Sconce and Devon Park

Getting thereWalk: the park is a 5-10 minute walk from the centre of Newark.

Bus: the number 77 from Lombard Street in Newark stops at Valley Prospect which is a minute from the park.

Train: the nearest train stations are Newark North Gate and Newark Castle which are both 20-25 minutes from the park.

There is a free car park and bike racks.

Further InformationThe cafe is open 7 days a week from April to September. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays from October to March.

The park is open at all times although the car parks are locked at dusk each day.

For information please contact: 01636 681 331.

A Guide to Sconce and Devon Park can be purchased from the Park Management Building.

For information on volunteering projects and upcoming events please contact:

Park RangerPark Management Building

Tel: 01636 655 718

History of Sconce and Devon Park

Sconce and Devon Park’s earliest history begins with the 14th century legend of St Catherine’s Well, a tale involving bloodshed, redemption and the appearance of a mystery spring following a romantic dual.

During the First English Civil War (1642-1646), the Queen’s Sconce was the Royalist’s southern stronghold for the town of Newark in their defence against the Parliamentarians. The Sconce itself is one of the best surviving examples of 17th century military engineering in the country.

Britain’s great Industrial Revolution during the 19th and early 20th centuries was present both along the banks of the River Devon and across what is now Sconce Hills Park. In the 20th century the park was also home to soldiers during both the First and Second World Wars.

Sconce and Devon Park has been a recreational facility since the first land was purchased by Newark Borough Council in 1912 and is now Newark’s largest open space.

Sconce and Devon Park Habitats

Sconce and Devon Park is home to a variety of habitats including: riverside, pastures, woodlands, grasslands and an orchard.

Although some rare plant species, such as the flowering rush, are found in the park, the greatest feature is the diverse range of species within such a small area. The area is rich in a variety of plant life from tall oaks to small herbs and grasses. Butterflies and dragonflies are in abundance. A range of birds including kingfishers, swans and thrushes can be spotted.

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Devon Park

Devon Park is home to Newark Town Football Club.

Park Management Building

This building comprises the Park Ranger’s office, café and toilet block. During spring, summer and autumn the café is open 7 days a week, with reduced days throughout winter. Here you can discover more about

the park’s history and ecology and visit the on-site Park Ranger.

Play Area

This newly built playground is a fun, exciting and safe place for children to play.

The River Devon

Perch, bream, pike, chubb and carp are often caught in these waters, and there are some locally rare aquatic plant species such as trifid bur-marigold and blue water Speedwell.

Orchard

Some of the older apple, plum and crab apple can be seen in the orchard, as well as new plantings of damson and blackthorn (sloe). It is a perfect place for picnics.

Devon Pastures

The North Meadow supports a range of grass species suitable to a drier area, whilst the South Meadow is damper and contains marsh and fen vegetation. They are both part of the Local Nature Reserve. In the nineteenth century the North Meadow was used to bleach linen from the Scales Linen Mill.

The Woodland

Dominated by English Oak, with examples of pollarded willow and English Elm, the woodland is carpeted with daffodils and bluebells in the springtime.

Queen’s Sconce

The jewel of Sconce and Devon Park, the historic Queen’s Sconce is one of the few remaining earthworks of its time. Awarded Scheduled Ancient Monument status, it was built by local villagers using gravel from the River Devon and invokes the Royalist spirit of the First English Civil War.

Sconce Hills Park

Sconce Hills Park has been home to many sporting and celebratory gatherings since the mid 1800s and is still popular for a range of recreational activities.