A market town with a 12th-century castle and a church featuring a 236-foot tower has been described as "England's most underrated" and praised for its "Spanish vibe".
Ryan Walker-Drain, who describes himself on Instagram as "just a bloke figuring life out", posted a video championing the Nottinghamshire town, where he has spent the past 12 months working. Speaking in the footage, Ryan, who is preparing to relocate to Australia with his family, said: "I think I've found England's most underrated town."
What Ryan said about Newark
He went on: "I've worked away for 12 years in my time living in England, and in those 12 years I've seen the very worst and the very best of England, and some of them places I've worked in, I hope I never go back to. But, as my time in England draws to an end, we part on good terms, as for the last year I've been working in what I would call England's most underrated town."
"People say hello like they used to. The restaurants and cafés are full and busy. There's a Spanish vibe, but without the Spanish."
While he withheld the location until the end of the clip, sweeping views of the market square and the Church of St Mary Magdalene, with its remarkable 236-foot octagonal spire, offered clues. He also appeared before the town's 900-year-old castle, remarking: "I mean seriously, how many times do you see buildings like this? That's mad medieval."
Unveiling the town
Finally unveiling the town in question - Newark-on-Trent - Ryan concluded: "Maybe when you dig a little deeper, Newark, like a lot of places, might have its problems. But on the surface level, as someone that's just enjoyed working here for the last 12 months, I've got to say, for me, Newark-on-Trent is England's most underrated town."
In the caption accompanying his post, Ryan wrote: "I've seen plenty of towns across England - but this one seriously surprised me. History, character, cracking scenery and hardly anybody talks about it."
What Newark-on-Trent has to offer
Newark boasts a wealth of attractions, with its six annual antiques fairs ranking among the most notable highlights, reports Nottinghamshire Live. Visit Nottinghamshire said: "Situated on the banks of the River Trent, Newark is a picturesque town steeped in history.
"The ruins of Newark Castle have had a huge influence on the unique character of the town. Though the current remains were built in the early 12th century, there has been a castle on the site since 1068. Left in ruins by a turbulent history, the grounds were landscaped in 1887."
Newark's market place is overlooked by the Georgian Town Hall. The town has become famous for its six annual antiques fairs, held at Newark County Showground, and thousands of antique hunters from across the world descend on the fair's 4,000 stalls in search of a bargain.
Other attractions near the town include the Newark Air Museum – home to 65 aircraft and cockpit sections. It's also home to the National Civil War Centre. The town hosts antique and craft markets in the market square every Monday, excluding Bank Holidays, and Wednesday, alongside general markets on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
