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.
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.
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 Wednesday to Friday each week 10am to 5pm, Saturday 8.30am to 5pm and Sunday 8.30am to 4pm but closed each Monday and Tuesday (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
- Parkrun 9am every Saturday.
- Junior parkrun 9am every Sunday
- Late summer Forest School starts 7 September for six weeks
- Bat Walk Tuesday 27 September at 7pm
- Bat Walk Monday 17 October at 6pm
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
Forest school
Our park rangers offer a forest school featuring a fun outdoor learning programme for children aged five to ten. It’s available in our parks in Newark, Ollerton and Clipstone.
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.