Tucked away in the picturesque Cotswolds, Newark Park is a National Trust gem that completely captivated us with its unique charm. A little bit quirky, a lot historic, and totally dog-friendly – it’s one of those places that piques your curiosity at every turn. Before you know it, hours have passed!
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Whether you’re into gardens, grand interiors, circular walks, or simply sipping coffee with a view, Newark Park offers a diverse range of activities. So if you’re wondering, is Newark Park worth visiting? Here’s our full review, based on a very real, fun day out.
Table of Contents
Newark Park History
Once a Tudor hunting lodge (fancy!), Newark Park has stood proudly on the edge of the Cotswolds since the 1500s. It’s seen some serious history – from royal hunts to being transformed into a grand country home. The house’s more recent past is just as fascinating, with an American architect named Robert Parsons buying the estate in the 1970s and injecting it with a unique, eccentric charm. You’ll spot his influence all over the Newark Park interior – eclectic doesn’t begin to cover it.
Newark Park Walks
Bring your walking boots! The Newark Park Estate is made for rambling. There are woodland trails, open fields, hidden follies and, of course, those iconic sweeping views across the Severn Valley. Keep an eye out for sheep and the occasional deer darting past.
The Newark Park circular walk is about 2 miles – the perfect length for stretching your legs. It loops through bluebell woods (heavenly in spring), past the lake, and climbs back up to the house. It’s not too strenuous, but some sections are a bit steep and uneven, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
Footwear That Keeps Up with Your Travel Plans
Legend Footwear is a go-to destination for quality footwear, offering a huge range of brands, from hiking boots to stylish everyday shoes. Whether you’re heading out on a countryside walk with your dog or exploring a new city on your travels, they have durable and comfortable options to suit all terrains.
Newark Park Café
We loved the little tearoom tucked into the old stable block – full of charm and with a surprisingly decent selection of treats. Seating spills outside so you can enjoy your snack with a side of sunshine and views of the gardens. On our visit, the Newark Park cafe menu featured hearty soups, sausage rolls, pasties, scones and the kind of cakes you pretend you’ll share but absolutely won’t.
Take a Picnic
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Newark Park Dogs
Calling all four-legged adventurers: Newark Park is a top-tier dog-friendly day out. Ivan (our dog) gave it five muddy paw prints. Dogs are welcome on leads around the grounds and on most walks. There are water bowls dotted around the estate. The team even made a fuss of him – he was living his best National Trust dog life.
He was super enamoured with a peacock wandering around the estate. He was desperate to play, bouncing, wagging his tail and howling. We kept our distance, but it was fun to watch him follow its every move.
Don’t Get Caught Short
Tuff Pets Dog Poop Bags are premium, extra thick, and environmentally friendly, providing a reliable and eco-conscious solution for pet waste. These zero-waste, home-compostable poo bags allow pet owners to care for their pets and the planet simultaneously, making walkies so much easier.
Newark Park Events
Keep an eye on the calendar: National Trust Newark Park hosts a range of fun seasonal events. For the children, there’s an Easter egg hunt, a summer of fun, the chance to meet Santa at Christmas, and even spooky trails for Halloween. There are also live music events, jazz, outdoor theatre, and exciting exhibitions.
Newark Park Gift Shop
The Newark Park gift shop is a delightful little treasure trove tucked away near the entrance, making it the perfect spot to pick up a memento of your visit. Stocked with locally made crafts, National Trust goodies, garden-inspired gifts, and tasty treats, it’s ideal for finding something special – whether it’s a jar of jam, a nature-themed tea towel, or a good book for your next cosy read. There are also seasonal items available throughout the year, so it’s always worth browsing before you head home.
There’s also the Second-Hand Book Shop, located on the first floor of the house, which offers a range of pre-loved books, from history and gardening to fiction and children’s titles.
Not visiting soon, did you know you can shop online? Check out the National Trust Shop.
Newark Park Filming
The historic house and gardens have provided the perfect backdrop for film crews. So if the setting feels strangely familiar, it might be because you’ve seen it on screen… notably the BBC 2008 adaptation of Tess of the D’Urbervilles starring Gemma Arterton, Eddie Redmayne and Ruth Jones.
Newark Park Sense and Sensibility
Rumour has it, Newark Park’s romantic exterior and sweeping landscapes made it a contender for Sense and Sensibility filming locations – and honestly, it would’ve fit right in! It has that windswept, period drama charm nailed down.
Newark Park Tickets
Entry is free for National Trust Members. For non-members, the standard admission charges apply, ranging from £11 for adults in the winter months to £15.40 during the summer. Family tickets are also available.
Are you unsure if membership is right for you? I’ve done the research on National Trust vs. English Heritage for you.
