Background

Newark Park – Tudor Lodge on the Cotswold Edge

A Tudor hunting lodge turned Georgian country house, perched on the Cotswold edge with sweeping views, historic interiors, and 700 acres of parkland and gardens.

4.5

Perched on the southern edge of the Cotswolds, Newark Park is a Grade I listed Tudor hunting lodge with sweeping views across the Severn Valley. Once a retreat for a courtier of Henry VIII, it later became a Georgian country house and is now cared for by the National Trust. Explore its historic interiors, Arts and Crafts gardens, and 700 acres of parkland, woodlands, and waymarked trails. The estate is home to peacocks, hares, and a rich mosaic of habitats, making it a peaceful escape into history and nature.

A brief summary to National Trust - Newark Park

  • Wotton-under-Edge, Ozleworth, GL12 7PZ, GB
  • +441453842644
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 2 to 5 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Mixed
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 10 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on a clear day to enjoy the far-reaching views over the Severn Valley and the Mendips from the house and garden terraces.
  • Ask about the basement tour at reception – it offers a fascinating glimpse into the house’s Tudor origins and later modifications.
  • Bring binoculars to spot red kites, owls, and other birds in the parkland and surrounding countryside.
  • Wear sturdy footwear if planning longer walks; some paths can be muddy, especially after rain.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Car

    From Wotton-under-Edge, follow local roads south towards Ozleworth; Newark Park is clearly signposted from the main junction. The drive takes about 10–15 minutes. There is a main car park with disabled parking and drop-off close to the visitor reception.

  • Public Transport

    Take a train to Stroud or Gloucester, then a local bus to Wotton-under-Edge. From the town centre, a taxi ride to Newark Park takes around 10 minutes. There is no direct bus to the estate, so a short taxi journey is needed from the nearest bus stops.

  • Walking

    From Wotton-under-Edge, a scenic walk of about 4–5 km leads to Newark Park via country lanes and footpaths. The route is moderately hilly and can be muddy in places; allow 60–75 minutes on foot.

National Trust - Newark Park location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

Unlock the Best of National Trust - Newark Park

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about National Trust - Newark Park

A Tudor Retreat with a Royal Connection

Newark Park began life in the mid-16th century as a four-storey hunting lodge for Sir Nicholas Poyntz, a courtier to Henry VIII. Built between 1544 and 1556, it was designed as a stylish retreat for entertaining in the dramatic, secluded landscape of the Cotswold escarpment. Its elevated position offered commanding views over the Ozleworth valley and beyond to the Mendips, perfect for a nobleman keen to impress his guests. The original Tudor structure, with its modest sleeping quarters and flat roof used as a lookout, now forms the eastern part of the present house.

From Lodge to Country House

Over the centuries, Newark evolved from a hunting lodge into a more substantial country residence. In 1790, the Clutterbuck family commissioned architect James Wyatt to remodel it into a four-square Georgian house, adding formal symmetry and elegance. They created a formal deer park to the south and landscaped the grounds, shaping the parkland that visitors enjoy today. Later owners, including the King family, added servants’ quarters, a hot-air heating system, and hot water to the upper floors, blending comfort with tradition. The house remained a private home until 1949, when the last of the line died and the estate was given to the National Trust.

Rescue and Revival in the 20th Century

By the mid-20th century, Newark Park had fallen into decline. Its fortunes changed thanks to American architect Bob Parsons, who invested time and resources into restoring the house and estate. His efforts helped secure its Grade I listing, recognising its architectural importance. After Parsons’ death in 2000, his partner Michael Claydon continued the restoration work, maintaining the house and its parkland as a place of beauty and history. Today, the National Trust preserves Newark as a historic house museum, where visitors can explore its traditional interiors, log-burning fires, and layered past.

Exploring the Gardens and Parkland

The estate spans over 700 acres, including two farms, many listed buildings, and a rich mosaic of habitats. The gardens reflect a mix of 18th-century water gardens, Arts and Crafts landscapes, and intimate woodland planting. The Glade Walk leads from a quirky folly to a rockery beneath the house, while the lakeside garden offers a romantic spot to watch ducks on the small lake and relax in a historic summerhouse. Native trees like beech, oak, chestnut, and Scots pine dominate the estate, with some areas classified as ancient woodland.

A Place for Nature and Family Adventures

Newark Park is a haven for wildlife and families alike. Brown hares can be seen bounding across fields, and in summer thousands of toadlets cross paths as they move into the woods. Resident peacocks add a touch of drama to picnics and walks. Waymarked trails from the car park allow visitors to explore the estate at their own pace, with benches and fallen logs providing rest spots. A woodland play area with carved animals and a play field offer plenty of space for children to run and explore, making it a rewarding destination for all ages.

Busiest months of the year

Busiest hours of the day

Popular Experiences near National Trust - Newark Park

Popular Hotels near National Trust - Newark Park

Select Currency