Author Archives: Newark TIC

Summer in Newark

15th July, 2016 | Article By Newark TIC

EntertainmentEventsFestivalsTourist InfoTours

The school summer holidays will soon be upon us and there are plenty of events taking place in Newark to keep the children occupied through-out. The National Civil War Centre has a whole host of activities to entertain all the family from 23 July through to 4th September. Did you know that Newark was besieged three times during the civil war? You can have a go at making your own diamond shaped siege coins or helmet. Try your hand at writing coded messages to smuggle in and out of Newark or build your own ‘Sconce’ fort to take home. Come and hear about some of the civil war’s famous besieged women and how Prince Rupert rescued Newark during the second siege. All activities are free with the normal admission. Please ring for details 01636 655765.

Newark Showground is playing host to Newark Comic-Con on Sunday 7th August from 10am – 5pm. Guests include Jeremy Bulloch – Starwars – Boba Fett, Hattie Hayridge – Holly – Red Dwarf, John Challis – “Boycie” – Only Fools and Horses, Pam Rose – Starwars, Superman & Batman. The Super Heroes Cosplay team will be performing stunts and there will be trader tables featuring Comics, Toys, Collectables, Games , Lego and much more. Tickets are £5 adult and £2.50 under 16yrs on the door.

For the younger children Blunderbus will be performing Dotty the Dragon in the grounds of Newark Castle on 18th & 19th August and the Palace Theatre’s New Youth Theatre Summer Camp will be doing Mary Poppins from 1st – 5th August.

For the sporty among us the Newark Half Marathon and Fun Run will be held on 14th August. There will be entertainment for all the family so even if you don’t want to run you can come along and support those who do!

For something a little bit different why not take a guided tour of Newark Castle? Guided tours of the Castle are conducted by the Castle Ranger every week. The tours last approximately one hour and tickets cost £5 for adults, £2.50 for children aged 3 and over, or £12.50 for a family ticket for 2 adults and 2 children. The tours normally run on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Explore the Dungeons -11am (Over 5s only) the Towers and Undercroft – 1pm. These can be booked at the National Civil War Center on 01636 655765.

There is also an event taking place just for adults – the Pint & Bite Cider & Food Festival, 26 – 29 August. There will be a large selection of real ciders and perries available plus pies, sausage and cheese at various venues in Newark over the Bank Holiday weekend. Ring 01636 655765 for details.

Each Sunday over the summer there will be band concerts held in the castle grounds culminating in the Brass Explosion on Sunday 28th August. An afternoon of family entertainment with food and drink or bring a picnic. There will be a series of brass band performances followed by a firework display at 10pm.

Pikes and Plunder

20th April, 2016 | Article By Newark TIC

EntertainmentEventsHistoryTourist Info

How much do you know about the English Civil War? It was Britain’s deadliest conflict and one which shaped our modern world. But why did brother take up arms against brother and how did a once all-powerful monarch lose his head to the axeman? Find the answers to these and many other questions at the National Civil War Centre in Newark Upon Trent, Nottinghamshire. Discover how the people of Newark survived three sieges by dodging cannon fire, hammering flat family silver to make coins, only for plague to ravage the town. Put yourself on the front line, feel the weight of armour and weapons and aim to destroy the Governor’s House as a Parliamentarian gunner.

That epic clash between King and Parliament reached its climax here in Newark and this May the National Civil War Centre will be playing host to some thrilling events, taking you right back in time to 1646 to mark the 370th anniversary of the dramatic fall of the town. Cut off by 16,000 angry troops, food running low and with just a handful of defenders to protect the population, this is the amazing story of Newark during the British Civil Wars!

Over the Bank Holiday weekend on 1st & 2nd May, 125 re-enactors from across the UK will garrison Newark Castle, Friary Gardens and the National Civil War Centre, firing cannons and parading to recall that tumultuous time.  Highlights will include a massed musket salvo and soldiers’ drill for children.

The capitulation of Newark on 8 May 1646 on the orders of the ill-fated King Charles I brought to a close the first phase of the brutal conflict between Crown and Parliament. To mark the actual date of the surrender on the 8th May 2016, Royalist troops will return to the Castle with a day-long event. Royalist troops from the castle will parade in the Market Place with an inspection by the Lord Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire, Sir John Peace, and the Mayor, Bob Crowe. The final acts of a terrible six month siege will be played out as the army of Parliament moves in to take control with a ceremony in the cobbled Market Place.

Trip back in time with us to experience Newark’s incredible history!

For full details on these and other events see http://www.nationalcivilwarcentre.com

Stunning Trees Light the Winter Gloom

4th December, 2015 | Article By Newark TIC

ChristmasEventsFestivalsMarketsTourist Info

St Mary Magdalene Church will once again light up with over 100 Christmas Trees decorated by local businesses, schools and voluntary organisations.

