Newark Indoor Bowls Centre

Indoor bowls is one of those sports that sounds genteel until you actually watch someone play - then you realise it's properly competitive. Newark Indoor Bowls Centre sits just outside Newark town centre and offers eight rinks where you can either have a go yourself or watch club matches and leagues in action.

The appeal here depends entirely on whether you've got a passing interest in bowls or you're looking for something genuinely different to do on a rainy afternoon. If you're the former, this is the real deal - local players take it seriously, and the atmosphere on match nights is surprisingly lively. The rinks are well-maintained, and the staff can set you up for a casual game if you're curious. For families, it's more of a one-off novelty unless your kids have already caught the bug. Most visitors spend an hour to ninety minutes here.

It works best as part of a broader visit to Newark rather than a standalone trip. The town itself has the castle and some decent independent shops worth an afternoon. If you're staying at Witham Grange Glamping or Lincolnshire Glamping at Spire View Meadow - both less than seven miles away - and you hit a stretch of poor weather, this beats sitting in a tent. Check the website for public play sessions, as the rinks aren't always open to walk-ins.

Worth a visit if you're curious. Not worth planning a trip around.