My Favourite Spots in Nottinghamshire by Lisa Holloway

This week we are sharing Lisa Holloway’s favourite places in Nottinghamshire. If you would like to share your ‘favourites’ with us, email us at social@experiencenottinghamshire.com or use the comment section below. You may feature on our blog and our various social media platforms. Lisa Holloway runs Compton House bed & breakfast in Newark and was also voted the country's Friendliest Landlady. Compton House is a cosy B&B set in a gorgeous Georgian house overlooking the Fountain Gardens and minutes away from the heart of Newark. Today, Lisa shares with us her love for the traditional market town. "Newark is a charming market town with Georgian architecture, a castle, a wide variety of restaurants and pubs, not to mention the huge number of antique shops; just the place in fact, to spend a weekend.  Only a short ride on the train from Nottingham or Lincoln, just over an hour from London, with a wealth of delightful B&Bs and hotels to stay in - a hidden gem! Three times a week we have a market in the medieval town square, where you can buy everything from home baked bread and locally grown vegetables, plants and flowers to fashion and artisan goods. The stall holders are standing in all weathers and deserve our support amongst the onslaught of supermarkets. Sit outside Porter's on the corner and indulge in a bacon bagel and coffee whilst watching the world go by, before nipping inside to choose from a huge range of cheese and freshly ground coffee to take home. Take a walk round the Castle, not only famous for its part in the Civil War, but in the summer host to brass bands and outdoor theatre in the castle park, with a wonderful view of the river from the battlements. You can take a short cruise on the river to Farndon from the castle – a lovely treat on a summer's day  and the boat even has a bar! Visit Ann et Vin Wine Merchants to sample personally selected wines and Champagnes. Ann has a wealth of knowledge and makes wine-buying fun, you can have tapas and drinks in the courtyard too. Ask her advice and she will find a wine to match your menu. Wander round the streets looking at the Georgian architecture, and find King Street with its  painted doors. Nearby is the internationally renowned Violin School where students learnt to make all the stringed instruments. When not at school many students help restore the furniture at local antique shops such as Galerie on Kirk Gate which has beautiful window displays. Café Bleu is a very special restaurant with delicious food, interesting paintings on the wall by a local artist and a terrific atmosphere. Lunch or dinner at a window table  is always a treat. In the summer there is a secluded courtyard and in winter a roaring fire. Heaven on a plate! The Palace Theatre is a wonderful Victorian building playing host to all sorts of events from an evening with Patricia Routledge to ballet, classical music to jazz and rock. The annual Pantomime is always a huge success and we are lucky to have such a thriving cultural scene in Newark. After visiting the theatre stop for a drink in one of our many great  pubs, the Fox and Crown on Appletongate, or the Prince Rupert, a recently renovated 15th century building lit by candles in the evening and there is even a micro brewery serving local beers. There is so much to see and do in Newark, from antiques hunting to having a cream tea in an ancient building; spend the day or a weekend here, you’ll have a great time."