Now in its 8th year the event continues to grow with 110 Trees on display in the beautiful St Marys Church located just off Newark Market Place.

With refreshments, Christmas cards, gifts and music it’s guaranteed to give you a Christmassy feeling.

You can also join in with the Festive Songs of Praise on Sunday 13th December from 6pm. 

Make an afternoon of it as the Christmas Market and Winter Feast also take place in the Market Square between 1-8pm on 13th December.

With gift and craft stalls, carol singing, street entertainment and plenty of festive food and drink. You can buy gifts and enjoy the whole Christmas experience!

Opening times for the Tree Festival  5th – 13th December 2015

Saturday 9.30pm – 5pm,   Sunday 11.00pm – 4.30pm

Monday-Friday 10.00am – 4.30pm   Adults £2 Children 20p

With so much going on, visit Newark, an historic market town in Nottinghamshire and a Top Tourist destination in England!

Dark evenings, don’t hibernate, venture out!

27th October, 2015 | Article By Newark TIC

EntertainmentShowsTheatresTourist Info

Winter is on its way and the nights are drawing in but there are still great events taking place locally. Don’t hibernate, make the most of the local theatres and performances in Newark-on-Trent and the surrounding area.

The Palace Theatre, Newark, opened in 1920 and it’s still bringing the best in live entertainment to a wide audience.  Don’t miss this year’s family pantomime, Cinderella. Running from Wednesday 9th December until Sunday 3rd January 2016. Spectacular scenery, fabulous songs and hilarious knock-about comedy will keep the family entertained.

Tickets available at www.palacenewarktickets.com

The Robin Hood Theatre is situated at Averham, three miles from Newark-on-Trent.  Recently reopened after a period of extensive restoration, the theatre, built in 1913, maintains the reputation of producing professional, high standard entertainment.  Its forthcoming performance of The Pitman Painters by Lee Hall (author of Billy Elliot) has been described as ‘comic, sad, and stirring in the same breath.’ The Robin Hood Theatre will be among the first amateur companies to produce this important new work.  www.rhtc.co.uk

You can also venture out to a performance from Village Ventures. This rural, community theatre scheme, supported by the Arts Council and local councils, takes professional performances to Village and Community Halls around the villages of Newark and Nottinghamshire.  It’s programme continues to May 2016, the brochure is available from local libraries and other community outlets across the county, or you can download a copy from the Village Ventures website. www.villageventures.org.uk

We are lucky to have a wide variety of live events in the area, there’s something to appeal to everyone. So venture out and make the most of the wonderful, winter entertainment on offer in and around Newark!

 

All Things Bramley

8th September, 2015 | Article By Newark TIC

EntertainmentEventsFestivalsFood and DrinkTourist Info

Join us to celebrate the UK’s favourite cooking apple in its hometown of Southwell on 24th October 2015.

Visit the Bramley Apple Festival in the picturesque town of Southwell in the District of Newark and Sherwood.

The world-famous cooking apple originated from Southwell from a tree in a garden now known as Bramley Tree House at Church Street, Southwell. It originated from a planting by Mary Ann Brailsford circa 1809-1813. Sometime before Mary Ann’s first marriage in 1813, she planted the pips, core or apple, which later grew into the tree bearing the original Bramley Seedling.

The annual festival has Bramley related activities and events for all the family to enjoy. It attracts hundreds of visitors from all over the county and beyond.

The stunning Southwell Minster, a Cathedral with one of the finest Norman naves in Europe, will host a festival of food and drink, with 30 food and drink stands, a cookery demonstration and apple displays it will be a food and drink festival like no other you have ever visited before.

Morris Men performances and live music will accompany you as you wander through the streets of one of the prettiest towns in Nottinghamshire. With a wide variety of local independent retailers and Bramley themed dishes in the local pubs, cafes and restaurants you can spend the day enjoying the town and the festival.

Visit the Archbishop’s Palace for children’s craft and food activities, including Bramley apple eat treats, autumn scavenger crafts and clay apples.

You can enter the W.I. Apple Pie competition or visit the most complete Victorian Workhouse in existence and try your hand creating the longest apple peel!

You can find out more about the Bramley Apple Festival at

http://www.visitsouthwell.com/event/bramley-apple-festival/

Turning the Castle Blue

28th August, 2015 | Article By Newark TIC

EntertainmentEventsFestivalsMusicTourist Info

On Friday 11th September Newark Castle will welcome back Newark Blues Festival. The sixth festival is returning to its original location, with a back drop of Newark Castle.

From 11th – 13th September over 40 bands will be performing in the Castle grounds and in venues around the town centre.

It’ s going to be a bigger and better festival than ever. With free workshops for under 18’s on Saturday morning and top national Blues artists along with performances from local bands.

