Newstead Abbey
The former seat of the Lord Byrons, this is another of the stately homes and estates of Sherwood Forest. The house, Abbey ruins and gardens are a country park.
The Poet Byron
Heralded by many as the greatest romantic poet of his time, Lord Byron lived at Newstead Abbey at various times from the autumn of 1808 to the autumn of 1814. He was exiled in Europe from 1816. In 1824 Byron was killed in Greek war of independence.
Today visitors may visit the Abbey to discover the Byron collection. The collection includes:
- objects and furniture which belonged to the poet
- letters written by Byron
- manuscripts and portraits of Byron, his family and friends
- the poet’s magnificent giltwood bed, which Byron brought with him from his student rooms in Cambridge when he moved into Newstead Abbey
- Byron’s very own pistol and the desk at which he wrote much of his poetry.The
Visitors are also invited into the ‘Dressing Up Room’ to try on for size replicas of period dress or Lord Byron’s favourite clothes and be transformed into a romantic hero!
The grounds and gardens are open all year round* 9am – 6pm/dusk (whichever is sooner) and entry is just £6 per car from 1 May 2012. The house is open for tours to the public on Sunday afternoons, April – September. Tours take place at 12 pm, 1pm and 2pm and are £5 per person.
*Except the last Friday of November and 24 and 25 December.
There is a very extensive slide show on the pictures of england website – select slide show or thumbnails above the picture.
Walks
Newstead walk 1 Leisurely – 6.5 miles (10.4km) A chance to see more of Newstead than most visitors. Walking round the Abbey grounds hasn’t been included in the distance.
Linby walk 1 Leisurely – 6 miles (9.6km) This is a really good walk. Wander round the picturesque villages of Linby and Papplewick plus beautiful Newstead Abbey. The old rail line has an interesting range of wild flowers in the pools and bogs. Recommended
Sherwood Forest Information 