newark castle

EllieC677

What can i say....such a Gem....so underated and so worth a visit i have taken different family member and friends on four!!!! Separate occassions its so interesting. The dungeons are brilliant such a great tour about history. I would recommend it to anyone its a great day out. They have two tours and both are brilliant. The tour guide is very knowledgeble and patient..

234heatherg

I had my wedding here so was lovely to come into the castle grounds for pictures. I lived in Newark 15 years ago and the castle grounds have changed so much for the better in that time. Very pretty

AnnaS879

Interesting castle ruins with well maintained gardens inside. Lovely views over the river. Most of all absolutely FREE!

Fazzappa

Part of the Historic Royalist/Cromwells battle for England as major Royalist stronghold.A major part was destroyed by Cromwell but what still stands together with the other building in the town are very interesting.

Historylovergirl

Newark Castle is very impressive in its ruinous state, and must have been very imposing when in its heyday. Tall walls tower above the River Trent, and these provide most of the clues to its former glory, with a beautiful oriel window and carvings. We only had time to browse the park and walls, but will return to do the guided tour and dungeons at some point.Parking is easy across from castle by riverside, the walk around under the walls is well worth doing, and it is a nice place for a picnic or a rest from the bustle of the town.

jodenan

Newark Castle is rather odd in that has one well preserved wall and not much else. However it is good for photos, especially from the river side, is set in pleasant gardens and is free to enter.

foxyk8

Recently visited with my partner and young baby from Cornwall. It was out of season and they weren't running tours that day however the two ladies there were very welcoming and informative. They came across very passionate about the building that's left standing which came across when talking to them! Would be interested in going back in the future to see works that hopefully will be put into place.

REJ1974

We visited the castle but unfortunately missed the dungeon tour but the castle grounds and castle was brilliant. The tour guide Flo was very informative and kept my two teens entertained with her stories. Highly recommend. The town is unspoilt which was lovely and its a happy bustling place. A must is the Waffle Cottage!

SheilaLaurence

We received a Groupon notification that we could visit Newark Castle for free if we applied for a Voucher. We applied immediately and then put the voucher aside. When we enquired about when we could visit we realised there was not only the opportunity to visit the Dungeons but also to have a tour of the rest of the ruin and go up the tower . . .We visited on a November Sunday and were able to go down into the Debtors prison and Dungeon, the Barrel Dungeon which was particularly unpleasant when in use and the Bottle Dungeon which had a happier tale to tell. The Lady Guide was very well informed and even switched out the light so we could get a real feel of the place!Our afternoon tour of the tower and around the ruin was taken by George who was extremely knowledgeable and had based his degree disitation on the history of the castle. At the top of tower we had a fabulous view of Newark and surrounding area.Our comment to each other was "Why didn't we learn history this way when we were at school?"Recommended for anyone with an interest in history who is able to climb lots of steps!

697MikeH

Saw this on Groupon so thought for something a little different, would give it a try and then have some time in Newark as we had not been before. We picked the Tower and Under croft tour that started at 1pm (from the bandstand in centre of grounds) and what a beautiful day to be walking round outside. There was only 9 in total + the tour guide Alan who was very knowledgeable indeed and certainly enjoyed sharing the history of the Castle. The tour finished around quarter to 3 as opposed to 2pm but well appreciated by all that he took the extra time in sharing his stories, a real credit to Newark tourist board. The Castle has certainly taken a beating over time but what is left standing is very impressive but going on the tour gets you into parts that the general public cannot access. The views from the top of the tower (76 winding steps) are amazing and with it being such a clear day, was able to see for miles over Newark. If in the area again, will certainly book the Dungeon Tour that starts at 11am. Thank You again Alan for such a great couple of hours where I actually learnt something :)

915johns

Only Open by arranged tours with the Tourist Office,only approx a quarter of the castle still stands ,thanks to Oliver Cromwell ordering it's destruction. We went round it with a "Groupon Coupon Deal" Interesting tour,very good value,more left than we thought,including some inside parts.

2CauntonSmiths

We both thoroughly enjoyed the guided tour conducted by Floss last weekend (tower and undercroft). She was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable, with a lovely manner and great sense of humour. We went on the dungeon tour last year with her predecessor and are now thinking of doing that tour again, this time with Floss, as we think she will bring a whole new perspective to it. Can I suggest you advertise the tours at the Castle gardens as I don't think people are aware of them? We wouldn't have known if we hadn't seen them featured on Groupon. Great value even at full price. The tour appeals to young and old and we cannot recommend them more highly.. Floss deserves praise for her work. Well done! A real gem for Newark tourism and locals alike.

jeannetteNewark

A brilliant experience, suitable for adults and children, but everyone needs to be fit as there are 2 ladders and some uneven steps. (Well, the castle dates back to Norman times) Our guide FLOSS was brilliant, told us all the gory details about the castle in Norman times when it was run by the Bishop of Lincon! She involved the whole group when explaining each of the 4 dungeons and what went on it each one. I would recommend this tour, also there is a tour of the rooms above ground, I guess that will be good too.

UncleSandy

This is a brilliant tour made very interesting by the guide Floss. She really knows her stuff and her enthusiasm for it makes it all the more interesting. Didn't get to the dungeons as that was fully booked but had a good hour learning about the castle, going up the 2 towers along the curtain wall and down below into the undercroft. Newark really has a fascinating history and the castle being at the centre of it, claims several 'firsts' in European history let alone British. Great tour, learned lots and Floss gives you a real feel for how it used to be. Definitely worth it. Thankyou.

isobel51

My Fiance and I visited Newark Castle and went on a tour of the dungeons, led by Floss. We found the entire experience very very enjoyable and informative. Floss is a very knowedgable person who certainly knows all about Newark Castle and it's history.