A legacy of local heritage

Situated on the banks of the River Trent, the picturesque town of Newark is steeped in history, with plenty for visitors to see and do.

The ruins of Newark Castle have had a huge influence on the unique character of the town, and although the current remains were built in the early 12th century, there has been a castle on the site since 1068.

The town has become famous for its six annual antiques fairs, held at Newark County Showground, when thousands of antique hunters from across the world descend on the fair’s 4,000 stalls in search of a bargain.

HISTORIC LANDMARK
Standing proudly at the gateway to the town for more than 900 years, Newark Castle is a treasure trove of history.
Once a magnificent Norman palace, it played a key role in the British Civil Wars and became closely associated with the infamous King John, who spent his final days here in 1216. 

Over the centuries, it has transformed from a royal stronghold to a romantic ruin that has inspired artists and storytellers alike. This Grade I listed building and scheduled monument is currently undergoing a transformative project which will help bring the castle’s rich history to life through interactive displays, rebuilt rooms and new gallery spaces, accessible via a lift.

Special floodlights will illuminate the architecture, while low-level path lighting will ensure a safe and welcoming experience after dark, adding a special touch of magic to evening visits. The castle is scheduled to fully reopen to the public this autumn at the completion of the extensive £6.7 million restoration known as the Gatehouse Project.

Visitors will be able to climb to a tower-top viewing platform to take in breathtaking views over the River Trent.

New wildflower planting in the Victorian gardens will bring colour and seasonal interest while providing food and habitats.

Newark Castle For All, a group of local volunteers with lived experience of a wide range of disabilities, have been helping with the design and review of accessible features throughout the project, including the lift to the first floor, tactile models and artefacts, audio alternatives to written text, and wheelchair-friendly gradients.

When the full site reopens, the gardens will remain free to access, while the project itself will reinstate the castle’s original 900-year-old entrance.

CHARITY BOAT FESTIVAL
Newark Dragon Boat Festival is back this year on Sunday 13th September at Newark Riverside Park. Based on a Chinese tradition dating back more than 2,000 years, dragon boat racing has become one of the fastest growing and most popular water-based activities, with 10 people paddling the 30ft boat with a drummer at the front.

Visitors can look forward to a variety of local food and drink suppliers, a bar and a range of activities available throughout the day, including live entertainment.

The event aims to raise vital funds for local charities, Beaumond House Hospice Care and The Children’s Bereavement Centre.

LET THE MUSIC PLAY
Support the Armed Forces through the power of music at the Palace Theatre on Saturday 26th September. This special charity concert celebrates the incredible musicianship of the Royal Air Force while helping to raise vital support for the Armed Forces Community.

Enjoy a dynamic programme featuring everything from blockbuster soundtracks to timeless RAF ceremonial pieces. The evening is presented by the RAF Music Charitable Trust.

TRACTORS THROUGH TIME
The countdown is on for Newark Vintage Tractor & Heritage Show from 7th-8th November, showcasing hundreds of vintage tractors and machinery.

With more than 900 exhibitors, the spectacle at Newark Showground promises something for every generation.

Alongside the vehicle display will be an array of trade stands brimming with vintage spare parts and equipment. Also, there will be a live auction of vintage tractors, vehicles, implements and spare parts organised by Brown & Co.

Enjoy a journey through time on the Saturday from 9am-5pm and Sunday from 9am-3.30pm.

POETRY IN MOTION
With more than 500,000 followers on social media and a host of sell-out shows across the country, Brian Bilston is one of the UK’s most popular poets.

In 2025, Brian released an album of his poetry set to music, Sounds Made by Humans, in collaboration with The Catenary Wires.

Save the date of Wednesday 25th November for an evening of comedy and laughter at the Palace Theatre when Brian will be on stage with his latest book, How to Lay an Egg with a Horse Inside, taking the audience through the hows, whys and whats of reading, writing and enjoying poetry every day.

STEP BACK IN TIME
The National Civil War Centre and Newark Museum offers interactive galleries, artefacts, events and family activities exploring Civil War history in the town.

Set in a place shaped by siege and survival, the museum offers a unique perspective where national history and local stories come together.

The centre is committed to being accessible and inclusive, with step-free access, lifts to all floors and a range of resources designed to support a wide variety of access needs, helping to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable visit for all.

Visitors also can browse the on-site gift shop, or relax and refuel at Café Nineteen20, which serves a selection of refreshments on site, next to the Palace Theatre at 14 Appleton Gate. 

DELI DELIGHTS
A welcoming Newark venue serving fresh homemade food, cakes and deli treats, Governor’s House Café & Deli is located on Stodman Street in the heart of the town. This warm and welcoming establishment, set within a historic building that exudes character and charm, offers a relaxed atmosphere where both locals and tourists can enjoy homemade comfort. 

