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| 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 café 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.
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| The River Trent with canal boats. |
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| Intrigued with the bumper, beautifully made for going through the locks. |
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| Newark |
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