century, while the vintage church organ and regular choir recitals bring the church to life on a regular basis.

A legend and myth that’s travelled the world, you can discover the magic of Robin Hood at the Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve. A 450-acre country park boasting some of the oldest trees in the country, including the fabled Major Oak, there are plenty of nature and history trails that bring the Robin and his merry band to life. On top of that, the newly refurbished visitor centre has some excellent displays to enjoy, alongside a shop and café.