With your National Trust Membership, you can visit over 500 houses, gardens, parks and castles in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. You can also use your card in 14 other countries with the International National Trusts Organisation, including Italy, Canada, Netherlands, New Zealand, Jersey, Guernsey and Australia. Membership includes:
- Unlimited free entry to all of the properties.
- An essential companion card that allows you to bring up to two carers if you have a disability. These can be different people; the card is in your name.
- Free parking is available in most car parks. Some National Trust car parks are situated in other natural areas, such as on beaches and along countryside walks. You can save money just by using their car parks.
- You’ll be sent a handbook full of information about the properties annually. However, the website is easy to navigate, and you can find places to visit by area or postcode.
- Regular members’ magazine, sent three times a year.
- Regular e-newsletters.
- Join by direct debit and get a £10 gift card to spend in the National Trust shops or cafe.
2025 Membership Prices
- Adult Membership (age 26 plus) = £96 a year (£8 per month)
- Joint Membership (2 adults) = £160.80 a year (£13.40 per month)
- Young Person Membership (age 18-25) = £48 a year (£4 per month)
- Junior Membership (age 6-17, under 5’s are free) = £12 a year
- Family Membership (f2 adults) = £168.60 a year (£14.05 per month)
- Family Membership (1 adult) = £103.80 a year (£8.65 per month)
- Senior Membership (1 adult) = £72 a year (£6 per month)
- Joint Senior Membership (2 adults) = £102.60 a year (£10.05 per month)
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I’ve been a member of TopCashBack UK for several years and, to date, have earned over £1000 from it. Trust me, it’s a no-brainer, and you can make extra money by shopping online. Currently, you can get 3% back on your National Trust membership.
Newark Park Parking
There’s free parking for National Trust Members just outside the main entrance. For non-members, the rates are £1 for one hour or £3 for the entire day. It’s a short stroll to the welcome hut. Spaces can fill up on weekends and bank holidays, so arrive early if you can.
Newark Park Map
Newark Park Opening Times
The park is open almost every day, except during seasonal closures. Typically, the house opens from around 11am, and the garden and estate open earlier for walkers. Always check the website before you go to avoid disappointment.
Newark Park Holiday Cottage
Want to stay longer? There’s a dreamy National Trust holiday cottage on site! Imagine waking up with Newark Park Gloucestershire all to yourself before the day-trippers arrive. Total countryside goals.
Newark Lower Lodge, built in 1790 as part of the Newark Park Estate, offers a charming retreat with latticed arched windows, an ivy-clad doorway and stunning parkland views across the Newark Park Cotswolds. Inside, the traditional interior, featuring classic furnishings and two cosy log burners, leads through to a pretty formal dining room and a private, enclosed garden with an outdoor dining space.
Lion Lodge, a Grade II-listed story‑book gatehouse built around 1794, welcomes you at the entrance to the Newark Park Estate with its Cotswolds‑style gothic façade and sweeping views over the Severn Valley and Mendip Hills. Inside, this cosy two‑bedroom cottage sleeps four, includes its own enclosed garden and gives you doorstep access to miles of woodland and country walks across the Newark Park Estate.
Newark Park Reviews
The online reviews speak for themselves – with visitors raving about the house, gardens, views, and friendly staff. And we agree! It’s one of those rare places that feels peaceful but full of life at the same time.
Follow Them on Social Media
Want event updates, seasonal snaps, and fun behind-the-scenes stuff? Give the Newark Park Facebook page or Instagram a like – it’s a great way to stay in the loop. There’s also Newark Park TripAdvisor, where one reviewer called it a hidden gem of the Cotswolds – and we couldn’t agree more.
Newark Park National Trust
If you’re looking for things to do around Gloucester or planning a dog-friendly day out in the Cotswolds, Newark Park NT should absolutely be on your list. It’s history, scenery, nature, scones, and quirky charm all rolled into one – plus the bonus of a castle-like house you can explore and pretend you live in.
My National Trust Reviews
If you enjoyed reading about Newark Park, why not check out some of my other National Trust adventures? From grand historic houses to hidden gardens and dog-friendly walks, I’ve explored plenty of incredible spots across the UK. Whether you’re planning your next day out or just love a good heritage wander, there’s loads more inspiration waiting for you!
What National Trust Properties are Nearby?
Here are some lovely National Trust properties near Newark Park – all within a scenic drive and perfect for planning a day out or weekend adventure:
Woodchester Park
Hidden in a secluded Cotswold valley, Woodchester Park is known for its dramatic woodland walks and the eerie, unfinished Victorian mansion at its heart. Although the house itself isn’t open to the public, the walking trails take you past lakes, bridges, and hidden boathouses. It’s a haven for wildlife, especially bats, and makes for a peaceful (if slightly spooky) day out.
