It’s that fantastic time of year when England’s largest festival of history and culture is coming to Newark and Sherwood! It’s a great chance to discover hidden places and try out new experiences right on your doorstep, and the best bit, they all are completely FREE to enjoy!

Newark’s National Civil War Centre is delighted to have been shortlisted for a national Family Friendly Museum Award for the second year running.

Newark’s National Civil War Centre has been shortlisted for the national Kids in Museums Family Friendly Museum Award.

The legacy of a 17th century Mayor of Newark is being honoured this month with a day encouraging foodbank donations at the town’s National Civil War Centre. In a drive led by re-enactment group Colonel Robert Overton’s Regiment of Foote, anyone bringing a foodbank donation to the Centre on Saturday 11th March will receive free entry, enjoying fascinating galleries, fun interactives and games and the chance to meet the re-enactors in full Civil War costume.

A fantastic new programme of events has been launched for this winter. From craft workshops to historic afternoon teas, toddler takeovers, fascinating talks and a festive film, there’s something for all ages to enjoy.

Local families will be able to enjoy a national attraction for free this summer alongside a range of fun activities for all ages. The National Civil War Centre in Newark has announced that admission will be free for all Newark and Sherwood residents between Wednesday 3rd and Saturday 27th August, including entry to their summer activities: ‘’.

A feast of fascinating objects from throughout history, some as many as 3000 years old and more, have gone on display this month at the National Civil War Centre. The free mini exhibition has been curated from the archives of the Newark Museum as part of the nationwide Festival of Archaeology, running from Saturday 16th to Sunday 31st July.

An amazing female character from history is being celebrated with a free day of activity for all ages at the National Civil War Centre next month. 17^th century writer and Civil War spy Aphra Behn will be the star of fun family performances on Saturday 2^nd July while visitors will also have the chance to choose a statue of her to be erected in her birthplace of Canterbury.

A chalice that once touched the lips of King Charles I has gone on display at the National Civil War Centre in Newark. Loaned by St Mary Magdalene Church, the stunning silver cup is reputed to have been used by the King while taking communion on his frequent visits to the town.

“Who dares to teach must never cease to learn.” John Cotton Dana

As 2021 draws to a close, the Learning and Participation Team is heading off home for a well-deserved rest. This year has been a wild ride! One minute, we’re teaching 6 year-olds to joust at Newark Castle, then we’re sharing our Ice Age Journeys session in a primary school, and the next minute preparing a civil war handling session for A level students in the museum.

A new exhibit at Newark’s National Civil War Centre is aiming to get visitors all fired up this summer. The replica 17th century cannon took up residence in the museum’s foyer last week after being rehomed from Colonel Richard Bagot’s Regiment of Foote, one of the oldest regiments within the famous Sealed Knot Society.

Our wonderful volunteer Rich shares his experience of becoming a volunteer at the National Civil War Centre.

Philip Moon reflects on his experience volunteering at the National Civil War Centre and the lessons and legacies of the 17th century conflict.