Description
Newstead Abbey is a historic house and former monastic abbey set within 300 acres of beautiful parkland near Nottingham. Dating back over 800 years, it was once the home of the famous Romantic poet Lord Byron. Today, it offers visitors a unique mix of historic architecture, scenic landscapes, and cultural heritage.
Visitors can explore the House & Abbey, including Lord Byron’s private apartments, the Victorian Kitchen, medieval cloisters, and historic room displays. The grounds feature extensive Gardens & Parkland, themed Walled Gardens with a Japanese Oasis, the historic Fort built in 1749, sixteen themed garden oases, scenic park walks, family activity trails with prizes, and a children’s play park.
House admission costs £15 per adult, while children aged 15 years and under go free (up to 3 children per paid adult, £5 per additional child). A House Tour add-on costs £8 per person, and site entry/parking costs £2.00 – £10.00, with season parking tickets priced £70.00 – £100.00. The Abbey also offers room hire for celebrations and special occasions.
Overall, Newstead Abbey offers a rich historical experience combined with beautiful gardens and peaceful countryside. Its connection to Lord Byron, historic interiors, and scenic parkland make it both educational and relaxing. It is an ideal destination for families, history enthusiasts, and visitors looking to explore one of Nottingham’s most treasured heritage sites.
Features
- Paid
- Host birthday parties: Yes
Features
From Romantic poet Lord Byron through Medieval, Gothic Revival and Victorian Revival, Newstead Abbey is a treasure trove of the rare, beautiful and historically significant. Boasting 300 acres of parkland, explore the gardens, lake and beautiful estate.
- House & Abbey: Steeped in over 800 years of history, Newstead is a monastic Abbey from the late 12th century and former home of Romantic poet Lord Byron. Inside the Abbey there is much to discover, including Lord Byron’s private apartments, the Victorian Kitchen and room displays, plus cloisters from the monastic period. Surviving earthquakes and a civil war, the original façade of the old priory – the West Front – and the medieval cloisters still stand. The priory church’s West Front also contains a sculpture of the Virgin and Child.
- Gardens & Park: Newstead’s 300 acres of parkland owes much of its beauty to the River Leen feeding the lakes, ponds and cascades that ornament its gardens, along with its wildlife of peacocks and swans. Whether meandering past lakes, ponds and waterfalls or relaxing in the Formal Gardens, Newstead has something to offer in all seasons; from the bright colours of the rhododendrons in late spring to the Japanese maples in autumn. To keep children entertained we have a play park, located near the formal gardens and outdoor activity & trail sheets (available from entry points).
- Walled Gardens: Explore the Walled Gardens’ lush ferns and rockeries as well as the sunken Japanese Oasis; boasting streams and stepping stones, bamboo groves and wild crayfish.
- Fort: The Fort, constructed in 1749 by the fifth Lord Byron, served as a vantage point for miniature naval reenactments and cannons firing across the lake. On such occasions, the expanse of water became his mini ‘Mediterranean Sea’. In 1877, the Webbs converted the building into a boathouse.
- Oases: Explore sixteen distinct oases within the grounds; from the Garden Lake and Byron’s Oak and Boatswain’s Monument to the Stew Pond, Fernery and numerous herbaceous borders. Beautiful themed gardens include the Japanese, American, Small Walled, Rose, Sub-Tropical, Venetian, Spanish, French, Monks and Great Gardens.
- Park walk: Experience the romance and mystery of Newstead with a range of paths and lakes throughout the park & grounds.
- Trails: Explore Newstead’s gardens with our exciting family trails. Hunt for clues, find the answers and claim a prize at the end! Each trail has other fun activities to complete inside. Outdoor trails are available throughout each school holiday from the shop.
- What’s on: At Newstead Abbey, we have a range of events all year round for you to enjoy when you visit. Visit the website for more information.
4.56 miles
