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The Newport Transporter Bridge
C/O FONTB
Hoskins Street,
Newport,
Gwent,
NP20 5LA
Tel: 01633 781612
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The Transporter Bridge is one of Newport’s most distinctive landmarks, and is one of only eight of its type in the world – the only other examples in the UK span the River Tees at Middlesbrough and the River Mersey at Warrington. The bridge was built on the River Usk in 1906, and carries passengers across the river on a gondola, while still allowing large ships to pass. The towers of the Grade I listed building are 645 feet apart, and the gondola is winched across by an electric motor, at a maximum rate of 10 feet per second. There is a Visitors Centre that explains the history and workings of the bridge.
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Brecon Beacons National Park
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The southeastern fringes of the Brecon Beacons National Park are less than 8 miles from Newport. The region was declared a National Park in 1957 and is home to some of South Wales’ most rugged and most beautiful scenery, as well as its highest peaks and most expansive lakes. The region is divided into four ranges: the Black Mountains, the Brecon Beacons, the Black Mountain and Fforest Fawr; each has its own distinctive scenery. The Brecon Beacons National Park is popular with walkers and climbers, as well as enthusiasts of outdoor pursuits and activities.
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St Woolos Cathedral
Stow Hill,
Newport,
Gwent,
NP20 4EA
Tel: 01633 212077
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There has been a place of worship on the site of St Woolos Cathedral in Newport since the early 6 th Century AD; the current Norman building dates from the 12 th Century, with additions made over the centuries. The cathedral was restored by the Victorians, and extended more recently. St Woolos is the Pro-Cathedral at the centre of the Diocese of Monmouth.
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Tredegar House
Newport,
Gwent,
NP10 8YW
Tel: 01633 815880
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Tredegar House is set in 90 acres of glorious grounds just two miles to the west of Newport city centre. It is one of the UK’s finest examples of a Charles II mansion; the earliest parts date from the 15 th Century, and the remainder of the grandiose house was built in the 1600s. There are guided tours of the house, and visitors may also enjoy the woodland walks and lake in the grounds.
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Newport Castle
Newport,
Gwent
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Newport Castle dates from the early 14 th Century, when it was built at the crossing point of the River Usk to protect the settlement of Newport and to control crossing of the river. Built originally between 1327 and 1386, most of the current structure dates from 1405, when it was rebuilt after being sacked by Owain Glyndwr. Sadly, Newport Castle fell into disrepair and now finds itself squeezed between a busy road and a railway bridge; it is still a fascinating ruin, however.
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Newport Museum and Art Gallery
John Frost Square,
Newport,
Gwent,
NP20 1PA
Tel: 01633 656656
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Newport Museum and Art Gallery chronicles the history of Newport and the Usk Estuary, from the earliest Bronze Age settlers to the modern day. There are fascinating and informative exhibits and displays, with particularly interesting accounts of the area’s social and industrial past – notably the Chartist Rising of 1839. There are special exhibitions throughout the year, and events for schools and children. The Art Gallery houses internationally important collections of works by British artists, from Turner and Lowry to emerging young Welsh artists.
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