Events

We are excited to have started reintroducing some fantastic events from our reopening in May. Please keep checking back for more coming soon and make sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest.

Mini Museum

Thursdays in term time, 10.30am to 11.30am

Calling all little explorers! Get ready for a weekly dose of discovery, creativity, and giggles at Mini Museum - our playful, hands-on sessions specially designed for families with children under 5.

Threads of Time Trail

The stories of the places where we live are a rich tapestry woven from moment in time, the people who lived there and the things they used, wore, and made. This project unravels some of the individual threads which make up our history, highlighting seven objects which shine a light on local industry and everyday life, and celebrate the area we call home.

Toys Through Time Trail

Step into a world of wonder and nostalgia as you explore how children played across the decades!

Artist in Residence – Robbie Bellekom

Artist in Residence – Robbie Bellekom | 4 Nov 2025 – 28 Mar 2026

Puppeteer and maker Robbie Bellekom invites visitors and the local community to get creative with hands-on activities, workshops, and a fresh look at storytelling through puppetry.

Evening Talk | For Whom the Bell Tolls

Saturday 31 January 2026, 7pm

Visible for miles around, the spire of St Mary’s church was a beacon, vantage point and source of local pride. Learn more about the central role played by St Mary’s Church in local life during the British Civil Wars with renowned local historian Stuart Jennings.

Pride in the Past Events - February 2026

badges advocating gay rights from the 80s

The National Civil War Centre is proud to present Pride in the Past, our first LGBTQ+ history programme. Inspired by our Creative Influencers and a commitment to sharing diverse stories, this February our collections will including hosting a series of special events celebrating identity, history and community as part of LGBTQ+ History Month.

Evening Talk | Queen James: LGBTQ History Month

Book cover of Queen James by Gareth Russell

Wednesday 4 February 2026, 7pm

‘Elizabeth was king, then James was queen.’ – English author (1603) We know so much about the six wives of Henry VIII, why not the six loves of James I? Dive into the dazzling love life of England’s first openly gay monarch in this flamboyant and fascinating historical tale with Gareth Russell.

Family Saturday EXTRA

Four children dressed in period costume at the National Civil War Centre

Saturday 7 February 2026, 10am - 4pm

Join us on this fantastic Family Saturday EXTRA which is free for Newark and Sherwood residents. This Saturday, enjoy Cardboard Coronation - celebrating Charles I’s coronation 400 years ago on 2 February 1626.

Find out more about our Family Saturday programme and this specific event here.

Evening Talk | The British Civil Wars and the Wider World

Friday 13 February 2026, 7pm

In 1642, when Charles I raised his standard in Nottingham, he ruled not just England, Ireland, and Scotland, but also “the dominions thereunto belonging”. These distant settlement, most small and new, were drawn into events at home, and the English Atlantic was shaped by the civil wars, regicide, and experiments in new forms of government over the next two decades. Join distinguished Professor and Joyce Appleby Endowed Chair of the America in the World, Carla Pestana, for this insightful talk.

Growing Creativity: Building Arts-rich schools together

Wednesday 25 February, 10am

Do you want to develop teaching and learning in the Arts in your school? Are you looking for new ideas for creative lesson planning, confidence in trying new art forms or tips for planning a whole school Arts day? Our one-day conference offers the chance to meet teachers and creative practitioners in print making, music, dance and sculpture who have been involved in our Creative Practitioners in Schools programme.

Family Saturday

Saturday 7 March 2026, 10am – 4pm

Join us on this fantastic Family Saturday filled with fun activities and creative crafting. The event is free for Newark and Sherwood residents. Find out more about our Family Saturday programme and our Family Saturday EXTRA events here.

Evening Talk | The Norton Disney Dodecahedron

Friday 27 March 2026, 7pm

This fine example of a Gallo Roman dodecahedron was found in the summer of 2023 when archaeologists excavated a Roman site at Norton Disney, close to a Roman villa and the Fosse Way Roman road. Its purpose remains a mystery. Join archaeologist Richard Parker to find out more about this fascinating object.

Family Saturday

A young child plays with light-up coloured blocks during a mini museum play session

Saturday 4 April 2026, 10am – 4pm

Silent Witnesses: What the Human Remains Tell us About the Battle of Stokefield

Photo of the Stoke Field skull in a glass case

Friday 17 April 2026, 7pm

Dr Samantha Tipper, Senior Lecturer at Anglia Ruskin will share her fascinating analysis of human skeletons from the Battle of Stoke Field and the stories hidden in their bones.

Family Saturday EXTRA

Child holding a hobby horse that he'd made out of paper

Saturday 2 May 2026, 10am – 4pm

Join us on this fantastic Family Saturday EXTRA which is free for Newark and Sherwood residents. This Saturday, enjoy Country Beats and Dancing Feet - find out what it was like to party in 1665 and join The Grantham Danserye to learn some Stuart Steps, make a maypole inspired twirling stick and enjoy other awesome Mayday crafts! Find out more about our Family Saturday programme and this specific event here.

Country Beats and Dancing Feet: Dancing in Stuart England

Illustration of people dancing from the 17th century

Saturday 2 May 2026, 4.30pm

Shake a leg Stuart style as we learn about the country dances of market squares and village greens as recorded in John Playford’s 1651 ‘The English Dancing Master’.

Family Saturday

boy holding up a magnifying glass and looking at the camera

Saturday 7 November 2026, 10am – 4pm

Family Saturday EXTRA

Saturday 5 December 2026, 10am – 4pm