THINGS TO DO

Newark-on-Trent

Boasting one of the finest Georgian market squares in the UK, Newark  has many wonderful places to eat and drink.  It is a market town steeped in history with a dramatic castle and two museums. Oliver Cromwell fought battles against the Royalists just outside Newark and King John died at the Castle.

Newark hosts many events throughout the year – from Continental Markets, Jazz & Food Festivals and Carnivals to Civil War re-enactments.  Europe’s largest Antiques Fair is held six times a year, and it is close to Southwell Racecourse with its all-weather track. Newark Showground is a venue for many interesting shows and events.

Visit Newark to enjoy;

  • Newark Air Museum
  • Newark Civil War Centre
  • Newark Lock Park and Sensory Garden
  • Newark Town Hall Museum
  • River Trips along the Trent
  • Eden Hall Spa

Southwell

One of the prettiest towns in Nottinghamshire! The stunning Southwell Minster is a splendid cathedral with the Archbishop’s Palace situated within the grounds. Other nearby attractions include;

  • The Workhouse, built in 1824,  and one of the most complete in existence
  • The Swan Sanctuary
  • Southwell Race Course

Lincoln 

Just 25 minutes from Dunstall Barn, the list of things to do in this beautiful medieval city is endless. There are unique shops, cobbled streets along with the major attractions;

  • The superb Cathedral and Medieval Castle
  • Steep Hill – voted ‘Britain’s Best Street’ is well worth the climb! Antiques, retro and vintage stores as well as tea shops, pubs and restaurants.
  • Usher Art Gallery
  • Museum of Lincolnshire Life

Cycling:

Dunstall Barns is convenient for National Cycle Network Routes 64 and 647 which link Lincoln and Worksop and provides excellent access to Clumber Park and Sherwood Forest. The Sustrans cycle route to Lincoln follows a converted railway line providing ideal traffic free cycling.

Other nearby attractions

Laxton – a charming village, best known for having the last remaining working open three field system in the United Kingdom. Laxton is also home to The National Holocaust Museum.

Sherwood Forest – legendary home of Robin Hood, the most heroic outlaw in English folklore. According to legend, he was a highly skilled archer and swordsman, often portrayed as “robbing from the rich and giving to the poor” alongside Maid Marion and his band of Merry Men. The forest comprising of a network of woodland, rolling countryside and ancient villages, provides countless opportunities to explore. In addition, Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve and Country Park is home to a fascinating eco-system. The forest has 900 veteran oak trees including England’s Tree of the Year 2014, The Major Oak The Sherwood Forest Visitors Centre with exhibitions on Robin Hood has two shops and a restaurant.

Sherwood Pines Forest Park – a fantastic and inspiring place to experience the outdoors. There is something for everyone all year round, from walking and family cycling to mountain biking, Go Ape and adventure play.

Rufford Abbey Country Park – the estate and grounds of a former 12th century Cistercian monastery and country house.

The Dukeries – We are situated on the edge of The Dukeries. This is a disctrict in Nottinghamshire so called because it contained four ducal seats. Clumber house, the principal seat of the Dukes of Newcastle, Thoresby Hall principal seat of the Dukes of Kingston and later the Earls of Manvers, Welbeck Abbey principal seat of the Duke of Portland and Worksop Manor a seat of the Dukes of Norfolk.

The National Trust’s Clumber Park is a beautiful expanse of parkland, heath and woods covering more than 3,800 acres. Although the house was demolished in 1938, there are still glimpses of its grand past to explore. From the Gothic-style chapel, often referred to as a ‘Cathedral in miniature’, you can follow in the footsteps of Dukes through the peaceful pleasure ground to the Walled Kitchen Garden where you can experience sights, scents and a taste of the past. It is home to the longest avenue of lime trees in Europe and a 87 acre Serpentine Lake.

Thoresby Hall, now an adult only country hotel with luxurious surroundings and spa. The Grade 2 listed courtyard is free to the public and includes shops, selling a variety of gifts, a glassblower, small art gallery and a bistro café. It also houses The Queen’s Royal Lancers and Nottinghamshire Yeomanry Museum. Alternatively you can wander through the woods and parkland.

Welbeck Abbey is still privately owned. However, many of the outbuildings are now home to attractions such as The School of Artisan Food, The Harley Gallery ,Garden Centre and the Welbeck Farm Shop – all worth a visit.

Worksop Manor; only the servant’s wing remains. However, there is nearby the National Trust’s, Mr Straw’s House, a time capsule of a local grocer’s house from the 1920s offering a glimpse of the past.

Younger children may wish to visit;

  • Wheel Gate All Action Theme Park
  • Sundown Adventureland

Full details of many attractions can be found at visit-newark.co.uk