Sconce and Devon Park

Historic Civil War earthwork meets modern green space in Newark's beloved riverside park.

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Sconce and Devon Park

Sconce and Devon Park is a sprawling green space in Newark-on-Trent combining natural beauty with historical significance. The park encompasses woodlands, meadows, and the Queen's Sconce, a remarkably preserved 17th-century Civil War earthwork. Visitors can enjoy riverside walks, children's play areas, sports facilities, a fitness trail, and Rumbles Café. The site serves as both a recreational hub and an educational destination along the Civil War trail, offering activities for families, fitness enthusiasts, and nature lovers throughout the year.

A brief summary to Sconce and Devon Park

Boundary Rd, Newark, Newark-on-Trent, NG24 4AU, GB
+447779327471
Visit website
Duration: 1 to 7 hours
Free
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Monday 9 am-5 pm
Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
Thursday 9 am-5 pm
Friday 9 am-5 pm
Saturday 9 am-5 pm
Sunday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

Visit during late spring or summer to experience the park's wildflower meadows in full bloom and observe the abundance of butterflies and insects that thrive in the unmanicured grassland areas.
Combine a visit to the Queen's Sconce with the riverside walk for a complete historical and natural experience; the new bridge provides excellent access to the earthwork.
Stop at Rumbles Café for refreshments with outdoor seating; the charity-run establishment offers good value meals, snacks, and ice cream with vegetarian options available.
Join the free Parkrun on Saturday mornings at 9am or Junior Parkrun on Sunday mornings for a community running experience; registration is simple and open to all abilities.
Book a guided walk with the park ranger on the first Tuesday of each month to gain deeper historical and ecological insights; walks rotate between short, medium, and long routes.

Getting There

Car

From Newark town centre, follow signs toward Boundary Road; the park has a large dedicated car park with free parking. Journey time from the town centre is approximately 10–15 minutes depending on traffic. Parking is available throughout the day, and the car park provides convenient access to all park facilities including the café and play areas.
Bus

Local bus services operate routes connecting Newark town centre to the park area; journey times typically range from 15–25 minutes depending on the specific route and time of day. Check local Nottinghamshire transport schedules for current timetables and fares, which vary by operator. Services run regularly throughout the week with reduced frequency on Sundays.
Walking

From Newark town centre, the park is approximately 1.5–2 kilometres away via established pedestrian routes. The walk takes 20–30 minutes depending on your pace and exact starting point. Pathways are generally accessible and well-maintained, though some sections may be uneven. The riverside route provides a pleasant walking experience with natural scenery.
Cycling

The park is accessible by bicycle from Newark town centre via local cycling routes; journey time is approximately 10–15 minutes. The park's internal pathways accommodate cyclists, and informal bike parking is available near the main facilities. This option provides flexible access while avoiding parking concerns.

Sconce and Devon Park location weather suitability

Any Weather
Mild Temperatures
Clear Skies

Discover more about Sconce and Devon Park

A Landscape Shaped by History and Nature

Sconce and Devon Park stands as one of Newark-on-Trent's most significant green spaces, blending centuries of history with contemporary recreation. The park's defining feature is the Queen's Sconce, a large earthwork fortification constructed during the English Civil War in the 17th century. This remarkable defensive structure remains one of the country's finest surviving examples of Civil War military engineering, preserved with meticulous care and now easily accessible to visitors via well-maintained pathways. The sconce tells the story of Newark's strategic importance during the conflict, when the town served as a crucial stronghold. Beyond this historical monument, the park encompasses extensive woodlands, open grasslands, and the Devon Pastures Local Nature Reserve, creating a diverse ecosystem that supports abundant wildlife, particularly during summer months when butterflies and insects flourish throughout the meadow areas.

Pathways, Trails, and Active Recreation

The park's network of accessible pathways winds through varied terrain, accommodating everyone from families with prams to wheelchair users and serious walkers. A riverside walk offers peaceful views and connects different sections of the park, while the Civil War trail provides historical context as you explore the landscape. For those seeking structured activity, a six-station fitness trail circuit spans approximately 600 metres, featuring equipment such as abs benches, balance beams, and parallel bars. The park also hosts Parkrun events every Saturday at 9am, where participants of all ages and abilities can run or walk a 5-kilometre course at their own pace. Junior Parkrun takes place on Sunday mornings, offering younger visitors a similar experience over a shorter 2-kilometre distance. Guided walks led by park rangers occur on the first Tuesday of each month, rotating between short, medium, and long routes to suit different preferences and fitness levels.

