Newark & Sherwood

Sherwood once covered all of Nottinghamshire but nowadays it’s split into a series of country parks and nature reserves. Outdoor fanatics and adrenalin junkies can cycle, climb and zip slide at Sherwood Pines Forest Park. At the quality assured Rufford Abbey Country Park visit the 12th century Cistercian monastery to catch up with Robin and find out more about his relationship with the Church. In the courtyard you’ll find Rufford Arts and Craft Centre. With international appeal it hosts the acclaimed Earth and Fire ceramics festival each June.

And Sherwood’s historic landscape is great for golfers too. Nearby is Rufford Golf Course and Country Club and further down the A614 is Ramsdale.

The market town of Newark is well known for links with the Civil War and has the River Trent running through its centre. Nestled on the river’s bank is Newark Castle, the only medieval castle in Nottinghamshire. Newark’s famous antiques fair is held six times a year at the county showground on the town’s outskirts. And the annual Newark Jazz Festival each May hosts over 50 music events in one weekend.

The county’s cathedral is Southwell Minster. It stands proud in the centre of the quiet market town. 2008 marks the Romanesque building’s 900th anniversary. The 13th century Chapter House has world renowned carvings known as the ’Leaves of Southwell’ and 10 faces of the Green Man. The Green Man is closely linked to the legend of Robin Hood as well as the pagan celebration of spring.

Southwell has many gift and designer clothes shops, restaurants and the small market square with a monthly farmers’ market. The town is committed to fair trade and many of the coffee houses and restaurants carry the internationally known logo.
 
The town also has six heritage trails, all starting in its centre. The shortest is two miles with the longest - the six mile King Charles I Civil War trail - taking around three hours to complete. Visit the tourist information centre to collect all the information you’ll need. 

Just outside town is Southwell Racecourse, one of the country’s few all weather courses, and National Trust property the Workhouse.

The first commercial Bramley apple was cultivated in Southwell. Local nursery owner Henry Merryweather spotted a gardener carrying unusual apples to market. The gardener worked for Matthew Bramley, who granted Merryweather permission to take grafts from the tree and establish an orchard, on the condition the apple was named after him.

Newark and Sherwood is one of Nottinghamshire’s major farming areas with plenty of local produce on sale. Gonalston Farm Shop is a popular stop on the tourist trail. Pick up a range of fresh meat, groceries and cakes.

Tucked away in this rural expanse are over 80 villages and hamlets. Of note are Wellow, with its 60 foot Maypole and Laxton where you’ll find Beth Shalom Holocaust Museum, an intriguing attraction dedicated to promoting a world without genocide. In Lowdham each June you’ll find an international book festival. The district also has strong literary links. The most famous being the former holiday residence of Lord Byron at the Burgage in Southwell. 

For a great family day out visit one of many farm centres and petting zoos. Meet Brian the goat and friends at White Post Farm Centre.