Gloworm

Newark is easily accessible by public transport. The town has two railway stations: Newark Castle (on the Nottingham–Lincoln line), which is just a short walk from the castle grounds, and Newark North Gate (on the East Coast Main Line) with frequent trains from cities like London (approximately 75-80 minutes to King’s Cross), York and Leeds. Stagecoach operates local bus routes that connect Newark with Nottingham, Lincoln and nearby towns; buses stop at the Newark Bus Station and town centre, within easy walking distance of the castle. Long-distance coaches (such as National Express) also serve Newark-on-Trent, providing affordable onward travel from most UK cities, with easy connections to the festival via local transit.

By car, Newark is conveniently located near major roads. If you’re driving from London or the south, the A1(M) and A1 (via the M25) will bring you straight to Newark; take one of the exits labelled Newark to reach town. From the west or Midlands, the A46 is the main route into Newark. Signposting in Leicester and Nottingham (for the A46) and along the A1 clearly points the way to the castle and city centre. There are several public car parks around Newark (in the town centre, by the river, and near Newark Castle station) with pay-and-display spaces. The castle area itself allows drop-offs and short-term parking nearby. Be aware that summer weekends can be busy, so consider arriving early or sharing rides. Parking apps and maps can help you find the nearest lots, and free on-street parking is limited in the historic core of town.

If you’re flying in, Newark is not far from several airports. The closest is East Midlands Airport (EMA) near Derby, about 30 miles away (roughly a 40–50 minute drive). EMA has many domestic flights and some European connections. Manchester Airport and Birmingham Airport are larger and about 1.5–2 hours’ drive from Newark, offering a wide range of flights. If flying into London (Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted or Luton), your best bet is usually to take a train from London to Newark North Gate (East Coast trains from King’s Cross) — roughly an hour’s travel once you arrive in London. There are also coach services between some airports and Nottingham, from which you can connect by train or bus to Newark. Once in Nottinghamshire, hiring a car or using local taxis can be handy for reaching rural lodgings and attractions quickly.

Newark and its surroundings offer a wide variety of places to stay. In town, you'll find familiar hotels like Premier Inn and Travelodge, as well as quaint guesthouses and B&Bs on streets like Castle Gate and Town Wharf, often just a short stroll from the castle. Many of these spots are family-friendly, with bigger rooms or on-site play areas and breakfasts suited for kids. Just outside town, the Nottinghamshire countryside provides holiday cottages, farm stays and boutique rooms — a car is useful to reach many of these. A handful of caravan sites and campsites are also nearby for those who enjoy camping or RV travel. Because Gloworm is a popular summer event, we recommend booking accommodation as early as possible — hotels and alternatives often fill up months in advance. If you plan to extend your stay, consider splitting your visit (for example, one night in town and one night in the countryside) so you can explore the best of both worlds.