Whilst the café is renowned for its dedication to quality and traditional baking, what truly sets the business apart is its deep-rooted role in the community, providing a free-of-charge meeting space for local groups and businesses, fostering a spirit of collaboration and connection.

This cornerstone of Newark life, where heritage and hospitality meet, was once the residence of the Governors of Newark during the sieges of the Civil War.

A diagonal path from the Governor’s House to the south door of the Parish Church was laid, so the Governor could walk to the church without soiling his feet. The Market Place has retained this original pattern, with the path marked out by metal studs.

COME FLY WITH ME
Open for more than 50 years, Newark Air Museum has evolved into one of the UK’s leading volunteer managed aviation museums.

Opened officially to the public in 1973 and located on its current site just to the north of Newark, on what is part of the former World War II airfield of RAF Winthorpe, visitors can view a diverse collection of more than 95 aircraft and cockpit sections covering the history of aviation.

Extensive undercover displays include two aircraft display halls that house more than 56 aircraft and helicopters. The museum also displays a diverse selection of aviation artefacts; a collection of more than 40 aero engines; and has an extensive archive of aviation publications, photographs and documents. There is also a café on site, plus an extensive shop.

NEWARK TOWN HALL MUSEUM & ART GALLERY
Recognised as one of the finest Georgian town halls in the country, the Grade I listed Newark Town Hall has accommodated the mayor and the town aldermen since it was built in 1776.

Rooms within the working town hall form part of the museum and house a fine collection of civic treasures. Visitors can tour the imposing Council Chamber, Mayor’s Parlour and elegant Assembly Room, which was restored in 1990 to its former 18th-century splendour.

In 1999, Newark Town Council opened a museum within the building to allow daily access to its civic treasures. 

In addition to the rooms with displays on the first floor, visitors can enjoy an excellent Fine Art Gallery, the Spotlight Gallery, which houses a broad range of exhibitions by local artists and community groups, and a Civic Gallery on the second floor.

As a family-friendly museum, there truly is something for everyone to explore – with quizzes and trails, interactive touchscreens and dressing-up boxes with mini mayoral robes! 

There are also small group tours with volunteer guides from Friends of Newark Town Hall Museum, which takes you behind the scenes and in parts of the building you would not normally have access to on 45-minute tours. Tour visitors will also be able to see objects from the collections stores that are not normally on display. For more information visit newarktownhallmuseum-friends.uk

A TASTE OF EASTERN EUROPE
Inknotts Wine Ltd is an award-winning independent wine merchant and importer bringing the remarkable wines of Eastern Europe and the Balkan regions to Newark-on-Trent. Founded in 2023, the shop specialises in discovering high-quality, characterful bottles from historically significant wine regions including Moldova, Romania, Georgia and Armenia – offering a refreshing alternative to mainstream selections.

These countries are home to some of the world’s oldest vineyards, expressive indigenous grape varieties and distinctive terroirs that produce wines with real depth and personality. The collection at InKnotts showcases authentic Eastern European wines, spirits and liqueurs chosen for their craftsmanship, sense of place and the stories behind each producer.

From traditional Georgian qvevri wines to elegant Romanian whites and bold Moldovan reds, every bottle reflects centuries of tradition and innovation.

Visitors can explore the range with relaxed guidance, enjoy wines by the glass, or join tastings held throughout the year.

InKnotts Wine is open Tuesday-Thursday 12noon-6pm, Friday 12noon-11pm and Saturday 10.30am-11pm.

InKnotts Wine Ltd,14 Chain Lane, Newark-on-Trent, www.inknotts.co.uk, email support@inknotts.co.uk

OH, I DO LIKE TO BE BESIDE THE SEASIDE!
The popular Newark-on-Sea event returns to the Newark Market Place from 1st to 16th August.

This free urban beach event transforms the town centre into a seaside escape complete with golden sand, deckchairs, street food, and family activities running daily, from 10am to 4pm. There will be a vintage Newark-on-Sea photo booth created by local artist Emily Cartright for visitors to capture a memory of their day on the Beach, which you can share on the Newark Town Council Facebook page.

Local radio station Radio Newark will be hosting Beach Bingo and a Quayside Quiz on 1st, 3rd , 7th and 15th August. The fantastic Latino Sounds Band will be bringing a carnival atmosphere to the Beach on the 8th August 1pm-3pm. Local Ignite Dance Group will also be offering Boogie on the Beach Sessions from 11-11.30am on 1st, 8th & 15th August. Additionally on 1st August, Nottingham Shakespeare Company will be performing The Tempest at Riverside Park, another free event for all to enjoy in the town.

Follow Newark Royal Market on Facebook

DELIVERING QUALITY PATIENT HEALTHCARE
Described by customers as an “exceptional pharmacy”, Whistlers Pharmacy at Beaumond Chambers prides itself on providing expert healthcare to the local community.

