10 Best Things to Do in Newport

Newport Castle is among the top attractions in Newport. Constructed in the 14th century, it was used for administrative purposes and underwent waves of attacks throughout the centuries. Today, only the east side stands, and the ruined castle is listed as a historic landmark of Wales. 

While the public is no longer allowed on the castle grounds or within the ruined walls, you can take in the dramatic view of Newport Castle from nearby footpaths or the banks of the River Usk.

Steel Wave is a 14-metre-tall sculpture on the banks in Town Reach. Created by Peter Fink in 1990, it commemorates Newport’s steel and seafaring history.

The impressive art installation, made with 50 tons of sheet steel, is a lot to see on its own, but a visit to the area gives you a glimpse into Newport’s industrial past. Take some time to walk around and see the sights on the riverbanks and capture some pictures of this monumental steel sculpture.

The Grade I-listed Newport Transporter Bridge is 1 of only 7 transporter bridges worldwide that's still in use to this day. A testament to Edwardian engineering, it was constructed in 1906 to accommodate the high tidal range of the River Usk and allow ships to pass through. 

Many visitors enjoy the thrill of climbing to the top of the bridge. You can try it yourself or arrange for a guide from the Friends of Newport Transporter Bridge. On your way out, you can pick up a souvenir from the visitor centre to remember your bravery of climbing the massive bridge.

Newport Market is a traditional Victorian indoor market dating back to in 1854. It occupies a sprawling cast-iron-frame building with a glass-filled barrel roof. The market is home to over 100 stalls on 2 floors, offering fresh produce, meats, fish, seafood, confectionaries, arts and crafts, coffee and other local offerings. 

One of the highlights of the market is the highly detailed matchstick model of the Newport Transporter Bridge. You can find the market on High Street, within a 5-minute walk of Newport Castle. 

St Woolos Cathedral, also known as the Newport Cathedral, is the cathedral of the Diocese of Monmouth in the Church of Wales. Named after the 5th-century Welsh saint who first founded the religious site, it's is believed to have been around since the Age of Saints. 

Due to attacks from invaders and pirates,  St Woolos Cathedral has been ruined and rebuilt numerous times over the centuries. Now, it stands as a pilgrimage site for historians and offers a unique glimpse into Wales’ past.

The Newport Museum and Art Gallery is an excellent place to learn about the history of the UK city. Located on John Frost Square, the museum offers a little of everything, from social history and art to natural history and archaeology. 

Some of the most prized possessions in the museum include a Chartist collection of weapons, prints and silver, the Transporter Bridge archive materials, and fine art from the likes of Dame Laura Knight, L.S. Lowry, Sir Stanley Spencer and Ceri Richards. The museum also displays decorative arts like sculptures, porcelain and ceramics, along with a massive collection of library books.

The Caerleon Roman Fortress and Baths is a fascinating historic complex about 4 miles northeast of Newport's city centre.  Featuring remnants from the Roman empire, the site is within the ruins of the Isca Augusta fortress, which dates back to AD 75. 

Book a guided tour to see the frigidarium, tepidarium, caldarium, an open-air swimming pool, and the remains of the military bathhouse. Close to the museum, you’ll find a Roman amphitheatre, ruins of fortress walls and legionary barracks.

The Fourteen Locks Canal is a popular attraction and engineering wonder in Newport. It's a series of locks on the Monmouthshire Canal that were completed in 1799 and designed to control the water supply. 

The site offers historic experiences, activity trails, music festivals, forestry lectures and family events. The canal towpath is popular for biking and hiking. At the Fourteen Locks Canal and Conference Centre, you can book guided walks and see exhibits about the canal’s history and local artwork.

The Riverfront is a renowned theatre and arts centre on the western bank of the River Usk, near the city centre. It hosts a mix of comedy shows, opera performances, dance performances, live music concerts and drama performances. 

Along with the live shows, you can also take workshops on ceramics and other crafts and attend art classes. There’s a dance studio for theatre and classical dance disciplines. The Riverfront's onsite art gallery offers free exhibitions of paintings, sculpture and photography from local artists.

The Tredegar House is a 17th-century country mansion on the western edge of Newport. It was home to the Morgan family (relatives of the famous Captain Morgan) for centuries before it was occupied by Lords Tredegar, one of the most influential families in Wales. 

The mansion is surrounded by beautifully landscaped grounds, which include part of Tredegar Park. You can tour the property to get a glimpse into the opulent rooms and history of the families who once lived in the Restoration house.