Newark - Market Place & Castle

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Treasure Hunt around Newark Market Place & Castle, with Explorers joining the hunt after Viola Vibrato's one-off inaugural fiddle and its fake golden bow are accidentally dropped open, revealing a rolled-up map to the 'real' Golden Bow hidden somewhere in historic Newark.

The quest covers approximately 1.2 miles and should take around 2 hours to complete. You'll begin outside the Newark Registration Office on Castle Gate, between the two Castle entrances, then investigate historic streets, the cobbled Market Place, Newark Church, riverside sections and the Castle area before looping back to the start area.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. The route includes cobbles, Boar Lane's narrow pedestrian lane, stepped or ramped access down to the river, riverside sections, footbridges, zebra crossings and busy areas.

Take extra care around busy roads and crossings, in the courtyard, along the river side and near canal lock edges, where water is close to the route and no railings are mentioned in one warning. There is also a busy zone where students may be around, so keep Mini Explorers close while the Golden Bow hunt is in full swing.

The castle grounds are currently undergoing major works planned to continue until Autumn 2026.

Getting There

By car: Start the adventure outside the Newark Registration Office on Castle Gate, between the two Castle entrances (NG24 1BG). Park your expedition vehicle at Riverside car park, Tolney Lane (NG24 1BZ), which is recommended for the Trail. Facilities can also be found at the Riverside Car Park.

By public transport: You can also arrive by train. Walk over the road bridge across the river and turn right to reach the start outside the Newark Registration Office on Castle Gate.

Need the Loo?

Facilities can be found at the Riverside Car Park or the train station, so it is worth planning a comfort stop before your treasure-hunting team gets too deep into the case of the Golden Bow.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Explorers can come along for the adventure, with a little town-centre caution. 🐾

There are currently no known dog restrictions on this Trail, but Trails in towns and cities may be less suitable due to traffic and a lack of open spaces, and you may also encounter restricted access to parks etc. This route includes busy roads and crossings, cobbles, a narrow pedestrian lane, stepped or ramped access down to the river, riverside and canal lock edges, and water close to the route, so keep canine companions close throughout.

Food & Drink Stops

Golden Bow hunting is hungry work. There are plenty of cafes and handy spots to grab food and drinks along the way, so your crew should have good chances to refuel during the quest.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Newark Castle

Newark Castle is a mighty extra for Adventurers who like their treasure hunts with a proper blast of history. It began life as a Saxon manor, was beefed up after the Norman Conquest into a motte and bailey stronghold, was rebuilt in stone in the Middle Ages and later became more palace than fortress. The Civil War left it badly battered, and much of it lies in ruins today. The castle grounds are currently undergoing major works planned until Autumn 2026.

Newark Market Place

The route takes you through Newark Market Place, one of the largest cobbled squares in the country. Look out for the Georgian Town Hall, dating from 1776, with its grand portico and four columns leading through to the Buttermarket, where trading has carried on since 1798.

Newark Church

If Newark Church is open, pop in for a look. It began as a place of worship for the Bishops of Lincoln, who also controlled Newark Castle and used it as a handy retreat. Local legend says a Roundhead cannon struck the spire in 1644, and the impact mark is still visible today.

National Civil War Centre

The National Civil War Centre is just across the road and to the left from the church area, and the route notes that you may have time to visit it before continuing on your quest. It makes a fitting add-on once the Trail has stirred up Newark's Civil War past.

Sundial near the British Horological Institute HQ

If the sun is shining, you can try the sundial near the British Horological Institute HQ. It is a neat little extra for Explorers who enjoy putting time itself under investigation between treasure-map moments.