Newport: Holiday Apartments Between Roman History and Wetlands

Newport combines Roman history, remarkable buildings, wetlands and waterside paths. During the Roman Empire, Caerleon in Newport was an important military site, while the Newport Wetlands Nature Reserve preserves an extensive landscape of reed beds, lagoons and estuarine mudflats. There are also historic locks, a covered market, a red-brick mansion and special places for walking and cycling.

Culture and History

The Newport Museum and Art Gallery has been collecting evidence of Newport’s history, culture and environment since 1888. The exhibitions tell the story of the city from prehistory to the 20th century. Caerleon’s Roman past reaches even further back: during the Roman Empire, the settlement was an important military site and housed 5,000 soldiers and cavalrymen of the Second Augustan Legion.

The National Roman Legion Museum conveys what life was like in a remote outpost of the Roman Empire. In a reconstructed barrack room, visitors can try on replicas of Roman armour; moderated workshops with a costumed Roman interpreter are also offered. The Caerleon Roman Baths preserve the remains of the Roman natatio, a large open-air swimming pool. They offer level, well-lit access and an on-site exhibition in the monument.

The Newport Medieval Ship also tells part of the city’s past. It was discovered in June 2002 in the riverbank deposits of the River Usk and excavated beam by beam by archaeologists. The Newport Medieval Ship Centre is open during the 2026 visitor season from 27 March to 31 October. Admission is free and includes either a tour led by volunteers or an audio guide.

Among the notable engineering structures is the Newport Transporter Bridge. It opened in 1906 and is one of six functioning transporter bridges remaining worldwide. It is closed to the public during extensive renovation work. In the city centre, the traditional covered Newport Market adds to the historic character. The market has been attractively restored and houses independent traders as well as a lively food court.

Nature and Landscape

The Newport Wetlands Nature Reserve covers more than 438 hectares of reed beds, lagoons, wet grassland and estuarine mudflats. Newport Wetlands can be explored on foot or by bicycle and has a visitor centre. It features level paths, a wheelchair-accessible viewing platform and viewing shelters overlooking the reed beds and main lagoons.

History and landscape are also closely linked at Fourteen Locks. The flight of locks is a scheduled ancient monument on the Crumlin Arm of the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal in Newport. It was completed in 1799 and comprises 14 locks that raise the water level by 50 metres. At Fourteen Locks, visitors can walk along the canal towpath, observe wildlife and enjoy the surrounding landscape, including the Allt-yr-Yn Nature Reserve.

Tredegar House is a 17th-century red-brick mansion in Newport. The grounds include an ornamental lake, woodland and extensive open areas for visitors to explore. The grounds of Tredegar House are open daily and can be entered free of charge.

Walking and Cycling

The Newport City to Sea Walk opened in May 2012 as part of the Wales Coast Path and is an 8-kilometre section. Route 88 provides another connection: it links Newport city centre via Malpas with Caerleon and the surrounding countryside, running mostly level along the river.

Track cycling takes place at the Geraint Thomas National Velodrome of Wales. It is one of five internationally recognised indoor velodromes in Great Britain and hosts track cycling sessions for beginners as well as national and international competitions.

Cardiff can be reached from Newport by train or car in 20 minutes. Other places in the destination area: Castleton, Newport, Caerleon, Marshfield, Rogerstone, Bettws. Other destinations: Powys, Monmouthshire.

To the higher-level travel overview: Wales.