Things To Do In Newent
1. Discover the friendly market town
Newent is Gloucestershire’s historic lakeside market town with so much to discover, explore and enjoy. With many medieval timber buildings in the Conservation Area, some 50 independent shops, cafes and pubs it offers an ideal day visit or longer stay. It has beautiful countryside that includes May Hill, Newent Woods, Kempley Woods full of seasonal daffodils, Three Choirs Wine, nearby Pauntley Court home of Dick Whittington (Lord Mayor of London) and the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley.
Take a brief introductory tour of our lovely small town during a 30 minute circular walk covering Newent’s centre, lake, parish church and market square. Click Here…
2. Explore Nature at Newent Lake
Newent Lake is a haven for wildlife within 2 minutes’ walk of the town. It is a beautiful public space which is visited by many ducks, has jumping carp fish, squirrels, birds and the occasional herons. There is a children’s play area, modern outside gym and artistic wood carvings. What ever the season, the lake is a great place to be with nature, relax and take some photos before tea or coffee in a local café. The lake area offers wheelchair friendly access to the waterside and picnic spots.
https://www.newenttowncouncil.gov.uk/local-attractions/discover-newent/
3. Enjoy a Medieval Buildings Walk around town
Newent contains an excellent collection of surviving timber–framed buildings from the Medieval (1400-1499) and Elizabethan (1560-1599) periods. The Market House was built in 1668 as a butter market. The “signature” of the Dutch builder (a ball and flute carving) can be seen on the ends of the under beams. If you climb the steps there is usually an exhibition inside on most summer afternoons.
https://www.timber-framed.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Newent-Walking-Map-2021.pdf
4. Explore Saxon History at St Mary’s Church
On a site which is Anglo-Saxon and a building dating back to the 13th century, St. Mary’s Church has a wealth of history. It features the largest unsupported wooden ceiling in the country, a fine church organ built by a local novice in 1737 and a 1200 year old Celtic stone cross amongst many other items of interest.
Whether you’re a worshipper or a historian, we’d love you to visit.
5. Explore Art & More at the Shambles
The Shambles is home to The Secret Gallery and other craft related shops, and Erol’s famous courtyard café. The gallery is proud to be quirky and support local artists and makers of gifts or investment pieces, ceramics, artwork and cards. The upstairs space has monthly exhibitions or workshops of 4-6 to learn or improve a wide range of art and creative skills. Pop in and say hello to Hannah.
6. Discover an unusual Museum of Board Games
A small, but perfectly formed, museum of board games, card games and gaming ephemera can be found in The Shambles. With over 600 games dating from 1803 to Newent’s latest own local game of VEXAGON- you can catch up on childhood memories of most games. For those staying in the area evening Board Games are played in the Kings Arms Inn on Wednesdays.
7. Walk inside and explore the local shops
From GD Parker & Co the traditional DIY store you can buy “Four Candles” or did you say “Fork Handles”. The 50 year old business is an update on Arkwright’s unique DIY store. If Richard and Jane haven’t got your DIY item then they can most likely order it for you.
Need some new Country Clothing then pop into Country Corner. The shop is a Tardis of clothing that ends deep from the shop window which has served Newent for over 40 years.
8. Take your pick of 6 welcoming cafes and deli
Newent has a range of cafes to suit your tastes and company. Most will serve locally made cakes in the area or on the premises. The Ark has a children friendly play area, the Manna really yummy cakes and has a piano if you fancy tickling the keyboard, and Erols café the traditional Full English.
9. Buy locally grown produce- taste the difference
Try Ingrams Store for some tasty local seasonal vegetables and preserves. The Co-Op stocks local cakes and pies made just 4 miles away at Tayton Farm and local wines from Three Choirs, Compton Green and local fruit juices with zero air miles.
The Runcible Spoon also serves a wide range of local cheeses, cakes and pies.
The Crusty Loaf shop has been making bread since 1935 so they know how to make takeaway treats.
10. Sample some cask ales and friendly welcome
The Cobblers is the smallest of 4 public houses in Newent. Open between 5-10pm it offers a very friendly atmosphere for visitors to Newent.
Next door is The George –a famous stage coaching inn which also offers relaxed accommodation.
The Black Dog is another 2 stone’s throws away and offers a great beers, food and evening music.
The Kings Arms is on the northern entrance to the Town- and is well known for the landlords “Wayne’s Special” main course meal.
11. Fishing at Newent Lake
Managed by Newent Town Council, the lake is open to fishing by permanent residents of the parish and members of Newent Angling Club only. The fishing season runs from June to March.
The lake is stocked with a variety of fish including carp, roach, bream, rudd, perch and a small number of eels. The fish have very few predators apart from the occasional mink, heron or cormorant.
https://www.visitdeanwye.co.uk/things-to-do/newent-lake-park-p1312681
Apply for a fishing permit.
https://www.newenttowncouncil.gov.uk/useful-information/apply-for-fishing-permit-2023-24/
12. Stroll amongst the trees at Newent Arboretum
Created in the year 2000 as part of the national Millennium celebrations, the arboretum is located to the south of Newent, just off Watery Lane.
There are over 5,000 trees and shrubs to enjoy, with benches at regular intervals. The arboretum is a peaceful location that is popular with families and dog walkers. There is a small dedicated car park on the corner of Bradfords Lane at the main entrance, although parking is limited.
13. Get Crafty & Arty in Newent
Open the door to the Patchwork Basket, Manna Café or visit The Secret Gallery in Newent you will be met with a riot of colour and ideas. All three businesses offer craft workshops where you can learn crafty skills. Check out the respective websites to book classes.
For those with less time- the mixture of historical buildings, lakeside walk, trees and wildlife offers an ideal opportunity to take a diverse range of pictures. Local photography classes are run during the year for those who want to improve picture taking skills.
14. Newent parkrun on Saturdays
A free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or simply spectate – it’s up to you! The event makes a great start to the weekend in fresh air.
Visitors to the event are welcome to pop into town less than a mile away and refuel and hydrate at the range of local cafes – ranging from traditional to quirky.
Fuller details on the park run:
https://www.parkrun.org.uk/newent/
Sweet Memories of Newent – Eric Freeman
RIP Nov 2023
Local farming legend Eric Freeman recaptures the impressions of life growing up in Newent during the 1930s 40s and 50s through a stunning collection of archive images. Full of grace, charm and fascinating history of our recent past.