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: ‘’.

Carys Coulton-Jones, Business Manager of the National Civil War Centre, said: “Have you ever had more fun with the box it came in than the toy itself? That’s the basis behind our fantastically fun ‘Playhem!’ activities this school holiday. Our Tudor Hall will be brimming with boxes, tubes, frames, cars, toys and more so that visitors can build their own brilliant Castles and structures to play in and there will be fun musket drills to have a go at every day too”.

Councillor Rhona Holloway, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Visitors at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “Amidst the cost of living crisis, we know that some families might find it harder than usual to keep the kids entertained this school holiday. With a fantastic attraction like the National Civil War Centre as one of our amazing assets, we wanted to invite residents to come and enjoy it for free and make the most of the enormously fun activities their team has put together this summer”.

As well as the ‘Playhem’ fun, the summer holidays will also see a special version of the Centre’s Family Saturdays, themed to coincide with the Town Council’s Newark on Sea beach. After playing in the sand at the Market Place, families can come along to enjoy ‘Ships Ahoy!’ on Saturday 6th August, where they’ll be able to make their own ship in a bottle, go on a family-friendly tour led by a swashbuckler, and handle amazing seaside-themed objects. Plus, visitors from further afield will also be able to come along for free if they get involved by dressing up as a pirate!

Then, on Saturday 13th August, the Centre have organised a special family-friendly edition of their Newark Through Time walking tour. For just £5 for adults and £2.50 for children, guests will be able to join a fantastic guide to follow the town’s story over thousands of years as they explore the signs that history has left behind and discover the place where one king lost his life and another his kingdom.

The National Civil War Centre is open Wednesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm. To find out more about visiting, as well as more information about all of their events, visit www.nationalcivilwarcentre.com.