Newent

Discover Newent

Newent is one of the oldest inhabited towns in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, with origins stretching back to the Roman era and a proud place in the Domesday Book of 1086. Today, it’s a vibrant market town with a rich cultural scene, thriving local businesses, and plenty for visitors to enjoy.

With over 100 listed buildings, Newent is a town best explored on foot. Download the Newent Medieval Building Walks map here and follow the trail through cobbled streets, timber-framed houses, and centuries of history. The Newent Medieval Building Walks are a brilliant way to uncover the town’s layered past. With over one hundred listed buildings, Newent offers a rare glimpse into centuries of architectural evolution, from timber-framed medieval homes to Elizabethan fan truss roofs. Look out for highlights like Booth Hall a hidden gem dating to the 1450s, the jettied Red Lion pub with jettied timber framing and crown struts from the 1480s, the Saxon Cross tucked in the church porch, and 30–32 Church Street featuring curved wall braces from the 1420s The design of the wrought iron gate reflects the entry into the Guinness Book of World Records of the largest indoor spider web found here in an outhouse in 1999.

Must-See in the Town Centre

At the heart of Newent is the Market Square, home to:

• The Market House, is the Towns most iconic building replaced a 13th-century structure, built in 1668 on medieval foundations, housing local heritage exhibits.
• Valegro, the half-life size Bronze Statue of the world-class Olympic dressage horse, immortalised in bronze.
• A blue plaque can be found above the door of his former birthplace honouring Joe Meek, the pioneering 1960s songwriter, sound engineer and record producer behind ‘Telstar’ which made number 1 in both the UK and US.
• A gold post box, sits opposite the Church and celebrates the 2012 Olympic Gold Medal win by Charlotte Dujardin who is a multiple world and Olympic dressage champion. Charlotte was granted the title of ‘Freewoman’ of the Forest of Dean.

Regular markets and artisan fairs keep the town buzzing and have been a proud tradition dating back to 1226, when the town received its first Royal Charter for market trading. Weekly markets run Thursdays in Market Square, with rotating Saturday and Sunday artisan markets and auctions held too, be sure to check the dates to make sure they are on.

Newent's markets showcase the spirit of community, creativity, and commerce. Complementing the town’s busy shops and fine eateries, they offer a warm and welcoming experience in the heart of this historic town.

Explore Newent Lake & Park

A short walk from the town centre is the picturesque, landscaped Lake & Park was opened by HRH The Duke of Gloucester in 1998 and is rich with Flora and Fauna. You will find an Outdoor Gym, Childrens Play Park and beautiful carved tree sculptures, seating is plentiful as well as picnic tables and benches. There are a limited number of annual fishing permits available from the Town Council Office subject to conditions.

Newent Millennium Arboretum

This nine-acre site is planted with trees and shrubs of mixed varieties that provide year-round interest and beautiful displays of Spring & Autumn colours and is located on the southern outskirts of Newent. The Arboretum is popular with dog walkers and there is a grassed open space where you can enjoy a family picnic, fly a kite or hide and seek among the trees.

Food & Drink in Newent

Newent’s rich architecture includes several listed public houses. The George Hotel is a former coaching house that holds a prominent position, The Black Dog is a half-timbered 18th-century family friendly pub as well as being dog friendly and a takeout menu. The Kings Arms is a family-friendly pub that serves gluten-free battered cod on Fridays and Malswick House on the outskirts that also serves food or visit Cobblers Gloucestershire’s very first micro-pub right in the heart of Newent.

There are a broad selection of tea rooms and eateries throughout the Town, Manna House, The Crusty Loaf, Errol’s, Peggy's Sandich Servery, The Ark, The Runcible Spoon as well as Indian & Chinese takeaways, Pizza & Kebab & Fish & Chip Shops.

One of England’s oldest vineyards, Three Choirs Vineyard combines luxury accommodation with a brasserie at the vineyard. Three Choirs produces 250,000 bottles a year of both white and red wine, and there are regular wine tasting events.

Art, Music & Community

Newent has a lively creative scene and music has always echoed through Newent’s story. Rutland Boughton was the early 20th-century composer known for his operas and socialist ideals. Having made Newent his home, Boughton is lovingly remembered through exhibits in the Market House, where his work joins Meek’s in a shared celebration of creative courage.

Visit The Secret Gallery in The Shambles Arcade, explore the Museum of Board Games, or look out for events hosted at Chamber 22.

For Arts & Crafts there is Patchwork Basket, Manna House, Flowercraft, The Secret Gallery gift shop, gallery & workshop space tucked away in a The Shambles Victorian Arcade where you will find The Museum of Board Games owned by the renown game designer Tony Boydell and Dolls House Vintage a treasure trove from times gone by.

In the family friendly Ark Cafe situated on the High Street, you will find a sensory room, soft play and outdoor play area & seating, relax and enjoy a cup of coffee and a bite to eat. An inviting atmosphere can be found at the newly opened Sandwich Box situated on Church Street is a dining experience infused with genuine warmth and a sense of community.

The town has long punched above its weight musically and music still plays a big part in local life, from choral performances to live music in pubs and cafés, see the full events calendar for Newent here.

Experience Newent’s Sporting Spirit

A town proud of its rich athletic heritage and vibrant sporting culture. Newent’s legacy is woven with stories of dedication and achievement. Today, that tradition thrives with community events like the popular weekly parkrun and scenic cycling loops that invite residents and visitors alike to get active and enjoy the outdoors. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a casual enthusiast, There's plenty of opportunities to connect through sport, celebrate local talent, and feel the energy of a town that lives and breathes competition and camaraderie.

Local Shops & Businesses

From deli treats at The Runcible Spoon to local produce at Wyedean Wholefoods, and clothing at Gooch Sports & Leisure, Country Corner or Bookster Tailoring, Newent offers a warm welcome and great shopping from local traders.

Why not book an event at Chamber 22 a beautifully converted church hall or top up your tan at Bettee's Health Suite or visit one of the many hairdressers, barbers or nail technicians.

Newent also has a number of convenience stores and a Coop supermarket for where you can stock up on essentials.

Where to stay in and near Newent

See all of our places to stay in and near Newent here.

Planning a romantic getaway and looking for comfortable surroundings? Visit The Granary or The Shepherd's Hut at Briery Hill Llamas, where you can stay in luxury and enjoy a llama trekking experience.

Outdoor living can be found at Mrs Mills Yurts, part of May Hill Glamping’s indulgent and stylish campsite on the slopes of May Hill, the iconic National Trust landmark, or in nearby Huntley is Forest Gate Camping and Caravanning, with 25 pitches in the grounds of a former Victorian Rectory.

In the heart of Newent is The George Hotel, which combines accommodation with an adjoining Gastropub.

A short drive from the centre the Kilcot Inn boasts four Four-Star rooms and one of the best breakfasts in the county or you could wake up overlooking vine-clad valleys at Three Choirs Vineyard. Finally, for golfers, check out the Newent Golf Club and Lodges, which offer rooms adjoining the nine hole course.

What’s on in Newent

See all of the events taking place in and near Newent here.

• Weekly Parkrun
• Newent Loop cycle route
• Annual Remembrance Parade in November
• Annual Christmas lights switch on takes place in November
• Sports Fixtures –  football, rugby, hockey, cricket and more, check the event calendar for up-to-date listings.

Want to know more?

View the town leaflet here.

Many of the images on this page are credited to Robin Lister CPAGB who retains the copyright.