A city with a rich history behind it, Wales’ third largest city has plenty to offer when it comes to culture, too. Located at the mouth of the river Usk, Newport was first settled over 2,000 years ago, with nearby Caerleon still bearing witness to the Roman age with the most complete amphitheatre in the UK and remains of the only legionary soldiers’ barracks to be found in Europe.

Later, in 1839, Newport became famous as the location of the Chartist Uprising, in which a group demanding civil rights (including votes for all men over 21) were embroiled in a struggle against the authorities. 22 of the Chartists were shot dead by soldiers, with group leaders being sentenced to transportation, although they were later pardoned. The demands of these brave men were ultimately included in the UN Universal Declaration Of Human Rights in 1948.

Newport’s history is everywhere you look. In the city centre, the Newport skyline is dominated by the iconic silhouette of the famous Transporter Bridge, one of only six such bridges still operating in the world. Constructed in 1906, it operated as a form of aerial ferry, with people and vehicles carried across the river Usk in a gondola, and today serves as a reminder of Newport’s past as a busy trading port.

Myriad Museums

When it comes to museums, Newport will leave you spoilt for choice. In addition to the fine Roman museum at Caerleon which is home to an impressive collection of Roman artefacts as well as the remains of the Roman baths, Newport is also home to a fascinating museum centred on the medieval ship found in the deep muds of the Usk in 2002, during the construction of the iconic Riverfront Theatre. The medieval ship was carefully excavated by archaeologists and rebuilt timber by timber, with research into its past voyages and cargoes providing an intriguing insight into our seafaring past.

Just off the M4, Tredegar House and its grounds are another popular choice, both for history buffs and nature lovers. The House itself is lovingly maintained by the National Trust, and highlights the key episodes from its colourful past, including intriguing links to infamous occultist Aleister Crowley. The House regularly puts on seasonal events, including craft and food markets, whilst the stunning grounds with lake and woodland play host to a weekly Park Run.

Leisure and Community Events

In addition to the events at Tredegar House, fairs are often held in the beautiful surroundings of Belle Vue Park. This park is a fine example of a Victorian public park, and features a pavilion, tea rooms and conservatories to enjoy. Home to some spectacular rare trees and shrubs, the park has been awarded Green Flag status for the last eleven years. Away from the city centre, nature lovers can enjoy panoramic views of the Severn as well as spotting a host of birds and other fauna at the RSPB Wetlands Nature Reserve.

With easy access to the M4, taking you to Cardiff, Bristol and beyond, Newport makes a convenient location that has plenty to offer in its own right. The redeveloped shopping district in the city centre has also introduced a vibrant mix of popular chain restaurants and a cinema complex, making it a great destination for an evening out.

A Cultural Hub

Nearby, the Riverfront Theatre is a haven for the arts, and incorporates an art gallery and cinema showing an eclectic selection of films from around the globe. It also houses C.O.B.R.A. music studios, and studios for dance and other classes.

The city is home to a thriving community of creatives, including independent theatre company Tin Shed, who are committed to delivering creative outreach provision and arts activity, making use of outdoor spaces and heritage sites. Meanwhile, the multi-use venue Le Pub (short for Le Public Space) is a vibrant music and and art space owned by the community and located right on the city high street. Grown from the original famed Le Pub music venue, the new venture showcases live music, comedy and more, alongside a tasty offering of vegan and vegetarian cuisine.

Whilst the pandemic has certainly hit the arts sector, the city rose to the challenge, and the Riverfront Theatre repurposed many of its areas, including stepping in as a temporary coroner’s court. Things now look to be getting back to normal, and Le Pub has been duly recognised for its achievements, having been named as a nominee in the Grassroots Venue: Spirit Of The Scene award in the Music Week Awards 2022.