Skip to content
Menu

Sconce and Devon Park

Surround yourself with civil war history and discover the very best of the great outdoors at Sconce and Devon park (NG24 4AU),

Enjoy the present in Newark’s largest open space, where you’ll find modern facilities including a children’s play area, fitness trail, cafe and a network of pathways suitable for prams and pushchairs.

And step back in time by exploring the star-shaped site of the Queen’s Sconce - one of the country's finest remaining earthworks from the 17th century British Civil War. Signs and a trail around the park explain the history of the site.

The park has been awarded Green Flag status in recognition of its excellent range of facilities, maintenance standards and opportunities for community involvement.

Park facilities

  • large area of public open grass and woodlands, including Devon Pastures Local Nature Reserve
  • Queen’s Sconce, a large civil war earthwork and new bridge
  • children’s play area
  • civil war trail
  • Rumbles cafe
  • football centre with two adult and four mini soccer pitches and a football changing pavilion
  • network of pathways suitable for prams and wheelchairs
  • parking and public toilets
  • park ranger service
  • fitness trail circuit
  • wildlife pond

Fitness trail challenge

Why not try out the six-station fitness trail which includes an abs bench, balance beams, leap frog and parallel bars?

The stations are placed in a circular 600-metre course around the park with an information board at the beginning of the trail to guide you around the apparatus.

Parkrun

Parkrun is a free event open to all ages and abilities which takes place here on Saturdays at 9am. You can run or walk the 5k course at your own pace. Find out more and register for parkrun on their website.

There’s also a fun 2k timed parkrun for juniors on Sundays at 9am.

Guided Park Ranger walks

Regular guided walks with our fantastic Park Rangers are held one a month at Sconce and Devon Park and Vicar Water Country Park, and everyone is welcome to join for free!

Each month there will be a route organised around Sconce and Devon and around Vicar Water Country Park, and along the way, our park rangers will chat through the nature and wildlife you can spot, what each season brings for that area, and answer any other questions you have about the wonderful biodiversity and wildlife that thrives at there.

To cover a variety of routes in both parks and to suit a range of residents the walks will rotate in length from short, to medium to long each month.

Sconce and Devon Park’s guided walks will be held on the first Tuesday of every month, and everyone will meet by the Park Ranger’s office next to the Rumbles Café. Each walk take place between 9:00am – 10:30am.

You must book your place on the walk you would like to join through our website.

Queen's Sconce

This scheduled ancient monument is one of the country's finest remaining earthworks from the British Civil War (1642-51). Queen’s Sconce is distinctively star-shaped when viewed from the air and is one of nine siege works remaining in a recognisable state in and around Newark. It’s considered an internationally important heritage feature, and is surrounded by open space and playing fields.

Civil war trail

Two of the eight information boards for Newark’s civil war trail are located in the park. The trail, which is accessed via an app, uses augmented reality technology. Pointing your smart phone at a still picture on the boards triggers a re-enacted video scene from the 17th century.

The trail films can be witnessed at eight locations around Newark, including the National Civil War Centre. They recall episodes from Newark's pivotal role in the 17th century British Civil Wars.

Download the Civil War app on the App Store

Rumbles Cafe

Rumbles cafe is run by Rumbles Catering Project, a charity providing education and training for people with learning difficulties. 

It has a five-star hygiene rating and Healthy Options Takeaway (HOT), including vegetarian options.

The cafe offers outside seating and a take-away service 7 days a week 10am to 5pm, Saturday 8.30am to 5pm and Sunday 8.30am to 4pm (unless its the school holidays). 

The summer menu includes

  • breakfasts and brunch options including veggie breakfast and egg, sausage or bacon cobs from £2.50
  • Lite bites and sandwiches including fresh home-made soup of the day, jackets with fillings, sandwiches and cakes from £2.50
  • Meals to go including steak and ale pie, chicken curry, griddled veg with tomato and garlic, poached cod and omelettes all £6.50
  • Ice creams and cold drinks for hot summer days

For further details on Rumbles menus and services or to enquire about hiring the Visitor Centre facilities, call 01623 424836 or e-mail rumblescateringproject@yahoo.co.uk.

Park events

Follow the Sconce and Devon Park Facebook page for more information about our events and to join in the conversation.

Conservation volunteering

Interested in learning new skills, making friends and helping maintain the park? Volunteering sessions are held each week.

Email Ranger Simon Hill to get involved simon.hill@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk

Friends of Sconce and Devon Park

The Friends of Sconce and Devon Park is a group of volunteers who help with the management and maintenance of the park. The Friends meet every other month and new members are always welcome. For more information please email simon.hill@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk

Junior Rangers

Our park rangers offer Junior Ranger sessions featuring a fun outdoor learning programme for children years 5, 6 and 7. It’s available in Sconce and Devon and Vicar Water Country Park.

Voluntary parking charge

The parks have a voluntary pay and display scheme. If you drive to the park you can make a parking donation of £1 for a day, or buy a season ticket for £20. Donations will be reinvested in the parks, but charges are not compulsory and you won't be charged or fined if you do not buy a ticket.

Park rules

Help us prevent fire, litter and wildlife damage. BBQ's, campfires and fireworks are not permitted in the park.

Sky lanterns and helium balloon releases are now banned in our council parks.

Dog owners must ensure that their dogs are safe at all times and not creating a nuisance or danger for anyone else.

Dogs must not harm or worry the park’s wildlife.

It is the law for dogs in public spaces to:-

  • be microchipped
  • wear a collar
  • wear an identity tag

It is an offence to not pick up dog mess in the district with penalties of up to £1000. Dog mess is a health hazard.

Our park rangers and council public protection officers can request that dogs are put on their lead if they feel a dog is not under control or causing a problem.

Memorial Rose Garden

Our parks can provide a place to unwind, feel calm, be in nature and take time to remember those we’ve loved and lost. Our new Memorial Rose Gardens at Sconce and Devon Park and Vicar Water Country Park now offer the chance to include a physical tribute to your loved one within their favourite green spaces. Find out more on our Memorial Rose Gardens page.