Explore Newark and Sherwood this May

Now that the weather is hopefully going to improve – it’s May after all – our thoughts turn to days out and places to visit, and you don’t have to travel far, as there are lots of exciting events taking place in Newark and the Sherwood Forest area.

If it’s history that interests you, then look no further than Newark. This year is the 370^th anniversary of the fall of Newark during the English Civil War, and on Sunday 8^th May (the actual date of the surrender in 1646) Royalist troops will return to the castle. The final acts of a terrible six month siege will be played out as the army of Parliament moves in to take control. There will be living history re-enactments taking place throughout the day at the Newark Castle, the Market Place and at the National Civil War Centre, so come along and step back in time. Find out more here.

Over in Sherwood Pines the Vikings are coming! A two day event on Saturday and Sunday 14 & 15 May celebrates 1,000 years since Viking king Canute became the king of England. There will be a living history camp recreating life as it would have been all those years ago. Families, wearing typical dress, will be cooking, baking and brewing, giving visitors the chance to experience the sights and smells of life under king Canute. The centrepiece of the camp will be a wooden replica of a Viking boat, which will demonstrate a Viking boat burial ceremony. It is sure to be a great weekend of fun for all the family with archery and woodwork demonstrations plus battles with authentically reproduced weapons. For more information click here.

If you want to combine history with the great outdoors, then pop along to Sherwood Forest on Sunday 15 May for a guided walk through medieval Sherwood. Learn all about the archaeology and history behind the real Sherwood Forest, and about the people who made up the forest, from poachers to the kings. This is a pre-bookable walk aimed at those over 16 years, and is £5 per person. You can find out more or book by calling: 01623 823202.

Staying on the subject of history, why not try an evening event at The Workhouse in Southwell. On Friday 13 May there will be an after hours tour telling the tales of the paupers who managed to turn their lives around. Places must be booked in advance on 01636 817260. £10 adult and £5 children.

For the artistic visitor, May sees the return of the popular Open Studios with many studios opening their doors at weekends for the public to have a go or watch demonstrations. Veetreo Glass, based in the Sherwood Forest Art & Craft Centre in Edwinstowe, will give demonstrations and workshops in glass. Also in the craft centre you'll find Twiss Pens, producer of custom made pens, giving a fountain pen clinic, and in Clare Hawley’s studio you can have a go at making a silver ring. Michelle Holland, based at Thoresby Park, will give book binding demonstrations and in the village of Upton you can follow the Open Studios Trail with eight artists in four studios. Full details of these, and all the other open studios, can be found on www.osnotts.co.uk.

For details on these events call the Tourist Information Centre in Rufford Country Park, or give Sherwood Visitor Centre a ring on 01623 824545. Lead photo credit: Doug Jackson and Civil War Centre