Newstead Abbey Historic House
Newstead Abbey, best known as the former home of the poet Lord Byron, was originally an Augustinian priory founded by Henry II in about 1170.
Historic House
Visitors interested in historic houses can linger over displays and reading material in the Library, or marvel at the expansive panelling in the Great Hall, all reputed to have come from a single oak tree!
Stories of the Past
Splendid Victorian room settings await those interested in Victorian history, and the medieval Cloisters and Chapter House (now the Chapel) wait to be explored by those visitors interested in Newstead Abbey's earlier history.
Poet Byron
Visitors interested in the poet Byron can see his private apartments, as well as letters, objects and furniture that belonged to the poet.
Fun for Families
Families can have fun trying on replica period costumes in the Dressing Up Room, and spotting the various animals throughout the Abbey, such as the painting of Byron's dog, Boatswain. Be sure to ask for a copy of the Wildlife Safari quiz which helps you spot the animals.
The Collections
The objects and information held at Newstead Abbey relate to 4 main areas:-
Newstead as an Augustinian Priory.
This collection is made up of medieval stone carvings and manuscripts.
The Poet Byron
The Byron collection includes objects and furniture which belonged to the poet, as well as letters he wrote, portraits of Byron and his family and friends, and his manuscripts. Of particular interest is the poet's magnificent giltwood bed, which Byron brought with him from his student rooms in Cambridge when he moved into Newstead Abbey in 1808.
Newstead in the Victorian Period
This includes furniture, paintings and other objects that belonged to the families who lived at Newstead, as well as letters, deeds and diaries. Of particular interest are the Victorian photo albums showing the Abbey, its interiors and its gardens, as they were more than a century ago.
The History of Newstead Abbey
This collection spans the centuries since Newstead Abbey became a private house, right up to the present day, and includes paintings, objects, letters, maps and photographs associated with the estate. Of particular interest is the collection of the eighteenth century views of Newstead Abbey by artist Pieter Tillemans.
VISIOTORS INFORMATION:
Opening times
Grounds are open daily (except last Friday in November and Christmas Day) from 9.00 am until 6.00 pm - or dusk, whichever is the earlier - (Please note, last ticket sales and entry are by 4.15 pm when the main gate closes).
The House is open from 2 April to September on Friday/Saturday/Sunday/Monday - 12 noon till 5 pm (last admission 4pm).
Cafe at the Abbey - the winter opening times of the cafe are 10.00 am - 4.00 pm daily.
Private tours of the House, for groups of 10 or more, are available (pre-booking required).
* Dogs are allowed in the Grounds, providing they are kept on a lead.
Admission prices
October - March - Gardens Only
2 April - 27 September - House and Gardens
Historic House opens Friday / Saturday / Sunday / Monday from 12.00 noon to 5pm (Last admission 4pm)
Prices applicable until 31 March 2011:
| |
Gardens |
House & Gardens |
Season ticket |
| Adult |
£4.00 |
£8.00 |
£35.00 |
| Child |
£2.50 |
£3.50 |
- |
| Group |
£3.50 |
£6.00 |
- |
| Concessionary |
£3.50 |
£6.00 |
- |
| Family |
£10.50 |
£20.00 |
£50.00 |
Grounds are open daily (except last Friday in November and Christmas Day) from 9.00 am until 6.00 pm - or dusk, whichever is the earlier - (Please note, last ticket sales and entry are by 4.15 pm when the main gate closes).
Season Tickets:
Season tickets make an ideal present, and are good value as some of the events at Newstead will be included - details to be confirmed.
Our electronic 'SMART' card season tickets are valid for 12 months from date of purchase and give unlimited admission to the House and Gardens.
Season Ticket holders can also enjoy our 'Winter Wednesdays' in the cafe - buy one standard coffee or tea and get one free! (on production of season ticket).
NB. Winter months are 1 October to 31 March.
Season Ticket Prices - Valid until 31 March 2011:
Family - £50.00
2 x Adults - £35.00
How to buy season tickets:
Season tickets can be purchased at the Newstead Abbey Gates all year round or at Newstead Abbey House between 2 April and 27 September.
Coming to Nottingham and Nottinghamshire
Newstead Abbey is located north of Nottingham, in the county of Nottinghamshire. If you are unfamiliar with Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, and would like more information on travel, accommodation, and additional things to see and do.
By car or coach...
Newstead Abbey is located 12 miles north of Nottingham on the A60 and is also close to Junction 27 of the M1. If coming from the M1, follow the signs for Sherwood Forest until you see the brown signs for the Abbey.
Parking for cars and coaches is near Newstead Abbey House, and is free.
Visitors with disabilities
A full tour of Newstead Abbey House involves many stairs, and the historic nature of the building prevents major alterations. Unfortunately, this restricts wheelchair users to parts of the ground floor of the Abbey.
Consequently the concessionary admission fee is charged to a person in a wheelchair for the House and Gardens. A carer accompanying a wheelchair user is also entitled to this reduced rate.
A wheelchair is available for loan. A disabled toilet is available, and parking for wheelchair users is available on the south side of the House, along the drive past the cafe at the Abbey. Please use the door phone on the south side of the House to gain access to those parts of Newstead Abbey House accessible to people in wheelchairs.
For those visitors who would like the opportunity to sit down during their tour of the House and Gardens, there are chairs throughout the House for visitors, and benches in the Gardens.
Address:
Newstead Abbey Historic House and Gardens
Newstead Abbey Park
Nottingham
NG15 8NA