10 Best Things to do in Newport, Wales

Newport is situated on River USK and steeped in a historical and multicultural vibe. This Wales’s third-largest city is known for being the scene of the 19^th-century Chartist movement.

You can’t run out of things to do in Newport, from Tredegar House to an afternoon at the National Roman Legion Museum. After a walk around the Market Hall, you can take an evening chill at the Riverfront’s 500-seat theatre with a world-class terrace view of the river.

Whether you’re seeking to explore the city’s intriguing historical sites, modern art galleries, or simply wildlife spotting and camping, one thing is for sure, you’re going to have a memorable experience in this small city of Wales.

Here you have a guide pointing you to the 10 best things to do in Newport, Wales.

1. The Steel Wave

The Steel Wave is a 14-meter tall art sculpture on the bank of the town reach symbolizing Newport’s Industrial past. Peter Fink created this monumental steel sculpture in 1990 with 50 tons of steel sheets.

The Steel Wave is designed to be in constant movement, animated by the wind blowing through the triangular vanes which hang from the sculpture’s central saddle.

Make it a plan to see this excellent piece of art.

2. Newport Museum and Art Gallery

The museum is located on John Frost Square, from ancient history to modern artworks. It also offers access to a massive collection of library books and displays beautiful and creative sculptures, ceramics, and porcelain.

It houses an extensive collection of classical and contemporary arts, including the works of several highly well-known Welsh painters like Ceri Richards.

The Chartist Collection of Weapons, silvers, and prints are some of the museum’s most prized possession. The Transporter Bridge achieves materials and fine arts from Dame Laura, Knight, L.S Lowry, and Sir Stanley Spencer.

This museum and art gallery is the perfect go-to place for art lovers.

Learn more: newportartmuseum.org

3. The Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre

A lively theatre and arts centre based in the centre of Newport City centre that brings as many people as possible into contact with the arts and creativity, with professional performances, film screenings, and workshops

This renowned theatre and art centre is a host home for art classes, dance and theatre studios, and ceramics and other art crafts workshops. It also provides rooms for art-free art exhibitions.

It could be referred to as the entertainment centre of Newport simply because it presents lots of entertainment and fun for both locals and visitors. The Riverfront offers a mix of comedy, opera, dance, music, drama, and a cafe bar with an outdoor terrace view of the River Usk.

The Riverfront would be a dramatic and memorable experience for you.

4. Newport Transporter Bridge

This 245 feet(75 meters) high transporter bridge was erected in 1906 to accommodate the high tidal range of River Usk and allow the flow of ships.

It spans the river near the Docks, and a road bridge built in 1965 was the first cable cantilever bridge in Great Britain. This Grade-1 listed Newport Transporter bridge is 1 of only seven transporter bridges worldwide that’s still in use today.

This is to say, if you enjoy the thrill of bridge climbing, then this is for you, and as a reward for your bravery, a souvenir from the visitors centre for reaching for the sky at the top of the bridge is available for pick up.

5. Newport Market Hall

The traditional Victorian indoor market goes far back as 1854. It is home to 100 stalls on two floors occupying a sprawling cast-iron frame building with a glass-filled barrel roof.

The market hall is the perfect place to pick up Welsh cakes or a nice loaf of Bara Birth(Welsh fruit bread). You can also find fresh produce, meat, fish, arts and crafts, coffee, etc.

You will find many fascinating things in the market; one is the highly detailed matchsticks model of the Newport Transporter bridge and the underground cells.

Learn more: Newport-market.co.uk

6. The Fourteen Locks Canal & Heritage Centre

This Newport attraction and engineering wonder, popular for biking and hiking, are a series of locks on the Monmouthshire canal designed to control the water supply in 1799.

Located at Roger stone, it is a flight of 14 locks that allow narrowboats to descend the hillside. It was very crucial to the coal industry. It carried the cargoes down from Newport to the Docks for export.

The fourteen locks canal offers historical experiences, activity traits, and forestry lectures as a place for leisure.

Learn more: fourteen locks canal centre

7. Tredegar House

Probably the best 17^th century Charles II mansion in Britain set in a beautiful 90-acre part. Its scenery is a place to spend a day exploring the redbrick house with gardens and parklands.

Their seasonal menus help to fund the conservation of Tredegar House so that you can enjoy those tasty treats guilt-free. The Brewhouse is the first port of call for those looking to relax and refuel, serving up a range of hot and cold dishes, cakes, bakes, and treats.

Never pass out on a tour into the opulent rooms and history of the families ( the Morgan family and that of Lord Tredegar) who were once occupants of this National Trust Flagship Restoration Mansion.

Learn more: tredegar house

8. Newport Cathedral (St. Woolos)

Also known as Newport cathedral, it is the Diocese of Monmouth in the church of Wales. Since the age of saints, it has been believed to be around and is named after the 5^th century Welsh saint who first founded the religious sites.

The cathedral has been rebuilt numerous times due to the invaders and pirates’ attacks. Currently standing as a pilgrimage site, it offers a glimpse of Wale’s past.

Don’t forget to check out the plaque of the boundary at the original borough at the Eastern wall of the cathedral.

Learn more: newport cathedral

9. Newport Castle

Built-in the 14th century for administrative purposes, this attraction site in Newport was attacked throughout the centuries, leaving behind only the East-side standing.

This Newport castle is listed as a historic landmark of Wales, and although it’s no longer accessible to the public, you can always catch a glimpse of this dramatic castle from a distance.

Learn more: castlewales.com

10. CAERLEON ROMAN FORTRESS AND BATHS

A short drive outside the city is the fascinating historic Roman city of “CAERLEON or ISCA SILURAM”, translating to mean “Fortress of the Legions “, dating back to 75 AD. 

It was home to the second Legion, Augusta and today, it is a beautiful village packed with remnants from the Roman empire.

Not forgetting the Legion’s bathhouse, the museum, and the theatre, all within walking distance of the village centre.

It also offers a tour across the Frigidarium, Tepidarium, Caldarium, an open-air swimming pool, and the remnants of the fortress walls and legionary barracks.

Plan a Trip to Newport, Wales

With this list of beautiful things to do in Newport, Wales. I hope you will make a plan to visit this Ancient and Wonderful city.

Don’t forget to drop a comment about your experience and let us know how we can update this article.