Family Facilities and Community Spaces

The park provides comprehensive facilities designed for family visits and community gatherings. A dedicated children's play area offers age-appropriate equipment, while sports enthusiasts can access two adult and four mini soccer pitches alongside a football changing pavilion. A large car park ensures convenient access, and public restrooms are available throughout the grounds. Rumbles Café, operated by Rumbles Catering Project—a charity providing education and training for people with learning difficulties—offers outdoor seating and takeaway service. The café maintains a five-star hygiene rating and serves vegetarian options alongside traditional fare, with summer menus featuring breakfasts, sandwiches, hot meals, and ice cream. The Visitor Centre can be hired for private events, and the park ranger service provides ongoing management and support.

Seasonal Rhythms and Natural Cycles

The park transforms throughout the year, with each season offering distinct experiences. Spring and summer bring vibrant wildflower displays and peak insect activity, particularly in the unmanicured meadow areas of the sconce and Devon Pastures. Autumn provides golden woodland walks and milder temperatures ideal for extended exploration. Winter offers quieter visits with clearer sightlines through bare trees and opportunities to observe the landscape's structural beauty. Late summer hosts Forest School programs, introducing children to outdoor learning and environmental awareness. The park's open-air design means it remains accessible year-round, though weather conditions naturally influence visitor patterns and activity types.

Civil War Heritage and Educational Value

As part of the broader Civil War trail, Sconce and Devon Park functions as an open-air classroom where visitors encounter tangible evidence of 17th-century conflict. The Queen's Sconce's geometric earthworks reveal military strategy and engineering knowledge of the period, while the surrounding landscape contextualizes Newark's role in the broader conflict. Information boards and guided walks enhance understanding, making the site valuable for history enthusiasts, school groups, and anyone curious about this transformative period in English history. The preservation of these earthworks demonstrates commitment to maintaining heritage for future generations.

Discover Nottingham’s iconic Right Lion, a historic stone sculpture and beloved meeting point near the Council House in Old Market Square.

Unmissable attractions to see

Newark Castle and Gardens

1.0 km

Explore nearly 900 years of history at Newark Castle and Gardens, where Norman architecture meets tranquil Victorian landscapes.

Newark Air Museum

5.0 km

Explore British aviation history firsthand at Newark Air Museum, where iconic aircraft and restoration projects bring flight heritage to life.

Museum of Timekeeping

5.8 km

Discover centuries of horological heritage and craftsmanship in the historic Upton Hall, home to the Museum of Timekeeping.

RSPB Langford Lowfields

7.9 km

Discover the East Midlands’ largest reedbed and a vibrant wetland sanctuary teeming with rare birds and tranquil walking trails.

National Trust - The Workhouse, Southwell

8.1 km

Step back into Victorian England at Southwell’s best preserved workhouse, where history, hardship, and hope come vividly to life.

National Trust - The Workhouse, Southwell

Southwell Minster

9.0 km

Explore Southwell Minster, a magnificent Gothic cathedral in Nottinghamshire, rich in history, stunning architecture, and serene beauty for all visitors.

Dukes Wood Nature Reserve And Oil Museum

13.6 km

Discover the serene woodland where Britain’s first onshore oilfield meets vibrant nature and rich industrial heritage.

Dukes Wood Nature Reserve And Oil Museum

Whisby Nature Park

17.5 km

A reclaimed quarry turned thriving nature reserve near Lincoln, with lakes, trails, bird hides and a family‑friendly visitor centre – perfect for peaceful walks and wildlife watching.

The Natural World Centre

17.7 km

Discover immersive nature, interactive exhibits, and tranquil lakeside views at The Natural World Centre within Whisby Nature Park.

Rufford Abbey

18.6 km

Explore medieval ruins, scenic gardens, and family adventures at Nottinghamshire’s historic Rufford Abbey Country Park.

Belton Park walk

19.4 km

Explore Belton Estate’s majestic house, exquisite gardens, and vast parkland for a perfect blend of history, nature, and family fun.

Belvoir Castle

19.7 km

Regency splendour on a hilltop, where a thousand years of aristocracy meets Hollywood glamour.

Doddington Hall & Gardens

20.0 km

Explore the timeless elegance of Doddington Hall & Gardens, an Elizabethan masterpiece with vibrant gardens and local charm near Lincoln.

Belton Park

20.3 km

Explore 1,300 acres of historic gardens, ancient woodlands, and family-friendly adventures at Belton Park near Grantham.

Fun Farm Lincoln Family Entertainment Centre

20.7 km

A vibrant indoor adventure playground in Lincoln offering soft play, laser tag, quad bikes, and family-friendly fun all year round.

Fun Farm Lincoln Family Entertainment Centre

Essential places to dine

Taylor's Fine Dining

0.9 km

Exceptional French fine dining in Newark-on-Trent, offering exquisite tasting menus, expert wine pairings, and a refined, welcoming atmosphere.

The Old Vol

13.3 km

Award-winning gastropub blending local flavors and warm hospitality in the heart of Nottinghamshire’s countryside.

