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.
9. Civil War history
Not only did the building survive an earthquake, but it also withstood the challenges of the English Civil War, when King Charles I engaged in conflict with Parliament. During the war, the grandson of the Abbey's first lay owner was made a peer, and the Abbey was looted by Parliamentarians. (Image from 2012: Sarah Yates, Darren Pincott and Dale Yates from the Sir John Jell Regiment at the Sealed Knot event held at Newstead Abbey, as Sealed Knot wowed awe-struck spectators with 17th Century living and battle displays featuring cannon fire and cavalry chargers.) Photo: Anne Shelley
10. Opening hours
Newstead Park is open year-round on weekdays. The Historic House is open on weekends, bank holidays, and school holidays (as observed by Nottingham City), except for Christmas Day. The Park and Gardens are accessible daily from 10am to 5pm, with the last entry at 4pm. The House and Abbey are open on weekends, school holidays, and bank holidays from 11am to 4pm, with the last entry at 3pm. The café, shop, and toilets are open daily from 10am to 5pm, with the last entry at 4pm. Find out more at: newsteadabbey.org.uk/visit Photo: Phoebe Cox