Newark Castle and Gardens - Newark

Introduction to Newark Castle and Gardens

Nestled in the heart of the historic town of Newark, Newark Castle and Gardens is a must-visit attraction that offers a unique blend of rich history, beautiful surroundings, and engaging experiences. This 12th-century castle, along with its picturesque gardens, serves as a testament to the town's fascinating past and provides an excellent venue for both locals and tourists alike.

Main Services and Attractions

• Historical Castle: Explore the imposing ruins of Newark Castle, which dates back to the 12th century. Discover the intriguing history of the castle, including the mysterious death of King John in 1216, through informative displays and guided tours.
• Pleasant Gardens: Stroll through the beautifully maintained gardens, featuring a mix of formal and informal planting schemes. Enjoy the tranquil setting by the River Trent or relax in one of the many seating areas.
• River Walk: Take a leisurely walk along the River Trent, which offers stunning views of the castle and the surrounding countryside. Keep an eye out for the local wildlife that calls the riverbank home.
• Events and Activities: Newark Castle and Gardens hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, family fun days, and historical reenactments. Check the official website for the latest information on upcoming events.

Location and Access

The castle and gardens are conveniently located at Castle Gate, Newark NG24 1BG, United Kingdom, just a short walk from Newark's town center and train station. The attraction is easily accessible by car, with nearby parking available at the Castle Car Park or the North Gate Car Park. Public transportation options include the Newark Bus Station, located just a few minutes away, or the Newark North Gate Train Station, situated nearby.

Featured Characteristics

• Wheelchair Accessibility: Newark Castle and Gardens are committed to providing access for all visitors. The gardens are wheelchair-accessible, with most of the paths being flat and well-maintained. However, please note that the castle itself may have limited accessibility due to its historic nature.
• Family-Friendly: The attraction offers an enjoyable experience for families, with plenty of open space for children to play and explore. The gardens also feature a dedicated play area for young visitors.
• Dog-Friendly: Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome in the gardens, making Newark Castle and Gardens an ideal spot for dog owners to visit.

Practical Information

Newark Castle and Gardens are open daily from dawn until dusk, with free admission to the gardens. The castle itself is open to the public from April to September, with opening times varying throughout the season. Admission to the castle is free, but donations are welcome to support the ongoing conservation and maintenance of the site. For the most up-to-date information on opening times and any temporary closures, please visit the official website (newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk) or contact the attraction directly on 1636655765.

Positive Aspects from Reviews

Visitors to Newark Castle and Gardens have consistently praised the attraction for its well-preserved history, beautiful surroundings, and family-friendly atmosphere. Some of the most frequently mentioned positive aspects include:

• The castle's fascinating history and the intriguing story of King John's death.
• The picturesque gardens, with their beautiful planting schemes and tranquil setting.
• The river walk, offering stunning views of the castle and the opportunity to spot local wildlife.
• The gardens' suitability for picnics and family days out, with plenty of space for children to play.
• The free admission to the gardens and the castle, making it an affordable day out for visitors.

With an average rating of 4.5/5 from over 2,370 reviews on Google My Business, it is clear that Newark Castle and Gardens provides an excellent experience for both local residents and tourists alike.

❓ Frequently asked questions about Newark Castle and Gardens

👍 Reviews of Newark Castle and Gardens

Donna C.

5/5

Lovely old ruins with a fascinating history. We were visiting Newark for shopping and had a wander around here when we got off the train. The gardens were laid out beautifully with flower beds full of tulips and we were lucky to have been blessed with glorious weather too.

Jesse W.

5/5

Lovely grounds and a pretty river walk to peek at the beautiful views of the castle! The castle has a great history from the middle ages. Great for a picnic!

Solitaire

4/5

Came to Newark for a 3-day Steampunk event in the Market Square. The castle is located next to the main road & canal. There is a lovely little park on the other side of the canal and its only a short walk to get into the castle grounds. Once in the castle (which is free entry) only one tower and wall is standing and you can look out of a large arch looking over the canel and park. There is a lovely grassed large grassed area that would be good in the summer for picnics etc. and a band stand. There were a few walk ways and entrances into the tower etc. but these were all locked up for some unknown reason. There was a seperate building with toilets in and parking is across the other side of the canal and is only £3.70 for thd whole day.

John C.

5/5

Lovely gardens on the banks of the Trent , superb view through the old castle windows over looking the river . Castle in a somewhat degraded condition, but offers a nice walk around the perimeter to experience the castle and its walls close up . Ideal location for a picnic during clement weather . Dog friendly ( Always pick up after your dog ). No toilets on site or refreshments. Paid Parking oppsite , which only cost £2.50 for 2-4 hours stay .

Ann H.

5/5

Enjoyed reading about the history of the castle. Beautiful situation and the nearby castle barge cafe served a delicious lunch. Dog friendly too.

phillip S.

4/5

Well worth a visit. Learn more about the history of this once important town. Lovely place to sit and watch the world go by. Nice views of the Trent and beyond.

Zombie ?. C.

3/5

I'm sure it will be great but when we visited the grounds and access to walk around the castle walls were fully restricted due to building work. So we were disappointed. But it looks lovely from the park across the water.

KC H.

3/5

The food places are amazing, the barge cafe and the Thai restaurant were amazing friendly service, good food.however the castle ruins could have missed out on, 5 minutes walk around and 3/4 covered by metal fencing as repairs are being undertaken