All of the performances, apart from ‘Blues in the Castle’ on Saturday evening, are free.

Tickets for Saturday evening’s event are £15 adult / £12 under 14’s / under 5’s free entry

You can buy tickets from RST Music, Cartergate, Newark or  www.newarkblues.co.uk

Along with the ‘Totally Locally Fiver Fest’ with over 70 different offers over the weekend and Heritage Open Day at Newark Town Hall on Friday and Saturday, it’s going to be another great weekend of events in Newark.

If you need further information, advice on accommodation, transport or parking please contact Newark Tourist Information Centre  @morenewark

Crown Jewel of Nottinghamshire

17th August, 2015 | Article By Newark TIC

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Often referred to as “the jewel in Nottinghamshire’s crown” Southwell is located only 6 miles from Newark-on-Trent. This picturesque town pronounced ‘Suth’ll’ by most visitors and ‘South-well’ by most residents, offers a wealth of attractions and specialist shops.  You will also find excellent eating places and the historic Saracens Head hotel, where King Charles I spent his last night of freedom.

The spectacular Southwell Minster with its twin pepper-pot spires has a Norman Nave that is one of the finest in Europe. The 13th century Chapter House displays medieval stone carving known as ‘The Leaves of Southwell’.  Take some time to discover the wonders of this Norman Cathedral.

The Cathedral hosts a variety of events throughout the year, the next one being the Southwell Music Festival 27th – 31st August. Now in its second year the classical music festival offers a variety of performances and events in the Minster and around the town over the Bank Holiday weekend.

The Archbishop’s Palace and the recently created Education Garden are an exciting new visitor attraction adjacent to Southwell Minster. The Palace dates from the 14th Century and its famous occupants have included Cardinal Wolsey and Charles I.  The State Chamber now hosts wedding receptions, exhibitions, conferences, social gatherings and community events.

On the edge of the town is the National Trust property The Workhouse.  Built in 1824 it is the best-preserved workhouse in England and was used by homeless families as recently as the 1970s.  Find out what life was like for the Victorian Poor as you explore the building.

Did you know Southwell is the home of the Bramley Apple? First cultivated in Southwell over 200 years ago the original tree still bears fruit annually in a private garden on Church Street. There is an annual festival in October to celebrate the Bramley Apple in Southwell.

If you visit for the day or for a longer stay, you will find something to delight or entertain you. Keep up to date with events at

www.visitsouthwell.com

Which Side Will You Choose?

| Article By Newark TIC

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The new National Civil War Centre opened it’s doors  in May 2015.

Newark-on-Trent was a Royalist stronghold which came under siege three times until the King surrendered the town in 1646.

After extensive restoration the Grade II Old Magnus Building on Appletongate in Newark is expected to attract over 60,000 visitors, will you be one of them? Which side will you choose?

Be prepared to be transported back 370 years in the Centre and learn how one of Britain’s deadliest wars shaped our modern world of today. Why did one brother take up arms against another brother and how did a once all powerful monarch lose his head to an axe man?

The Centre tells the story of the Civil War and Newark’s role within the conflict with interactive exhibits and artefacts donated by local people.  It also houses exhibitions which will change periodically.

Also on display at the National Civil War Centre is a 2000 year old Iron Age Torc. It was found in February 2005 on farmland a few miles away from Newark by a local metal detectorist.  The gold and silver Torc is dated between 250 and 50 BC and has previously been on display at the British Museum before its return to Newark.

Follow the National Civil War Trail

This trail takes you on a journey around Newark exploring the key sites such as Newark Castle and the Queen’s Sconce. The app has been designed to allow you to experience the stories of local and national characters including King Charles I and John Twentyman (a local eye witness).  You can download the app and stories are told through high quality film clips which can be viewed through a smartphone or tablet when the content is triggered by Augmented Reality technology at each location (there are 8 locations around Newark). The app not only includes the Augmented Reality, it also contains an interactive timeline covering national and local events as well as a 360 degree panoramic of Newark Castle during the Civil War and an action packed game. The exclusive content of the game can be unlocked by visiting the National Civil War Centre. In the Centre, you will discover a large portrait of King Charles the 1st, who comes to life when triggered by the app, enabling the exclusive content.

The trail can be followed in any order and you can use the free wi fi at the Museum, Market Place or Castle Grounds to download and use the app.

The Centre is open all year round May – October – 7 days a week 10am-5pm.  November – March – Open Wednesday to Sunday 10am-4pm

The museum has a programme of events throughout the year.

www.nationalcivilwarcentre.com

Be Amazed by the Maize Maze

10th August, 2015 | Article By Newark TIC

Historic BldgsParks-GardensTourist InfoVenues

Only three miles from Newark-on-Trent you can find Kelham Hall and Country Park.

