Newark's National Civil War Centre to re-open

After the COVID-19 pandemic closed it's doors for more than 100 days, Newark's National Civil War Centre is preparing to re-open.

The attraction will be open to the public from Wednesday 15 July, offering an insight into this significant time in Britain's history and our own town's past. 

 The Centre will re-open from Wednesdays to Saturdays, 10am to 3pm. Until 31 August 2020, entry to the National Civil War Centre will be free to Newark and Sherwood District Council residents and half price for all other visitors.  Car parking, in District Council owned car parks, continues to be free for up to two hours until the end of August 2020.

The museum’s team have been hard at work over the past few weeks ensuring that the family-friendly venue is COVID-secure when it re-opens. In order to offer a reassuring and safe visit, changes have been made to create a one-way route through the museum which maximises the opportunity for social distancing. As a result, two galleries have been temporarily closed and some activities removed. 

Additional exhibits and information have been added to compensate for these changes, with a brand new trail for visitors to enjoy. 

To ensure social distancing, the museum is now operating with a maximum capacity. Entry will be by timed slots and visitors are being encouraged to book these in advance online at www.nationalcivilwarcentre.com.

Visitors will be expected to abide by the Government’s current regulations on social bubbles and meeting other households indoors as well as safety guidance on site. Hand sanitiser stations, which come alongside themed Civil War trivia, are spaced throughout the building.  The museum will undergo a daily deep clean as well as hourly cleans throughout the day.

A guidance video will soon be available on the National Civil War Centre's website, showing the measures put in place to keep the museum 'COVID-secure'. 

Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, Councillor David Lloyd said: “We hope the online video will reassure visitors that the Museum is a place residents can feel comfortable in visiting in the knowledge that, as a Council owned venue, we have ensured every aspect of the visit is well thought through to ensure both staff and visitor safety."

He added: "This news should be a welcome boost for the town centre, as both residents and visitors can begin to enjoy what Newark has to offer once again. 

"The free entry for residents provides the ideal opportunity to return, or discover, this excellent nationally accredited attraction. After such a difficult few months for us all, it’s great to be able to get back out and safely visit the National Civil War Centre again.”

While the museum’s on-site eatery Café Nineteen20 remains closed at present, its gift shop will re-open along with the Centre, offering its wonderful range of themed gifts and souvenirs.

Since lockdown the museum’s team has created lots of great online activities for all ages, including two fantastic community craft projects, , so to start your Civil War learning journey or get creative, visit www.nationalcivilwarcentre.com.