National Civil War Centre Newark

About

A visit to The National Civil War Centre will plunge you deep into the heart of Britain’s deadliest conflict. Explore this richly dramatic era in British history, seeing stories of gunpowder, plague and plot as you walk through our fantastic galleries. Discover for yourself the clash between Roundhead and Royalist, brother and brother, and learn how a once all-powerful monarch lost his head to the axeman.

Visitors will uncover the causes, major conflicts and nationwide consequences of the British Civil Wars with expertly curated objects and analysis as well as a fascinating focus on life in a town besieged three times from 1643 to 1646.  

See defining moments of the 17th century play out before your eyes in our HD cinema and experience Civil War battlefield surgery in the award-nominated Battle Scarred exhibition where Roundhead Commander Sir Thomas Fairfax’s intimidating wheelchair sits on display.

Newark’s Civil War history spills out of the museum and threads through the streets of the town with the National Civil War Trail, an immersive augmented-reality experience that places you in the midst of a siege-torn town. Find yourself submerged in the action with high quality film clips on your smartphone or tablet as you follow a series of information boards in key locations. The trail starts at the National Civil War Centre and takes in Newark Castle, St Mary Magdalene Church and the historic Queen’s Sconce, an amazing sight and one of the last of its kind in the UK.

With real objects, digital interactives, large screen cinema and costumes and armour for all to try, the National Civil War Centre makes a great day out. And with a fantastic range of events throughout the year, from a monthly series of talks by experts in the field, to full scale re-enactments and themed family activities, you can keep coming back and enjoying more unique opportunities to learn about this extraordinary time.

Read the National Civil War Centre's blog here!

To browse exciting exhibitions happening at National Civil War Centre, please scroll down to the related section below or click here.