Nestled in 44 acres, this beautiful Victorian Stately Home designed by George Gilbert Scott and formally a College for the Monks of the Society of the Sacred Mission, now offers a variety of leisure facilities and events.

The park’s latest attraction, THE MAIZE, is a perfect way to keep the children active during the school holidays.

With 4 acres of twists and turns to navigate it’s a great way to spend a few lost hours!

www.themaize.co.uk

Celebrate Your High Street

26th July, 2015 | Article By Newark TIC

Local LifeShoppingTourist Info

Celebrate your High Street. Open your eyes to the hidden gems in Newark.

Newark on Trent is conveniently situated close to major road, rail and river networks and for many centuries has been an established market town serving both the immediate community and the wider East Midlands area.  Consequently the town has built up both a market and retail reputation which draws visitors from far and wide.

Here at Newark Tourist Information Centre we welcome hundreds of visitors through our doors every year, some discovering the town for the first time and many who return again and again. All of them comment how much they love Newark for its uniqueness. With so many independent shops, galleries, cafes, pubs and restaurants as well as our wonderful historic buildings, they really feel they are somewhere special and embrace the retail offer.

Since 2013 a team of volunteers has been using the “Totally Locally” campaign to remind people of what they have here in our town and promote the value of local shopping to keep Newark special. Totally Locally is more than a shop local campaign, it’s about working together to lift the whole community. If every adult in Newark spent just £5 per week in our local shops and businesses, it would result in an extra £5.4 million a year going into our local economy.

The Totally Locally scheme in Newark is focussed on businesses which support each other in sharing ideas on display, merchandising and promotional activities. From time to time, special community events are staged;  for example, the successful Busking festival, a Christmas retail event  and, moving forwards a “FiverFest” –  a chance for retailers to shout about just how good they are and what great value they can offer, all designed to elevate public awareness and stimulate the local economy.

Instead of just relying on the supermarket and huge multi-national chains, why not get to know and familiarise yourself with the local butcher, greengrocer and coffee shop.  Shopping will become much more of an enjoyable experience and it might even save you money!

Within a few paces of Newark’s bustling market place and charming maze of traffic-free streets, lanes and yards, there are no less than 57 local retailers registered in the Totally Locally scheme.  A broad spectrum of goods and services are available, many of which would be difficult to locate should those retailers cease trading – where else would you find a grocer/deli with its own smokehouse, a totally independent wine and spirit supplier with its own wine bar & bistro, an artisan bakery and a real ale store selling beer brewed in Newark’s own brewery?

When walking around our picturesque town, try popping in to some of those shops you may not have been into before – browse for special gift ideas at, amongst others Gracegentle Ltd, Domino, Village Chic or MooMoo.  Stop for your caffeine fix at one of the independent coffee shops such as Strays, Gannets, Café Amore or Peppadews.  If you’re planning a home makeover, check out the wonderful selection of fabrics at Clark and English with accessories at Village Chic or No.6 and furniture at Holdens, Home Inspirations, Kingsman or Vine Interiors.

We have a wonderful selection of independent clothes shops too such as Jane Young, Shirtsleeves, Gente Bella, Oxygen, Masdings and Regazza to name but a few. If you prefer vintage style, you’ll love Vintage2Versace, Déjà vu and Vintage Vixen, all happy to help you find that perfect outfit that you can guarantee no-one else will be wearing.

When all that shopping is done take the weight off your feet and enjoy a delicious lunch at Gannets, Rushtons, Feeling Peckish or one of the many other great pubs and restaurants serving local fayre.

There are great places where you can take your children too – they’ll love the selection of different toys at Toy Box, Reloved or Wood & Toys and at lunchtime, a visit to Mamma White’s Pancake Parlour, Waffle Cottage or The Proper Burger Co.  should keep them full up and happy for the rest of the afternoon.

Many of the retailers and businesses listed on the map are offering special discounts in order to promote the scheme and to stimulate repeat business. Simply download the Totally Locally Retail App on to your phone to get the latest offers on products and services.  The App is available on the Appstore or Google play for android phones and includes a full list of the retailers and businesses. Don’t leave home without it!

Log-on to www.totally-locally-newark.co.uk  for more details on the scheme.

Follow them on Twitter @tlnewark

Pick up a printed list of the Totally Locally businesses and get loads of local, regional and national information on events and places to visit at your Tourist Information Centre, located next to Newark Castle level crossing at: Keepers Cottage, Riverside Park, Great North Road, Newark, NG24 1BL.

Tel: 01636 655765   Email:newarktic@nsdc.info  Follow us on Twitter @morenewark

Don’t forget, money spent with our small businesses has a big impact on our town; the local economy grows which makes it a more pleasant place to live, work and visit.

Be proud of the place you live in and shop locally!