The Five Bells

13.8 km

A cozy English pub in Bassingham serving hearty British classics with a warm, welcoming atmosphere and seasonal specialties.

The Bridge & Bayleaf

14.3 km

Experience authentic Indian flavors in a warm, fine dining setting by the scenic Gunthorpe Bridge in Nottingham.

Tom Browns - Nottingham

14.4 km

Elegant riverside dining in Nottingham’s Gunthorpe, offering refined British gastropub cuisine and a welcoming atmosphere for all occasions.

The Wheatsheaf

16.9 km

A classic village pub in Burton Joyce offering hearty meals, traditional ales, and a welcoming countryside atmosphere.

Restaurant Jericho

19.0 km

Farm-to-table fine dining in the heart of Nottinghamshire’s countryside, where rustic charm meets innovative cuisine.

Windmill Farm - Dining & Carvery

19.8 km

A welcoming farmhouse pub and carvery in Lincoln serving hearty daily roasts and classic British dishes in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.

The Gedling Inn

20.4 km

Neighbourhood pub and restaurant serving quality British fare with exceptional value and genuine warmth.

Marc & Daina's Restaurant

23.9 km

Discover authentic French cuisine and warm hospitality in the cozy, family-run Marc & Daina's Restaurant in Nottingham's Sherwood district.

Le Mistral Sherwood - French Restaurant

24.0 km

Cozy French bistro in Sherwood offering authentic cuisine, fine wines, and a warm, rustic atmosphere for memorable meals.

Ania Polish Restaurant

24.0 km

Experience authentic Polish cuisine with generous portions and warm hospitality in Nottingham’s cozy Sherwood neighborhood.

The Kongo

24.0 km

Experience authentic Nigerian cuisine and warm hospitality at The Kongo, Nottingham’s vibrant African restaurant in Sneinton.

Homestead

24.2 km

A historic Grade II listed countryside pub in Bracebridge Heath offering hearty British classics and a warm, inviting atmosphere near Lincoln.

Pistachio Restaurant

24.8 km

Discover vibrant Persian flavors with a modern twist at Nottingham’s cozy and colorful Pistachio Restaurant.

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Scarlet Gifts

1.0 km

Discover magical gothic treasures and vintage charm at Scarlet Gifts, Newark’s enchanting boutique for unique gifts and collectibles.

Lace Boutique

1.0 km

Discover exclusive UK designer fashion at Lace Boutique, Newark’s premier destination for premium and unique clothing collections.

Newark Antiques & Interiors Ltd

1.2 km

Discover Newark’s largest antiques centre with 13,500 sq ft of rare furniture, collectibles, and timeless treasures from over 80 trusted dealers.

Navenby Antiques Centre

20.1 km

Discover timeless treasures and local heritage in the heart of Navenby’s charming antiques centre.

Birchwood Shopping Centre

21.5 km

A convenient and community-focused shopping destination in Lincoln’s Birchwood, offering diverse retail, dining, and essential services.

Brant Road Shopping Centre

22.1 km

A compact and community-focused shopping centre in Lincoln with diverse shops and eateries open daily from early morning to late evening.

Vintage Emporium

24.6 km

Discover Nottingham’s Vintage Emporium, a charming shop filled with unique retro treasures and timeless homewares in a cozy, curated setting.

Quayside Gifts

24.9 km

Discover unique souvenirs and local treasures at Quayside Gifts in Burton Waters, Lincoln – a perfect stop for memorable gifts.

That Weird Shop

24.9 km

Dive into Nottingham's quirkiest emporium: vinyl, retro toys, alt fashion, and a haunted basement brimming with eerie artifacts and spectral whispers.

Blend

24.9 km

Discover Blend, Nottingham's charming coffee shop where quality brews meet a cozy ambiance in the heart of Sneinton Market.

Megan Crook Textiles

25.0 km

Discover handmade vibrant fashion at Sneinton Market: bespoke clothing, accessories, and interiors bursting with color and Nottingham creativity.

Catori's Gift Shop

25.0 km

A compact Sneinton Market boutique of handmade gifts, local crafts and seasonal surprises — ideal for curious shoppers seeking one-off presents.

Luisa's Vegan Chocolates

25.0 km

Discover Nottingham’s only 100% plant-based, bean-to-bar chocolate shop blending ethical sourcing with award-winning vegan flavors.

Cow Thrift

25.1 km

Dive into Hockley's affordable vintage paradise at COW Thrift, where color-coded bargains and sustainable scores await in a spacious haven of retro prints and one-off gems.

White Rose Hockley WR4

25.2 km

A hands‑on vintage shop in Nottingham’s Hockley where curated pre‑loved fashion and everyday treasures wait to be discovered.

