Newstead Abbey is located off Nottingham Road, Ravenshead. The former Augustinian priory was converted to a domestic home following the Dissolution of the Monasteries, it is now best known as the ancestral home of Lord Byron.placeholder image
Newstead Abbey is located off Nottingham Road, Ravenshead. The former Augustinian priory was converted to a domestic home following the Dissolution of the Monasteries, it is now best known as the ancestral home of Lord Byron.

Newstead Abbey: A closer look at one of Nottinghamshire's historic hidden gems

By Phoebe Cox
Published 17th Feb 2025, 10:05 BST

The historic site of Newstead Abbey is regarded as one of Nottinghamshire's hidden treasures, rich in history – and we can see why.

With over 800 years of history, Newstead is a monastic abbey from the late 12th century and was the former home of Romantic poet Lord Byron.

Many ghosts have been reported at Newstead Abbey, including one that Lord Byron himself claimed to have seen in one of the Abbey’s bedchambers. Another notable apparition is known as the "Rose Lady." She is often spotted in a passageway at the bottom of the staircase. Whenever the Rose Lady appears, she is accompanied by a lingering scent of roses or lavender that remains after she disappears. Another supernatural sighting includes the "Goblin Friar", who was said to appear to the head of the Byron family before any unhappy event. See more about upcoming ghost walks here: newsteadabbey.org.uk/haunted-heritage-ghost-investigation

5. Haunted heritage

Many ghosts have been reported at Newstead Abbey, including one that Lord Byron himself claimed to have seen in one of the Abbey’s bedchambers. Another notable apparition is known as the "Rose Lady." She is often spotted in a passageway at the bottom of the staircase. Whenever the Rose Lady appears, she is accompanied by a lingering scent of roses or lavender that remains after she disappears. Another supernatural sighting includes the "Goblin Friar", who was said to appear to the head of the Byron family before any unhappy event. See more about upcoming ghost walks here: newsteadabbey.org.uk/haunted-heritage-ghost-investigation Photo: Heritage Images/Getty Images

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This feature was added to the grounds in the 1700s to enhance the area's romantic appeal. A cascade was constructed at the point where The Garden Lake meets the River Leen, allowing the lake's overflow to flow into the river. The waterfall was added to the Abbey during the time of William, the fourth Lord Byron, who was the predecessor of the poet George Byron, the most famous Lord Byron. Visitors can view the cascade from a unique vantage point, reflecting the beauty of the building and its grounds.

6. Water cascade

This feature was added to the grounds in the 1700s to enhance the area's romantic appeal. A cascade was constructed at the point where The Garden Lake meets the River Leen, allowing the lake's overflow to flow into the river. The waterfall was added to the Abbey during the time of William, the fourth Lord Byron, who was the predecessor of the poet George Byron, the most famous Lord Byron. Visitors can view the cascade from a unique vantage point, reflecting the beauty of the building and its grounds. Photo: Phoebe Cox

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Newstead Abbey is a picture-perfect location for weddings, boasting romantic charm amidst beautifully landscaped formal gardens. Couples can choose from a variety of ceremony options, including the Cloisters, Chapel, and Orangery. For drinks and canapés, as well as the wedding breakfast and celebrations, there are also the Garden Room and West Front Suite available. View more at: newsteadabbey.org.uk/weddings

7. Weddings

Newstead Abbey is a picture-perfect location for weddings, boasting romantic charm amidst beautifully landscaped formal gardens. Couples can choose from a variety of ceremony options, including the Cloisters, Chapel, and Orangery. For drinks and canapés, as well as the wedding breakfast and celebrations, there are also the Garden Room and West Front Suite available. View more at: newsteadabbey.org.uk/weddings Photo: National World

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Newstead Abbey survived the earthquake that struck on April 15, 1185, causing significant alarm throughout the East Midlands. The earthquake is estimated to have had a magnitude of around 5.0.

8. Survived historic earthquake

Newstead Abbey survived the earthquake that struck on April 15, 1185, causing significant alarm throughout the East Midlands. The earthquake is estimated to have had a magnitude of around 5.0. Photo: Mansfield Chad

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