A city of Roman legions, a rare transporter bridge and the Celtic Manor, Newport sits where Wales meets England on the Usk.
Newport stands on the River Usk in south east Wales, close to the border with England. It grew into a busy port and industrial town in the nineteenth century, exporting coal and iron. In 1839, it was the scene of the Chartist Rising, when thousands of people marched on the town demanding the right to vote.
Newport became a city in 2002. Today it is a gateway to Wales, with Roman remains, a remarkable bridge and green countryside all around. This guide covers six things to see and do.
1. Caerleon Roman Fortress and Baths
Caerleon, on the northern edge of Newport, was one of only three permanent legionary fortresses in Roman Britain. It was called Isca, and it was home to the Second Augustan Legion, around five thousand soldiers, for more than two hundred years. It is one of the most important Roman sites in Britain.
The Roman Fortress Baths, looked after by Cadw, show the remains of the huge bath house where soldiers relaxed, with an open air swimming pool. Nearby, the remains of the barracks are the only visible Roman legionary barracks in Europe. The amphitheatre, where soldiers watched combat and training, is remarkably well preserved.
The National Roman Legion Museum, in Caerleon, tells the story of the legion and life in the fortress, with objects found in excavations. It is free to enter. Children can try on Roman armour.
Caerleon is also linked with the legends of King Arthur, and some medieval writers placed Arthur’s court here. The village has pubs, cafés and galleries. Allow at least half a day.
2. The Newport Transporter Bridge
The Newport Transporter Bridge, built in 1906, is one of the few transporter bridges left in the world. Instead of a road deck, it has a gondola that hangs from a high frame and carries people and vehicles across the River Usk. It was built so that tall ships could still pass underneath.
The bridge is a remarkable piece of engineering, and it is one of the most striking landmarks in Newport. It stands high above the river. Climbing to the top walkway gives views over the city and the river.
The bridge has been through a major restoration, with a new visitor centre telling its story. Check whether it is open and running before you go. When it is, riding the gondola across the river is a unique experience.
The bridge is a short drive from the city centre. It is especially dramatic at sunset. It is one of the great sights of industrial Wales.
3. Tredegar House
Tredegar House, on the western edge of Newport, is one of the finest seventeenth century houses in Wales. It was built of red brick for the Morgan family, who owned huge estates and industries in the area. It is looked after by the National Trust.
Inside, the grand rooms are richly decorated with carved woodwork, paintings and gilding. The servants’ quarters show how the house was run. The stories of the Morgan family are colourful.
The gardens around the house include formal gardens and a lake in the park. The park is free to visit and popular with families. There is a café.
Tredegar House is easy to reach from the M4. Allow a couple of hours. The house hosts events through the year.
4. Newport Wetlands
Newport Wetlands, on the edge of the Severn Estuary south of the city, is a nature reserve of reed beds, lagoons and grassland. It was created to replace wildlife habitats lost when Cardiff Bay was developed. It is home to many birds.
The reserve has paths, boardwalks and bird hides. In spring and summer, you can hear reed warblers and see marsh harriers. In winter, huge flocks of wading birds and ducks visit.
The reserve has a visitor centre and a café. There are views across the estuary to England. The East Usk Lighthouse stands nearby.
The reserve is free to visit, with a charge for parking. It is a peaceful place for a walk. It is best reached by car.
5. The Celtic Manor Resort and the city centre
The Celtic Manor Resort, on the eastern edge of Newport, is a large resort with hotels and golf courses. It hosted the Ryder Cup in 2010, one of the biggest events in golf. Golfers come from around the world to play its courses.
Next to the resort is the International Convention Centre Wales, which hosts conferences, exhibitions and events. Many business travellers visit Newport for events here. A car booked ahead is the easiest way to get there.
In the city centre, Newport Cathedral, dedicated to St Woolos, stands on a hill, with parts dating back to Norman times. The Westgate Hotel still bears bullet holes from the Chartist Rising of 1839. Newport Market, a Victorian market hall, has been restored with a food hall and shops.
Rodney Parade is home to the Dragons rugby team and Newport County football club. The Fourteen Locks canal centre, on the edge of the city, has a flight of locks on the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal. The city is growing and changing fast.
6. The Wye Valley and the Brecon Beacons
Newport is a great base for exploring some of the most beautiful countryside in Wales. The Wye Valley, about half an hour east, is a protected landscape of wooded gorges along the River Wye. Tintern Abbey, a ruined Cistercian abbey beside the river, has inspired poets and painters for centuries.
Chepstow, at the mouth of the Wye, has one of the oldest surviving stone castles in Britain, begun soon after the Norman Conquest. Its walls stand on cliffs above the river. Chepstow also has a famous racecourse.
Bannau Brycheiniog, the national park also known as the Brecon Beacons, is about forty five minutes north. It has mountains, waterfalls and pretty towns. Pen y Fan, the highest peak in southern Britain, is a popular climb.
Monmouth, Abergavenny and the villages of Monmouthshire are lovely too, with good food and markets. A car or a driver for the day is the easiest way to explore.
Getting there and getting around
Newport station has fast trains to London Paddington in around an hour and three quarters, to Cardiff in around fifteen minutes and to Bristol in around twenty five minutes. The M4 runs through the city, and the Prince of Wales Bridge across the Severn links it with England.
Cardiff and Bristol airports are each around forty minutes by road. A car booked ahead is the easiest way to travel between Newport and the airports, and to reach the Celtic Manor, Caerleon and the countryside.
Ride with ZeroLanes. From your door, the station or the airport to anywhere in Newport, at a price fixed before you confirm. Travelling between cities? Get a fixed price for the journey, or keep a car and driver for the day with hourly hire.