Discover Newport

Newport combines urban history and architecture with locks, wetlands and designated trails. It takes a little over ten minutes to walk from one end of the compact city centre to the other.

Museum, Cathedral and Historic Buildings

The Newport Museum and Art Gallery has collected records of Newport’s history, culture and environment since 1888. Its account of the city’s history spans prehistoric times to the 20th century. This gives you a way to place the city’s long development in context alongside its other historic sites.

The Newport Medieval Ship was discovered on the banks of the River Usk in June 2002. The 1839 uprising is also associated with Newport and the demands of the Chartists.

Newport Cathedral has existed since the early 6th century. The church building dates from Norman times; it was granted full cathedral status in 1949. An early Norman nave is connected to St. Mary’s Chapel by a Norman arch. The different dates therefore refer to the cathedral’s long history, the period when the church building was constructed, and its later change of status.

Newport Castle was built in the 14th century and can be viewed from the outside. The castle is on National Cycle Network Route 47.

The Newport Transporter Bridge opened in 1906. It is currently closed due to the ongoing Transporter Bridge Transformation Project. Check the latest information before your trip if you plan to visit the bridge.

Locks, Trails and Newport Wetlands

Fourteen Locks is legally protected as a Scheduled Ancient Monument in Newport. The flight of locks on the Fourteen Locks Canal, by the Heritage Centre, was completed in 1799 and comprises 14 locks. The towpath by the Centre forms part of National Cycle Route 47.

A 23-mile section of the Wales Coast Path runs through Newport. The Newport City to Sea Walk is 8 kilometres long and includes gradients, field gates, steps and uneven ground. When comparing the two routes, you can therefore consider not only their respective lengths but also the terrain and surface features noted for the City to Sea Walk.

Newport Wetlands covers more than 438 hectares of reedbeds, lagoons, wet grassland and mudflats in the estuary. Visitor facilities include an RSPB Visitor Centre, a café and an interactive Discovery Zone. As visitor facilities can change, it is a good idea to check their availability before your visit.

Cycling at Newport Wetlands is restricted to a designated route. This restriction is important when planning: cycling is not permitted throughout the entire area, but only on the designated route.

More Activities

The Geraint Thomas National Velodrome of Wales offers track cycling courses for beginners. If you’d like to include this activity in your travel plans, check the latest dates and booking arrangements in advance, as sessions and booking arrangements can change.

Discover more destinations: Rogerstone, Bettws, Castleton, Caerleon, Marshfield.

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