Local Summer Adventure for Families: Become a Rebel Ranger!

Posted on: Monday, July 28, 2025

Families looking for a free, fun and local way to spend the summer holidays are invited to take part in Rebel Rangers – a summer challenge running across Newark and Sherwood from Friday 1 August until Sunday 7 September – with prizes to be won!

This free family-friendly challenge is perfect for families with children aged 5-14. By taking on the role of Rebel Ranger, you can explore local landmarks like Sherwood Forest, The National Civil War Centre and King John’s Palace, learning about historical rebels and completing challenges by scanning QR codes along the way.

What’s more, there are some incredible prizes up for grabs for those who complete the challenge. One lucky winner will receive the gold prize - a £1,000 Center Parcs gift card to spend on a family stay! Silver prizes include free tickets to local attractions such as Go Ape, Whitepost Farm, Sundown Adventureland, Rufford Abbey, YMCA Clip ‘n’ Climb, and Wheelgate Adventure Park, as well as free cinema tickets. Bronze prizes include restaurant vouchers, free treats from local cafes, book vouchers, Santa’s Grotto tickets and £20 Newark and Sherwood Gift Cards.

Visitor attractions that are part of the challenge are: Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre, Newark Castle, Southwell Minster, National Civil War Centre, Sconce and Devon Park, Newark Market Place and King John’s Palace in Clipstone. There’s no app to download and no booking needed – just head out to one of the destinations taking part in the challenge, scan and play. Earn badges as you visit each place, and if you complete the full trail, you’ll become an official Rebel Ranger and be in with a chance to win!

The initiative is part of Newark and Sherwood District Council’s wider efforts to support the visitor economy during the summer holidays, encouraging residents and visitors to explore the local attractions, cafes and green spaces while providing something fun, free and fantastic for families!

Councillor Claire Penny, Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Economic Development at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “The Rebel Rangers challenge is the perfect free activity for families to do over the summer holidays. Not only is it both fun and educational, but you could also win some amazing prizes if you visit all seven attractions and earn your rebel badges! The challenge brings to life some of the incredible stories from our district’s history, which adds to the identity of our culture today. So have a go, have fun and good luck!”

Glenn Formoy, Head of Marketing and Events at Southwell Minster, a visitor attraction featured in the Rebel Rangers challenge says: “We love the premise of the challenge and how easy it is for people to take part. Each challenge is fun, simple and can involve the whole family, so it really is the perfect activity for young explorers to take part in, without leaving the district.”

Mini explorers who take part in the challenge will also be able to pick up their free Rebel Rangers ‘starter packs’ from either the National Civil War Centre or Southwell Minster. Each pack consists of a Rebel Rangers passport, colouring book, a pencil, stickers and more. Materials can be filled out whilst out and about or at home, acting as the perfect memento from the challenge.

Families can take part at their own pace from Friday 1 August to Sunday 7 September. For more information and details of the trail, visit www.rebelrangers.com.