Newent

One of the oldest inhabited towns in the Forest of Dean, Newent has been settled since at least Roman times and appeared in the 1086 Domesday Book of William the Conqueror.

As well as having a long and rich history dating back to the Prehistoric and Roman periods Newent is one of the most picturesque towns in the Forest of Dean there are over 100 listed buildings. Visit and Enjoy a walk through Newent and see some of the finest examples of medieval buildings .

Download the Newent Medieval Building Walks map here.

Here are just a few reasons why Newent should form part of your itinerary.

Shop into history in the Market Square

The half-life size Bronze Statue of World Class Dressage Horse ‘Valegro’ takes centre stage as he stands proudly on an engraved bath stone plinth. The Statue was commissioned by Newent Initiative Trust who worked closely with a team of fund raisers, Carl Hester and Sculptress Georgie Welch. A film of the making of the Statue was made by Horse & Country TV

The Towns most iconic building ‘The Market House’ was built in 1668 this replaced an earlier structure dating back to the 13th century. The building is home to some interesting roman finds and heritage information. To explore the rich history of the town and how the buildings echo days of old, try the Newent Medieval Building Walks.

Blue Plaque – 1960’s pioneering record producer, songwriter and sound engineer Joe Meek was born in Market Square, a blue plaque can be found above the door of his former birthplace. Joe is renowned for ‘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.

Newent is a thriving market town with a wealth  of independent retailers including clothing at Country Corner, Gooch Sports & Leisure, Bookster Tailoring, Wyedean Wholefoods, The Runcible Spoon Deli & Café, Ingrams a minimum waste and Artisan food Shop.

There are regular Thursday & Friday markets as well as monthly auctions and monthly Saturday artisan market - full details linked here.

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.

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.

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

Soak up nature at Newent Lake and Park

The picturesque, landscaped Lake & Park was opened by HRH The Duke of Gloucester in 1998 and is located just off the Town Centre 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.

Eating and drinking 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.

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.

• Annual Remembrance Parade in November
• Annual Christmas lights switch on takes place in November
• The weekly Newent Vitality Park Run
• Sports Fixtures – Cricket, Football, Hockey, Rugby

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.