The 12 best free attractions in Newport

Newport Wetlands is a remarkable nature reserve that offers a unique blend of biodiversity and stunning landscapes. Spanning over 1,000 acres, this area is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The wetlands are home to a diverse range of habitats, including salt marshes, reed beds, and open water, making it an ideal spot for birdwatching. Visitors can often spot species such as herons, lapwings, and even the occasional otter, adding to the area's charm. The well-maintained walking trails allow for leisurely exploration, providing panoramic views of the wetlands and the surrounding countryside. The visitor center is informative, offering insights into the ecology of the area and tips for spotting wildlife. Educational programs and events are frequently held, making it a great destination for families and school groups. What makes Newport Wetlands truly special is its tranquility. The peaceful ambiance, combined with the sounds of nature, creates a perfect escape from the hustle of urban life. Whether you’re looking to hike, birdwatch, or simply enjoy a quiet day in nature, Newport Wetlands is a must-visit destination that showcases the beauty of the natural world.

Great place for a walk, has options for shorter or longer trails to suit your needs and plenty of places to sit. Also lots for the children to explore. Cafe is fine for the basics you might need. Great value and good to visit all year round.

Amazing area for the wildlife 🦆🦤🌾 The views are stunning over the estuary of the Usk and Severn confluence. The lighthouse is wonderful too with well signed paths and carvings for children walker ad cyclists 🤩 Ps great cafe too ☕🍰🧁

Amazing place to visit. Great walks, lots to see and do, friendly and helpful staff & volunteers with a decent cafe and view. Great for all ages.

Lovely walk with the kids. Very quiet and flat as well so can get around with a pram without too much trouble. Cafe is nice, decent coffee.

Lovely nature reserve, free to RSPB members otherwise it's £5 parking. Nice walks. Excellent little cafe with the view posted where you can have an ok coffee and watch the wildlife go about its business.

Lovely, peaceful place. Great for children too. Visitor centre provides activities such as bird spotting challenges.

Would have had a 5 star if the Painting I wanted to see was out but still very interesting place

The Newport Museum and Art Gallery offers a modest but insightful experience, especially for those interested in the history of Newport. While the collection isn’t vast and some visitors may find there’s not a great deal to see in terms of art or exhibits, the museum does a commendable job of highlighting the city’s rich industrial and social history. Displays on Newport’s role in the Chartist movement and its maritime past provide a thoughtful look into the area’s heritage. The layout is simple and easy to navigate, making it suitable for a short visit. The art gallery section is relatively limited, with a small but rotating collection of local and national pieces. It’s not the place to go for major works or large-scale exhibitions, but there are occasional gems and temporary displays worth a look. Entry is free, which adds to its value as a quick cultural stop in the city centre. Overall, while the museum may not impress those looking for an extensive or high-profile collection, it offers a meaningful glimpse into Newport’s story and is a worthwhile visit for history enthusiasts or anyone with local ties.

An interesting visit to the Museum of Newport earlier today "Free Entry!" 🤔 🏛 👍

A fantastic free museum! I could have spent a few hours in here if i’d had more time. Highly recommended if you’re interested in studio pottery or ceramics as the gallery showcased a huge array, from Wally Keeler to coronation mugs. A visit while in Newport is a must!

Great couple of hours out, good for all ages. They even have a sheet that children can fill out, which encourages children to really engage in the educational side of the trip.

Museum is so boring. It's been the same they haven't changed a thing I don't know how long it's been like this I've been going since I was a kid and I'm 36 nothing new They do need to update the exhibition badly . The building itself is so run down .

A hidden gem in Newport city centre! Art gallery on the top floor (lift available) is a curious eclectic mix of displays including permanent ones devoted to all things ‘tea’ and temporary exhibits from local artists - when we visited it was ‘ how green is my valley’ by Ron McCormick. The museum on Level 1 is accessed through the library and once again contains an eclectic mix of fascinating artefacts from Welsh history including interactive displays, and mosaics. There’s a kids activity trail to keep them busy too! Food and drink is limited to vending machines and seating area on top floor.

Not currently open to walk over or drive car onto the transporter. A great site to see an amazing construction and various info spots located on the site telling you history. You can only access the pill side of the bridge.

Looks even better in the dark. A fine feat of engineering. Just wish it was operational day to day.

Being renovated at the moment.

Fantastic piece of engineering

Probably one of the best Edwardian structures in Soyth Wales, and Newport's finest.

Closed. Looks a mess.

A feet of engineering of its time. Great to come and look at and also climb or ride when its open for business.

This place is really cool if you're a history nerd 🤓 It isn't massive so you can go round it all I'm about an hour if you're reading everything, theres cool props etc you can take photos with. You get a cool comic style booklet with your ticket, it's a nice keep sake.

One of 3 fascinating Roman museums/archaeological sites in Caerleon. The museum is very atmospheric and incredibly informative with the ability to touch and handle some recreations of typical Roman tools/devices used at the baths. A must visit if you are into history

Participated in a free tour during the 'open Wales' event running throughout September, the tour guide that gave insights to the Roman establishment across the area was very knowledgeable and spoke with such enthusiasm that he provided a great sense of what life would have been like in the area throughout the period of Roman occupation and the significance. Beautiful area and a thoroughly enjoyable day out, would highly recommend a visit. There is a small fee to enter the bath house however most of the site can be visited for free.

The sites are impressively well preserved and clean. Staff were friendly and welcoming. Fascinating to learn how sophisticated the roman legions were in their engineering abilities. Thought the pawprint and sandal imprint were special and added a sense of human connection to the past. The projected visuals were a creative touch, though the modern swimsuit imagery slightly detracted from historical atmosphere. Overall, a brilliant experience!