As one of the longest established independent pharmacies in Newark, the pharmacy sells over-the-counter medicines and dispenses NHS and private prescriptions.

The friendly and helpful team offer professional advice on the management of minor illnesses and long-term conditions and also supplies medicines in multi-compartmental compliance packs, designed to help people remember to take their medicines.

Whistlers Pharmacy, which holds the largest stock of medicine in the town, also provides patient services, such as smoking cessation, blood pressure measurement, and cholesterol management with a free local home delivery service to Newark, Collingham, Long Bennington and Claypole.

There is also a convenient SMS notification service to let patients know as soon as their prescription is ready for collection.

Whistlers Pharmacy is open Monday to Friday 8am to 5.30pm and Saturday 8am to 1pm.

For more information visit Facebook/whistlerspharmacy or tel: 01636 703756.

STYLISH SOLUTIONS FROM CLIFFSIDE WINDOWS
If you’re looking for a stunning conservatory to enhance your home, the experts at Cliffside Windows can help you make the right choice.

As experienced specialists in the manufacturing and installation of double glazed aluminium and uPVC products, Cliffside Windows, which has been trading for more than 50 years, has earned an unrivalled reputation for delivering quality customer service and care.

Based in Dunston, this well-established business offers first-class solutions for all double glazed uPVC products, providing doors, windows, porches as well as superb conservatories, which feature the innovative LEKA Systems.

As industry leaders in lightweight, tiled conservatory roof and modular base options LEKA Systems offer a contemporary and comfortable year-round living space.

As a main stockist, Cliffside Windows leads the way in guiding customers to make the right choice when choosing LEKA’s new concept, which delivers not only state-of-the-art lightweight roofing but stylish, energy-efficient bases too.

Why choose LEKA?
LEKA products were originally designed as a replacement conservatory roof system and proved the perfect solution to refurbishing inefficient conservatories that are cold in winter and too hot in summer.

Unlike traditional roofs, the LEKA System is nearly half the weight of a glass roof and delivers better insulation. While other lightweight roofs are made from aluminium and timber which makes them heavy, the Lightweight LEKA Systems are made from a Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) structural framework.

LEKA Xi’s prefabricated conservatory base and walls has proved a game-changing modular conservatory system, offering unparalleled quality, performance, and style.

Typically, the LEKA Xi conservatory base, as well as a LEKA roof, are installed in just days and offer peace of mind with no thermal bridging or moisture absorption due to its GRP lightweight, structurally sound frame work.

Select your style
Investing in a new conservatory is a practical way to increase usable space while improving your home by offering added light and extra flexible living space.

When designed and installed correctly, a conservatory becomes a natural extension of the home rather than a separate space.

Cliffside Windows offers a wide range of conservatory styles, including:
Victorian conservatories: Timeless elegance and ideal for cosy social spaces.
Edwardian conservatories: Spacious, symmetrical designs perfect for hosting or additional storage.
Sun Lounge conservatories: Maximise natural light for a bright, relaxing retreat.

Customisation options include a variety of colours such as white, cream, rosewood, and light oak. Select timber effects for the exterior while keeping lighter shades inside, and choose solar glass roofing for better temperature control, noise insulation, and easy cleaning.

Whatever home improvement product you choose to explore, Cliffside’s friendly and helpful on-site expert team are always happy to help make the perfect choice.

For more information visit www.cliffsidewindows.co.uk

HUMMINGBIRD COLLECTIVE CELEBRATES CREATIVITY AND CRAFTSMANSHIP
Something exciting is coming to Middlegate, Newark, as The Hummingbird Collective prepares to open its fifth store, bringing together an inspiring community of talented independent businesses, makers, artists and creatives under one roof.

More than just a shop, The Hummingbird Collective is a destination where every purchase supports a real person with a passion for what they create.

From handcrafted gifts and homeware, to artisan food, jewellery, artwork, fashion and unique seasonal collections, every visit offers something different to discover.

“The Hummingbird Collective’s expansion into Newark reflects the growing demand for meaningful, local shopping experiences that champion quality, creativity and community.

“By providing affordable retail space and ongoing support for small businesses, we’re helping independent entrepreneurs thrive while giving shoppers an alternative to the high street chains.

“The Hummingbird Collective is built on the belief that shopping locally has the power to strengthen communities, create opportunities and keep high streets vibrant. Every product has a story, every maker has a journey, and every customer becomes part of that story.

“We can’t wait to welcome you to our newest home on Middlegate, where independent shopping comes to life in a beautiful, carefully curated space that celebrates craftsmanship, originality and the incredible talent of Britain’s small business community.”

For more information visit www.hummingbirdcollective.co.uk

Photographs: Mick Fox

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