LEGO® Trail brings history to life across two Newark landmarks

The trail transforms a day out into an interactive hunt for LEGO® Minifigures hidden among real museum exhibits, with each character linked to a person, object or story from Newark’s rich heritage. Visitors can take part at one venue or enjoy both in a single adventure. Those completing the trail can enter a prize draw at the National Civil War Centre for the chance to win a LEGO® Natural History Museum set, with additional runner‑up LEGO® prizes. The winner will be announced from Monday, 20 April.

Councillor Rowan Cozens, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Heritage and Culture at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “This is history with a smile. By combining the universal appeal of LEGO® with Newark’s incredible stories, we’re giving families a brilliant reason to explore two of our most important cultural venues. Whether you’re a first‑time visitor or a regular, the LEGO® Trail is a fun, hands‑on way to learn together and make memories right here in Newark.”

Matthew Gleadall, Town Clerk at Newark Town Council said: "Being able to see Newark Town Hall Museum and Art Gallery in a new way is very exciting. We will be offering Half Term and Easter holiday fun with this new trail to look for in our Art and Civic Galleries. 

“Working in partnership with National Civil War Museum - Newark Museum has allowed both sites to come together and create a single offer and highlight the huge offer in all museums in Newark in a new and exciting way."

At the National Civil War Centre, families will encounter immersive galleries, interactive exhibits and a powerful short film that brings the sieges of Newark to life, alongside dressing‑up areas, replica objects and family trails. The café Nineteen 20 and a gift shop located at the National Civil War Centre help make a complete day out. At Newark Town Hall Museum and Art Gallery, visitors step inside an elegant eighteenth‑century civic building designed by John Carr and explore atmospheric rooms filled with fine art, sculpture and civic silver, discovering how local people shaped the town and its identity over centuries. Together, the two venues offer a varied and complementary experience that moves easily between grand historic spaces and hands‑on museum discovery.

Taking part is simple. Participants can collect a free trail sheet on arrival at either venue, follow the clues through galleries and historic rooms, and keep their eyes peeled for the Minifigures positioned near relevant objects and displays. Once the trail is completed at one or both venues, families can hand in their sheet at the National Civil War Centre or Newark Town Hall Museum and Art Gallery, to be entered into the prize draw. The trail will remain available at the Newark Town Hall Museum and Art Gallery to enjoy after the competition closes, as a self‑guided, family‑friendly activity.

The new trail will also feature in half-term activities at Newark Town Hall Museum on Saturday 21 February, 11.30am until 3pm where you can take part in Glorious Georgian activities for 3 to 11-year-olds. 

Schools are warmly encouraged to visit during term time for self‑guided learning. Advance booking by email is requested so the team can accommodate groups.

Admission to the Centre is free for Newark and Sherwood residents, £8.50 for adults, £7.50 for concessions (65+ and students) and free for under‑25s. It is open Tuesdays to Saturdays, 10am until 4pm.

Newark Town Hall Museum and Art Gallery is free entry for all and open Wednesdays to Fridays, 10.30am until 1pm and Saturday, 10.30am until 3.30pm.

Further information and prize draw terms and conditions are available on the National Civil War Centre website: www.nationalcivilwarcentre.com/lego-trail-terms-and-conditions . For schools booking or media enquiries, please contact: civilwarlearning@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk

Notes: LEGO® and LEGO® Minifigures are trademarks of the LEGO Group. The LEGO Group does not sponsor, authorise or endorse this activity.