Perched on the River Usk, Newport is a lively university town home to art galleries, museums and renowned performing arts venues. Explore the city’s centuries-old Welsh mansions, castles, nature parks and wetland reserves.
Things to do in Newport
Check out the covered Newport Market, where you’ll find fresh-baked goods, clothing, gifts and local crafts. Learn about the region’s social history and archaeology at Newport Museum and Art Gallery, home to multimedia art exhibitions, such as the history of drinking tea, and a collection of ceramics by Iris Fox.
Roam through the pre-Norman Newport Cathedral to admire its ancient architecture and stained-glass windows. Stroll through the manicured park at Tredegar House and get a glimpse of the preserved 17th-century Charles II mansion.
Kids will love visiting Iso National Roman Legions Museum, where they can marvel at metal armour, period costumes, soldier’s gear, fortress baths, barracks and quirky artefacts, such as children’s teeth. Drive out to the Severn Estuary to explore the Gwent Levels and Newport Wetlands Reserve, home to lagoons, grasslands and reed beds that attract dragonflies, otters, avocets, bitterns and marsh harriers.
In the evening, snag some tickets for a production at The Riverfront Theatre, which puts on opera, comedy, dance and drama performances, in addition to film screenings and music. Arrive early for a pre-theatre meal at The Riverfront Café, then pick up pottery, jewellery and hand-crafted art at the theatre’s gift shop.
Getting around Newport
Buses, taxis and shuttles service Newport, which also has bicycle rentals and the National Cycle Network trails. You can rent a car in the city or at Bristol Airport, about a 20-minute drive away.