Attractions and events

In Newark, permanent attractions include Newark Castle - the town's main defence during the sieges of the Civil War. The main curtain wall of the castle remains intact today.

You could visit Millgate Museum - home to thousands of artefacts are contained in the museum on local and social history. Are you brave enough to spend a night at the museum?

How about taking in a show at night at Palace Theatre Newark - the district's premier entertainment venue. From music, drama and comedy, to pantomime, film and West End musicals, there's something for everyone.

You could go on the trail of Robin Hood, taking one of our suggested tours of the district, visiting some of the famous outlaw's old haunts. Take a trip round Sherwood Forest, visit the Sherwood Forest Art and Craft Centre and meet the animals at White Post Farm Centre.

The pretty market town of Southwell is well worth a visit with its bustling market and quaint, independent shops and restaurants. Check out the historic Norman-era Minster, with its 'pepper pot' spires and Green Man 'gargoyles', as well as the Victorian Workhouse where you can discover how society dealt with poverty through the centuries right up to the modern day. Explore the segregated work yards, day rooms, dormitories, master's quarters and cellars, then see the recreated working 19th-century garden and find out what food the paupers would have eaten. (Open March to October).

Events

There are so many things going on in Newark and Sherwood, whether you are interested in antique fairs, farmers' markets, traditional maypole celebrations or participating in the Robin Hood Festival.

Just take a minute of two to look at our Whats On section. We also publish a regular guide to leisure events at our local theatre, museum and leisure centres. The At Your Leisure guide (PDF File, 2,515kb) is published three times a year.

Regular events also take place at:

Newark Castle Gardens - live theatre and music, food and drink festivals, charity events, dungeon tours, ghost tours.
Sconce and Devon Park - annual parade and festival (SconceFest), Civil War re-enactments, Bonfire Night celebrations.
Palace Theatre Newark - music, drama, dance, comedy, film and the annual pantomime during December.
Millgate Museum- local and social history, temporary and permanent art exhibitions, children's activities and a cafe.
Vicar Water Country Park - take a walk round the lake, try course fishing, visit Rumbles cafe or try a nature trail.
Sherwood Forest Arts and Craft Centre - visit the cafe or shop among the 14 different art and craft traders.

These are just a few of our suggestions. For full information on all local attractions, you may wish to visit one of our tourist information centres which are located in Newark, Ollerton (Sherwood Forest), as well as another in Southwell.