Things to do in Newport

There is an abundance of interesting sights in Newport and the surrounding areas. Exploring the surroundings by car is particularly rewarding. The following are some of the most striking attractions.

Caerleon

Caerlon housed one of the most pivotal military sites in Britain under Roman rule. It was here that the second Augustan legion was stationed, housing 6,000 horsemen and soldiers, along with temples, shops, baths and an amphitheatre. At present, Caerleon is an attractive town of great historical interest, with a good selection of tea rooms, restaurants and pubs. The Tourist Information Centre in Caerleon will happily provide you with up-to-date information (tel: +44 1633 422 656).

Newport Castle

This impressive building was constructed in the early 14th century. The majority of the stone structures date from around 1405, when the castle was strengthened and expanded. It boasts three tall towers which dominate the Usk River, and its linear shape is dictated by its proximity to the Usk. Alongside the castle ruins, there is an extremely busy road junction, although a pedestrian walkway provides access.

Transporter Bridge

In September, 2006, this construction celebrated its 100th birthday. The bridge is operated and owned by the council and is a part of the local network of highways. Transporter Bridge has an interesting history and it has always played an important role in Newport. Newports people are proud of the construction and see Transporter Bridge as one of the citys main iconic landmarks.

Tredegar House

Situated two miles (three kilometres) west of Newports city centre, Tredegar House is set in a fabulous 90-acre park and is without a doubt one of the countrys best examples of a 17th century Charles II mansion. The buildings oldest parts date back to the early 16th century. Visitors can experience what life was like for those who lived both upstairs and downstairs by visiting the astonishing state rooms and the fascinating servants quarters. It is a perfect spot to spend a leisurely day, with plenty of things here to interest the entire family. Visit the kids playground, take a guided tour through the house, enjoy the jogging trail and woodland walks or take a boat trip on the lake. Afterwards, you have the option to have a drink or two at the Brew House. Phone: +44 1633 815 880.

Fourteen Locks

Situated a stones throw from Newport on the road to Risca, alongside the Brecon Canal and Monmouthshire you can find the Fourteen Locks Canal Visitor Centre. Visitors can trace the canals decline and growth, and its pivotal role in transporting commodities such as limestone and South Wales bricks to the harbours of Cardiff and Newport. Phone: +44 1633 894 802.

Mediaeval Ship

The ship has been excellently preserved due to the mud on the Usks riverbanks. The ships remains extended to 23 metres long. It is believed that the ships original length was about 25 metres long. The timbers used for the construction were most likely felled between autumn 1465 and spring 1466. The ship was clinker-built and apart from the keel, it is made of oak. The size indicates that it would have been possible for the ship to make sea voyages. It is thought that the boat navigated to and traded with the Iberian Peninsula and Portugal as some of the artefacts which were found in the ship were Portuguese.

Newport Wetlands

This wonderful wildlife reserve, located on part of the serene Gwent Levels at the city of Newports edge, was created as mitigation for Cardiff Bays loss of mudflats. The reserve covers more than 438 hectares from the towns of Uskmouth to Goldcliff. The scrub and wet grassland and the reed beds and saline lagoons have attracted many varieties of wetland birds. The area also provides outstanding places to see other wildlife including butterflies, otters and dragonflies. The reserve boasts an extensive network of walking paths. In addition, there is a bicycle track from Uskmouth. Phone: +44 845 1306229.

Events

With the splendid range of venues and amenities available in the city, it is no wonder that Newport is the host for spectacular events such as The Tour of Britain and the Wales Open, along with lively cultural events including the Tredegar House Folk Festival and the famed Caerleon Arts Festival. Newport is also preparing to host the 2010 Ryder Cup, which will be held at the Celtic Manor Resort. If you are planning to attend a Newport event, the Tourist Information Centre can help in finding you suitable lodging facilities and dining establishments and in providing you with general information on enjoying your visit to Newport.

Art Gallery

The permanent displays of aquarelles, oil paintings, studio ceramics and contemporary prints incorporate art by Sir William Russell Flint, Sir Stanley Spencer, Dame Laura Knight, LS Lowry, Edward Wadsworth, Carel Weight, Stanhope Forbes, Elinor Bellingham-Smith, Charles Spencelayh, Stephen Conroy and Hans Feibusch as well as works by Newport artist from the 19th century including James Flewitt Mullock. Phone: +44 1633 414701.