Discover shadowy nooks, bold ales, inventive cocktails, and live tunes in Nottingham's quirkiest Hockley bar—where curiosity meets comfort late into the night.

Nightclubs & after hour spots

Lincoln Rock N Roll Club

21.2 km

A vibrant rock and roll nightspot in Waddington offering affordable drinks, energetic dancing, and a welcoming community atmosphere.

The Brickworks

24.9 km

Nottingham's raw warehouse heartbeat: intimate DJ nights, killer cocktails, and pure underground energy in a brick-clad haven.

NG-One

25.1 km

A large, late‑night Nottingham club with multiple dancefloors, strong sound and long weekend hours — built for night owls and student crowds.

Eleven

25.2 km

A lively, multi-bar nightclub in Nottingham’s Hockley district, famed for great cocktails, student nights, and an intimate yet energetic party vibe.

The Bodega Nottingham

25.4 km

Intimate two-level live-music bar and late-night club on Pelham Street — gritty, affordable and centred on close-up gigs and local sounds.

Tantra Night Clubs

25.4 km

Dive into Nottingham's electric nightlife at Tantra Night Clubs, where pulsating beats, dazzling lights, and stylish vibes create unforgettable nights of dance and discovery in the city center.

The Cell

25.5 km

Dive into Nottingham's pulsing heart at The Cell, where affordable drinks, diverse beats, and Hockley's electric vibe fuel unforgettable nights of dance and discovery.

Unit 13

25.5 km

Dive into Nottingham's underground bassline haven at Unit 13, where industrial beats and stellar DJs fuel unforgettable warehouse raves.

Love zoo

25.5 km

Dive into Nottingham's electrifying beats at Love Zoo, where house rhythms, dazzling lights, and cocktail-fueled nights create pure nightlife magic on Weekday Cross.

Popworld - Nottingham

25.6 km

A neon-soaked, singalong pop-club in Nottingham city centre — colourful cocktails, nostalgic anthems and compact dancefloor energy.

The Scene

25.6 km

Lincoln’s vibrant two-floor nightclub and LGBTQ+ venue, open nightly with diverse events and a welcoming atmosphere.

Stealth

25.7 km

Nottingham's drum and bass dynamo: world-ranked beats, epic nights, and unrelenting energy since 2004 in the heart of Goldsmith Street.

Rescue Rooms

25.7 km

Nottingham's intimate live music powerhouse: raw gigs, electric crowds, and beats till 3am in a historic nook.

Home

25.7 km

Discover Lincoln's vibrant nightlife at Home, a trendy bar and nightclub offering great drinks, music, and an unforgettable atmosphere.

VIBES NIGHTLIFE

25.7 km

Dive into Nottingham's pulsating party hub where weekend beats, neon lights, and vibrant crowds fuel epic nights until 2am—pure vibes unleashed.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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Sconce and Devon Park

A brief summary to Sconce and Devon Park

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Car

Bus

Walking

Cycling

Sconce and Devon Park location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Sconce and Devon Park

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Sconce and Devon Park

A Landscape Shaped by History and Nature

Pathways, Trails, and Active Recreation

Family Facilities and Community Spaces

Seasonal Rhythms and Natural Cycles

Civil War Heritage and Educational Value

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Things to do in Nottinghamshire

Bunkers Hill

16 Stoney Street

Victoria Station Clock Tower

Watson Fothergill's Office

The Hockley Arts Club

Citylife UK

King's Walk sign

Weekday Cross Monument

The Spot

The Tokenhouse

Lincoln War Memorial

Speakers' Corner

The Left Lion

Right Lion

Unmissable attractions to see

Newark Castle and Gardens

Newark Air Museum

Museum of Timekeeping

RSPB Langford Lowfields

National Trust - The Workhouse, Southwell

Southwell Minster

Dukes Wood Nature Reserve And Oil Museum

Whisby Nature Park

The Natural World Centre

Rufford Abbey

Belton Park walk

Belvoir Castle

Doddington Hall & Gardens

Belton Park

Fun Farm Lincoln Family Entertainment Centre

Essential places to dine

Taylor's Fine Dining

The Old Vol

The Five Bells

The Bridge & Bayleaf

Tom Browns - Nottingham

The Wheatsheaf

Restaurant Jericho

Windmill Farm - Dining & Carvery

The Gedling Inn

Marc & Daina's Restaurant

Le Mistral Sherwood - French Restaurant

Ania Polish Restaurant

The Kongo

Homestead

Pistachio Restaurant

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Scarlet Gifts

Lace Boutique

Newark Antiques & Interiors Ltd

Navenby Antiques Centre

Birchwood Shopping Centre

Brant Road Shopping Centre

Vintage Emporium

Quayside Gifts

That Weird Shop

Blend

Megan Crook Textiles