The City of Newport and Caerleon Brochure

Newport and Caerleon in South Wales offer a surprisingly rich mix of Roman heritage, coastal nature reserves, and city culture, all within easy reach of the M4 and mainline rail. Whether you are drawn to a 2,000-year-old Roman fortress or a wildlife-filled wetland reserve, this corner of Wales rewards the curious visitor. The Newport 360 guide brought all of this together in a single free brochure aimed at helping travellers discover opportunities they never knew existed.

Caerleon - Roman Fortress Town on the Usk

Caerleon was home to the Second Augustan Legion from around AD 75 and remains one of only three permanent Roman legionary fortresses in Britain. Visitors can walk around the amphitheatre - the most complete example in Britain, originally seating around 5,000 spectators - and explore the remarkable Roman baths complex, which once held an open-air swimming pool containing more than 80,000 gallons of water. The National Roman Legion Museum holds half a million objects recovered from nearby sites and runs a lively programme of events throughout the year. The pretty riverside village itself is well worth a stroll, with craft shops, pubs, restaurants and tea rooms dotted around the historic streets.

Newport City - History, Culture and Iconic Landmarks

Newport became a city in 2002 and holds more heritage than many visitors expect. Tredegar House, a National Trust property just outside the city centre, is one of the finest late seventeenth-century mansions in Wales, set in extensive country park grounds. The Newport Transporter Bridge - a rare surviving example of its kind - spans the River Usk and is a striking piece of industrial history. Newport Museum and Art Gallery rounds out the city offer with permanent collections and changing exhibitions covering the history and archaeology of the region.

Nature, Coast and the Wales Coast Path

Newport Wetlands, managed by the RSPB, is a flagship nature reserve on the Severn Estuary where bitterns, bearded tits and large flocks of waders can be seen year round. The reserve also marks one of the starting points for the Wales Coast Path, a long-distance route that follows the entire Welsh coastline. Walkers of all abilities can pick up a section of the path from here and enjoy the wide skies and estuary views that define this stretch of southern Wales.

Family Activities and the Celtic Manor Resort

Families are well served by a range of attractions in and around Newport. Farm parks provide hands-on experiences for younger children, while the Celtic Manor Resort - host to the 2010 Ryder Cup - offers Forest Jump high ropes, adventure golf, Laser Combat and a Rangers Kids Club within its extensive grounds. The combination of outdoor activity and accessible heritage makes Newport a practical choice for a short break with mixed-age groups.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get to Newport and Caerleon?

Newport is served by frequent intercity rail services and sits just off junction 24 of the M4, making it straightforward to reach by both train and car. Caerleon is a short drive or bus ride from Newport city centre.

What is the Roman amphitheatre at Caerleon?

The Caerleon Roman Amphitheatre is the most complete legionary amphitheatre in Britain. Built around AD 90, it originally held up to 5,000 spectators and was used for military training and public events by the Second Augustan Legion. It is managed by Cadw and is free to enter.

What is Tredegar House and who manages it?

Tredegar House is a late seventeenth-century mansion near Newport city centre, long the seat of the Morgan family. It is now in the care of the National Trust and is open to visitors, with the house, outbuildings and country park all accessible.

What can families do at the Celtic Manor Resort?

The Celtic Manor Resort offers a range of family activities including Forest Jump high ropes courses, adventure golf, Laser Combat and a Rangers Kids Club. These sit alongside the resort's hotel, spa and golf facilities, making it a popular destination for families staying in the Newport area.

What is the Newport Wetlands nature reserve?

Newport Wetlands is an RSPB-managed reserve on the Severn Estuary, created to compensate for wetland habitat lost to the Cardiff Bay Barrage. It supports an exceptional range of bird species throughout the year, including bitterns and large wader flocks, and is open to visitors free of charge.

Is the Newport 360 brochure still available to order?

This brochure is now held in our travel archive. We recommend contacting Newport City Council or Visit Wales directly for the most current visitor information and maps covering Newport and Caerleon.

Note: this brochure is from our archive and may no longer be available to order. Details such as opening times, prices and contact information may have changed since original publication.