Dyrham Park
This stunning 17th-century house is set in a vast deer park with sweeping views towards Bristol and the Severn Estuary. Inside the house, you’ll find grand interiors and a fine art collection, while outside the formal gardens are beautifully maintained with fountains, borders, and orchards. Dyrham Park is a great place for a family picnic or leisurely stroll through history.
Westbury Court Garden
Westbury Court Garden is a rare survivor of Dutch-style water gardens, offering a tranquil escape with perfectly symmetrical ponds, clipped hedges, and traditional kitchen planting. It’s compact but utterly charming, and especially peaceful in the early morning or late afternoon. A hidden gem for garden lovers and those seeking a slower pace.
Snowshill Manor and Garden
Snowshill Manor is unlike anywhere else – a quirky treasure trove of objects collected by Charles Wade, from Samurai armour to model ships. The manor’s dark and atmospheric rooms contrast beautifully with the bright, flower-filled Arts and Crafts gardens outside. It’s eccentric, imaginative, and endlessly fascinating – perfect if you like your National Trust days out with a twist.
Hidcote
Famous for its pioneering “garden rooms”, Hidcote is a feast for the senses with its vibrant planting, hidden corners, and glorious long views. Created by American horticulturist Lawrence Johnston, it’s a dream for garden enthusiasts and photographers alike. Each section has its own distinct mood, from calm white borders to riotous reds and purples.
Chedworth Roman Villa
Step back nearly 2,000 years at one of the best-preserved Roman villas in Britain. With stunning mosaics, ancient underfloor heating systems, and a tranquil woodland setting, Chedworth Roman Villa is both educational and atmospheric. There’s a small museum and a lovely café too, making it a well-rounded stop for history buffs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Newark Park?
Newark Park is near Wotton-under-Edge in Gloucestershire, nestled in the southern Cotswolds – an easy drive from Bristol, Bath or Gloucester. We drove from Cardiff, which took us an hour and 20 minutes.
Newark Park for Cherry Blossom
Visit in late March or April to see the beautiful cherry blossoms in the gardens. It’s not a full sakura festival, but it’s still a stunning springtime photo op.
Newark Park Snowdrops
Come February, the snowdrops burst into bloom – a magical carpet of white scattered through the woods and around the Newark Park Sculpture Trail.
Newark Park Playground
Although there’s no traditional playground, children will love the natural play opportunities – think dens, fallen logs to climb, and space to run wild. It’s a perfect mix of old-school imagination and fresh air.
Newark Park Easter
Easter at Newark Park means egg hunts, spring flowers, and often some child-friendly crafts or trails. Perfect for a family day out.
Newark Park Halloween
Pumpkins, spooky trails and a little bit of mischief! Halloween events at Newark Park are great for kids – not too scary, but full of atmosphere.
Newark Park Christmas
Expect festive wreaths, twinkling trees, and often Christmas crafts or carols in the lead-up to the holidays. Cosy and charming.
Newark Park Wreath Making
Usually held in late November or early December, the wreath-making workshops are popular – book early if you’d like to get in on a spot of festive creativity.
Newark Park Wedding
Imagine your big day in a Tudor hunting lodge with countryside views and historic charm. A fairy tale setting for a unique wedding. Well, you can’t, as it’s currently not a wedding venue.
Is there a Newark Park ghost?
Allegedly… yes! Some say the house is haunted. The most common legend associates the hauntings with monks who reportedly helped build the house in 1550 using stones from Kingswood Abbey. Visitors and staff have reported hearing disembodied voices, strange noises, and experiencing eerie personal encounters throughout the home.
These spooky occurrences have inspired ghost tours and even been featured in paranormal books and radio shows, including Peter Underwood’s Nights in Haunted Houses.
Whether you believe in spirits or not, the stories certainly add an atmospheric twist to any visit!
Newark Park to Wotton Under Edge
Just a 5-minute drive – or a hilly but scenic walk. Wotton-under-Edge is a sweet market town with a few lovely cafes and independent shops.
Newark Park to Tetbury
Approximately 25 minutes by car, Tetbury is home to numerous antique shops and boasts royal connections. A lovely place to combine with a day out.
Newark Park to Bath
Around 45 45-minute drive – very doable as a day trip. Make it part of a mini Cotswolds adventure!
Newark Park to Tewkesbury
A 50-minute drive. Tewkesbury’s historic abbey and riverside walks make it another great nearby option for history lovers.
Newark Park to Cirencester
Roughly 40 minutes by car. Cirencester is known as the capital of the Cotswolds and has brilliant shopping, Roman history, and fab cafes.
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