Newark & Sherwood
The District of Newark & Sherwood is situated on the east of the sub-region and is bordered by Lincolnshire to the east, Bassetlaw to the north, Mansfield to the west and Rushcliffe/Nottingham to the south. The District is served by its three main towns of Newark, Southwell and Ollerton. As well as a strong agricultural base, the area also has a range of engineering, food and drink, tourism and other customer service industries.
Newark, with its renowned antiques trade, castle, market place and scattering of boutiques, cafes and restaurants amongst a network of tiny streets, is a tourist destination in its own right. Southwell too is a popular location with its Minster and Workhouse (NT) and as home to the famous Bramley Apple. However, the district is probably most famous for Sherwood Forest and the legend of Robin Hood.
Attractions and Places of Interest
Newark & Sherwood is also home to many tourist attractions including:
Rufford Country Park
Rufford Country Park and Craft Centre stands in parkland near the remains of a Cistercian Abbey. The centre has a restored Orangery, woodland walks, 25 acre lake, formal gardens, sculptures and adventure playground. The craft centre, ceramics centre, exhibitions and restaurant are open daily.
Sherwood Forest
Sherwood Forest Country Park & Visitor Centre extends over 450 acres of the famous ancient woodland. Highlights include the Major Oak tree, way-marked walks, footpaths and bridleways, and the annual Robin Hood Festival in the summer. Facilities include a Robin Hood exhibition; video studio; open air theatre; heritage shop; activities centre; adventure playground for young children and the Forest Table restaurant.
The Sherwood Pines Forest Park is the largest forest open to the public in the East Midlands and centre for a wide variety of outdoor activities. Facilities include a visitor centre with café, cycle hire, children's adventure play trail and toilets. Way-marked woodland walks, cycle trail and mountain biking areas are open every day.
The Workhouse
The Workhouse (owned by the National Trust) is the only 19th century workhouse in existence that offers visitors the opportunity to explore the building and its history, unlocking the stories of the people who lived and worked there and illustrating what life was really like.
A few minutes walk from the Major Oak and adjacent to the Sherwood Forest Youth Hostel, this superb centre was created in a Victorian coach house and stables. An all weather attraction with glazed atrium, its facilities include 16 art and craft studios offering unique but practical products for the home and garden; demonstrations and participation events; café serving hot and cold meals and disabled access throughout.
Hotels, eating and shopping
There is a wide variety of places to stay and eat in Newark & Sherwood - listed in detail on the website. Newark is also a popular shopping centre with significant recent investment in the retail centre of the town attracting major high street names to complement the wide range of gift, antique and speciality shops. Waitrose is another major draw with shoppers traveling from up to 30 miles around to visit this popular supermarket.
Major Employers
Major employers in Newark & Sherwood include:
Center Parcs
Holiday village
NSK Bearings Europe
Research, development and production of high precision bearings
UK Coal
Deep mine coal production at Edwinstowe
National Grid
National training centre for power distribution operatives
Hanson Europe Ltd
Manufacturer of kiln-fired products
Vodafone Business
Supply of business telecommunications solutions, services and products
Charles Lawrence Group plc
Synthetic sports surfacing and installation
Laurens Patisseries
Manufacturers of cake products
Mastercare
Electronic goods
For more detailed information please visit: www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk
Contact:
Mike Robinson
Economic Regeneration Service
Newark and Sherwood District Council
Kelham Hall
Kelham
Newark NG23 5QX
Phone: 01636 655258
Fax: 01636 655254
Email: mike.robinson@nsdc.info
