Newark Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Newark Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Newark packs a punch for sightseeing despite its compact size. The town's medieval heart features a cobbled marketplace that hosts one of the country's best antiques fairs. I always recommend starting at Newark Castle (NG24 1BG, open daily 10am-5pm), where the ruins tell the story of this strategic stronghold.

The National Civil War Centre (NG24 1JY) scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor and brings the 17th century to life through interactive exhibits. We love their handling collection where kids can try on armour.

Newark Air Museum (NG23 5QX, 4.5/5 TripAdvisor) houses over 90 aircraft and cockpit sections. It's a bit different from your typical tourist spot and aviation enthusiasts will need several hours here.

The Palace Theatre (NG24 1JY, 4/5 TripAdvisor) offers everything from comedy to drama in a beautiful Edwardian building. We suggest checking their programme before your trip as shows often sell out.

Pet Friendly

Newark works brilliantly for dog owners. The riverside walks along the Trent provide miles of tail-wagging territory with minimal road crossings. Sconce and Devon Park (NG24 4UE) has 19 acres of open space where dogs can run off-lead in designated areas.

We've found several dog-friendly pubs in town. The Prince Rupert (NG24 1JS) welcomes dogs in the bar area and even offers water bowls and treats. The Fox Inn at Kelham (NG23 5QP) has a large garden perfect for four-legged friends.

Newark Pets & Gardens (NG24 2AG) stocks emergency supplies and staff can recommend local vets if needed. For rainy days, the covered section of Newark Market is mostly dog-friendly, though keep them on a short lead.

Top tip: The hot tub at your cottage will need covering when not in use if you've got a curious dog who might try to join you for a dip!

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Newark

Newark Castle and Gardens tops our must-visit list. The castle ruins stand proudly above the River Trent, with stunning gardens below. The guided tour (£8 adults, £4 children) reveals fascinating stories about King John's death here and the castle's role in the Civil War. The gardens are free to enter and perfect for picnics with river views.

Newark Market Place hosts one of England's finest Georgian squares. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday see the traditional market in full swing, while the famous International Antiques Fair takes over several times yearly. The square is surrounded by independent shops and cafes housed in buildings spanning 500 years of architecture. One visitor told us: "I came for an hour and stayed all day!"

The National Civil War Centre brings history to life through hands-on exhibits. Their "Newark Besieged" exhibition explains how the town survived three sieges during the Civil War. Kids love the dressing-up section and interactive displays. Recent visitor feedback praises the "perfect balance of information and entertainment" and "knowledgeable staff who make history exciting."

When's the best time to visit Newark?

Newark shines between May and September when the riverside gardens bloom and outdoor events fill the calendar. The Newark Festival in June brings big-name bands to Riverside Park. Winter visits have their charm too, especially when the Christmas market transforms the square in December.

How far is Sherwood Forest from Newark?

Sherwood Forest is just 14 miles from Newark - about 25 minutes by car. The legendary home of Robin Hood makes a brilliant day out, especially the Major Oak which is estimated to be 800-1000 years old. The visitor centre (NG21 9HN) offers excellent walking trails.

Can I get to Newark by train?

Yes! Newark has two railway stations. Newark Northgate sits on the East Coast Main Line with direct trains from London (70 minutes), while Newark Castle station connects to Lincoln and Nottingham. This makes it perfect for a car-free break if your cottage is near the town centre.

Where can I eat in Newark?

Newark punches above its weight for food. Koinonia (NG24 1LD) serves outstanding Mediterranean dishes in a converted church. For pub grub, The Ram (NG24 1JY) offers locally-sourced food with excellent Sunday roasts. Don't miss Newark's Buttermarket for independent food stalls.

Is Newark good for shopping?

The town combines independent shops with familiar names. The Buttermarket indoor centre houses craft and food retailers, while the Market Place features boutiques and antique shops. St Mark's Shopping Centre provides high street brands. The antiques fairs attract dealers from across Europe.

What's parking like in Newark?

Newark has several central car parks. Riverside (NG24 1BB) offers the most spaces and reasonable all-day rates. London Road (NG24 1TW) works well for the town centre. Most cottages provide private parking, but check before booking if you have multiple cars.

1. Visit Newark Official Tourism Site
2. National Civil War Centre
3. Newark & Sherwood District Council - Things To Do