Welcome to Newport

What comes to mind when you think of Newport? How about a buzzing university city with a multicultural vibe and steeped in history? It’s where Chartists fought and died for democracy. Then there's the remarkably rare transporter bridge that literally swings you across the river (though it's currently closed for restoration). Or perhaps you think of Newport's artisan breweries and rich musical heritage – I’m talking about Goldie Lookin’ Chain of course!

bridge and river with cloudy sky

Transporter Bridge, Newport, South Wales

A city definitely on the rise, Newport has all the usual suspects when it comes to shopping and eating out thanks to our pristine retail and leisure complex Friars Walk. Yet amid the big high street names, Newport has retained some awesome independents and more are opening their doors all the time. Let’s have a little look behind some of those doors!

Beer me - Tiny Rebel Brewing Co

Birthed in Newport, this bespoke brewery began with two local lads and a garage. Now an award-winning and expanding enterprise known for funky packaging and ‘just wait ‘til you taste it’ flavours, Tiny Rebel is the youngest and only Welsh brewery to win Champion Beer of Britain! The main production site resides in Rogerstone on the outskirts of Newport. Boasting beer festivals, a buzzing bar and kitchen, brewery tours and live music. They may have ‘tiny’ in their name, but these rebels are looming large in the beverage industry.

female in branded tshirt stood infront of stacked shelf full with yellow Tiny Rebel cans.
Side view of branded red and white Tiny Rebel Brewing Co van.
Barrels stacked inside the brewery, Tiny Rebel Brewing Co.

Tiny Rebel Brewing Co, Newport, South Wales

Come shop - Diverse Vinyl

If like me you’re part of the vinyl revival or just love getting lost in the racks, make sure Diverse Vinyl is on your itinerary. A staunchly independent record store with friendly staff on hand to give their encyclopaedic music recommendations, Diverse leaves the chart releases to one side to concentrate on indie, punk, old school hip-hop and audiophile LPs, as well as entry level hi-fi equipment.

Diverse also sells CDs and tickets to local gigs, so you can join the city’s scene that inspired everyone from Joe Strummer and The Stone Roses to Kurt and Courtney.

Outside a record shop with 'diverse vinyl' text in white and yellow.

Diverse Vinyl, Newport, South Wales

A buzzing university city with a multicultural vibe, steeped in history."

Have a wander – Fourteen Locks

Newport is picturesque too. Venture out on a glorious canal walk at Fourteen Locks and step away from city life. A spot loved by us locals and little known to others, the series of locks along the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal at Rogerstone makes for the perfect place to spend a Sunday afternoon - or in fact any day that suits your schedule.

Drop into the friendly visitor centre and café situated on Cwm Lane for ideas for walks and things to do. One word, BLISS!

leaf sculpture and grass in foreground with canal and trees in background.
Lock gates, canal and park land on a sunny summer day

Fourteen Locks, Newport, South Wales

A view for coffee - The Café at Ridgeway

Having gone through a Disney Princess-like transformation from public toilet to comfy coffee hang out, The Café at Ridgeway has established itself as an al fresco favourite across the generations. Sitting atop one of the highest points in Newport, The Café grew in popularity during the pandemic due to its creative adaptation of semi-outdoor dining. It became a bit of a lockdown legend.

A further clue to the exceptional ambiance comes from Ridgeway’s local nickname ‘Little Switzerland’ - based on its alpine-like views across the Western Valley, toward the mountain top Iron-Age fort at Twmbarlwm. The jaw-dropping vista makes it a magnet for dog walkers and sunset strollers alike.

Back to the future - Newport Market

Established in 1854, the grand Victorian structure of Newport Market once served as a central point for a bustling community of farmers, butchers and regular townsfolk. Fast forward nearly 170 years and the newly regenerated Grade-II listed building is poised to be that focal point once again. Boasting a mouth-watering food court selection, you’ll feel spoilt for choice. And with a wealth of independent stalls, lifestyle units and spaces to do business, Europe's biggest indoor market regeneration is already living up to its investment. Or maybe you’re looking for a heathier food option for your pet at Pure Pets? From a vintage model train store to a tropical plant shop, the new and improved market caters to everyone’s needs.

Entrance to an indoor market, with sliding glass doors and wall murals.
An indoor market with a curved roof and walkways round the first floor.

Newport Market, South Wales

Come visit – Tredegar House

A 17th-century country mansion at the western edge of the city, Tredegar House is the perfect place to spend the day exploring some of Newport’s richest history - literally. Nestled amongst 90 acres of parkland, the National Trust property was built by the powerful Morgan family, local landowners and later Lords of Tredegar. Their most famous son was Sir Henry Morgan (1635-1688), the original pirate of the Caribbean, after whom Captain Morgan Rum is named.

Exterior photo of red 17th century manor taken through open gates.
interior of room in 17th century manor, with ornate ceiling and wall, red velvet curtains and wooden floor with people in centre of the room some looking at top of small table.
back view of girl and woman walking down a path with bushes in foreground and greenery in the background.

Tredegar House, Newport, South Wales

The house has many more tales to tell from its decadent 17th century origins, through to the scandalous parties thrown here in the 1930s. Just ask one of the volunteers, they’re always willing to share their knowledge. There’s also a beautiful lake nearby that is perfectly set up for jogs around its perimeter; a great practice spot for Newport’s annual marathon.

Riverside Dining – The Pod

Ever since its grand opening in Christmas 2017, The Pod is regularly filled with happy punters thanks to its vast cocktail menu, intimate dining experience and eclectic live music nights.

Perched by the banks of the River Usk, this classy venue boasts an expansive glass frontage, meaning that not only can you drink your fill, but also soak up the panoramic views across the city’s waterfront.

And if you’re ever stuck for NYE plans, this place will provide you front row seats to its own and the best fireworks display in town.

exterior photo with railings and red leave bush in foreground, barrels in mid ground and modern building in backgound.
cocktails and fruit in foreground with lit up sign 'POD' in background.
interior shot of bar with dark walls and lights, chairs, tables with candles.

The Pod, Newport, South Wales

So, what did you think of Newport? You what, you still haven’t been!? Well, what are you waiting for?

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