Monday July 25 Newark-on-Trent

Newark Castle - really just the ruins now.

Well that is what the map labels it, but seems everyone just calls it Newark. It was an easy 90 minute drive, although the major roundabout on the edge of town was a place where you needed to have your wits about you and know exactly where you were going. It is the intersection of several main roads including the A1, pleased to make it through intact.

Our first stop was at the huge motorhome showroom of Brownhills, just past this exit. They had a nice cafĂ© so coffee seemed appropriate before we looked around. Wandered through their retail store and picked up a few bits and pieces then we went into the service department to see if they knew how we could get an English version of the owner’s manual as they are Rapido agents. They were very helpful, scratched their heads and didn’t really know except suggested we contact the manufacturers in France…who are on holiday until the 8th August! So no luck there but wandered around and checked out some of the motorhomes on display.

Newark is a market town on the Trent River with the ruins of a castle beside the River. The Newwark Castle was originally built in timber in the early 1100’s, but later in the century was reconstructed in stone. King John died at the castle in 1216, thought to have been a poisoning. In 1648 the castle was partially destroyed by gunpowder, parts have been restored over the centuries but it is now protected and only the shell stands. Just a bit of history!

We found a carpark nearby and had a good walk around the gardens and the castle, and being slightly cooler and overcast it was very pleasant. Felt like real tourists walking the streets and the river bank. Checked out the canal boats moored along the side and then watched the lock working as a tour boat went through. Really impressed with this town, there is something special about all the little shops, mostly fairly small, and quite “boutiquey”! Enjoyed a very late lunch before meandering home via a different route which took us around Lincoln, then a stop at Sainsbury’s in Spilsby for some supplies. Another good day out and about exploring.

The River Trent with canal boats.



Intrigued with the bumper, beautifully made for going through the locks.



Newark

Comments

Anonymous said…
Love these photos - brought back many memories! Coxes
Pamlyn said…
I forgot to warn you about the infamous English double roundabouts usually associated at the confluence of 6 or more roads where half way round the first roundabout you suddenly find yourself joining another roundabout where people on your right already on the second roundabout appear to have right of way.As you have by now observed most UK car drivers travel at speeds far in excess of the manufacturers max limits ,in order to arrive at the next traffic jam earlier than you ,which makes life very interesting for aliens driving long wheel base camper vans with left hand drive on double roundabouts.