An excellent experience made even more special by the friendly staff. This attraction is well laid out and quite reasonable for admission. There are lots of kids activities and history to be experienced. If you are in this town take the time to visit. The staff will also direct you to the other Roman ruins and history in the city as well.

Pay to go in. Nice little walk around the old bath house, you can see a small portion of what was a huge site. Little clip boards given to the kids to entertain them. Interesting to visit. Doesn't take long to get around. Probably plan for 30 mins in there. No toilet inside. Pub right next door though.

Nicely done with projecting figures in the baths, recordings and informative signs, videos and models. Children and adults can learn a lot about the Romans. The amphitheatre and baracks are 5-10 minutes walk away. Unfortunately we missed the museum as we came too late.

A nice outdoorsy area. The duck pond near the gift shop is nice. A nice hiking spot with plenty of nice views. I wish I’d went when the weather wasn’t so indecisive haha. 🌦️

Our first time in visiting Fourteen Locks in over 20 years and what a great walk and what a great day. It was £1.50 for 4 hours of parking there's a pay as you park machine and you can use NFC. Inside the centre there is a coffee shop, a little shop, a visitor's desk and I could see some other rooms. There were also some public toilets however these were quite tired and not great. In the toilet that we used the seat wasn't even attached to the toilet. They do sell duck food. £1.50 a bag but had sold out. On coming out of the centre we followed the path around the right of the small pond and then started walking down the left hand side of the locks. Please don't expect to come here and see a long waterway route. There is some water at the top of the locks but the further down you go the drier it becomes, however it was very picturesque. We decided when we got to the bottom of the path where it branches to the left or the right to go left and follow the path underneath the M4 motorway and then we bared round the left again heading towards the malpas junction. 2/3 of the way down we spotted a sign for the Allt Yr Yn nature reserve and branched off there to have a little nose, before making our way back the Canal Centre. We stopped off at the coffee shop and enjoyed a latte and cappuccino and a large glass of tap water. They sell hot and cold food and there is also a chiller fridge with cold drinks. All very reasonable priced and lovely service from the staff.

It's an nice place, well maintained and along the canal, so it's a good place to stop for a rest if you're cycling or walking the canal. Can get ice cream and cold drinks there. Parking available.

Lovely place to come and visit for a nice walk or for some time to yourself. There's a visitor centre at fourteen locks. They serve food, and they have items to sell. The car park is pay and display. There's a canal that stretches in both directions. One way leads into Risca while the other leads into Newport, Brynglas area. There are multiple paths to take to have a walk at fourteen locks, and it is great for exploring. The canal has had some work done to it. There is now a bridge in fourteen locks that connects to the other side of the water, toward the bottom section of the main area. There are also a few viewpoints that have been added to the canal overlooking points of the water. This place is great for dogs walking, cycle riding, and exploring. This is one of the best canals we've been to for walks and have been coming here for a number of years.

Nice place with great improvements since last visit. Good cafe with good menu including falafel veggie wraps and good coffee. Fair prices , efficient cooking and service. Coped well with a sudden rush of customers.

Lovely place to come and visit for a nice walk,very clean thnx everyone

Lovely place to stop and have a break if walking or cycling. Good little souvenir shop and info centre. Cafe has delicious foods and the ice cream is wonderful Staff are very friendly.

Gates never open at 6 the two guys who come and open the gate at 15 mins past every weekend purposely bloke me so I can’t get trough the gate until they have got in there van making me even later for work. Immature old men

Friars walk is a good place but the surrounding area spoils it some decent shops and places to eat. Not like the old in-shops and with the leisure centre gone seems like newport has seen its best days unfortunately

Used the car park whilst at the rugby. Easy access and exit, very responsible priced.

Many nice restaurants there ! And M & S foods haul & Saintsuberry & Costa ,KFC , Prezzo, Wagamama ,TGI Friday ,so on. The Next store had great selections of men's clothings at wonderful prices ! I found / bought so many cure made in U.K.birthday cards !! 4 for 3 ( price of 3 of equivalent price cards !! ) I loved the Costa upstairs there !! Very convenient w/ toilets !

More shops are starting to move in here but still closures the retraunt sector is very nice with landscaped views i have put the pictures i took here while in the area i walked through the centre to the te developed indoor market i thought it was ok as many people eating in the modernised well laid out market place i enjoyed my visit as i went to sèe a show at the amazing riverfront theatre worth a visit for sure

I like the restaurants but they need to keep stores from closing by offering competitive rates. If all that is left are painted boards there will be a knock on impact to those that remain and they'll all close. Please, keep this alive or we'll have a ghost town. UPDATE...Oh come on Talisker Corporation please! Empty stores won't earn you any rent and incidental foot traffic is lost for others. Debenhams has gone, the Cinema vacated as are so many other units now. Newport Centre needs quality shops and restaurants, not empty comic stores and 99p stores - please fill with prime stores. Reduce the rates and keep stores, at least until there is an over demand for units. Look how depressing it looks boarded up.😢

Nice shopping area in central Newport with a good range of places to eat.

I walked up the hill yesterday and a service was just starting as I arrived. God must have been calling me I was just doing some photos of the wall and a little door in the wall and the trees There are large, leafy green trees all around the church I always consider God's house a church, indeed this place was made a cathedral in my absence I liked the service, a nice lady did a reading and I made friends with a Canon of the church which was nice The choir songs were lovely and we sang some nice hymns You are always welcome It is nice to have some quiet repose and peacefulness from a busy mind Goodness of God helps a troubled mind The fact that the church continues to provide a place for us despite all the apparent difficulties in the world is a marvel just as our living God is There are graves and grave-stones that carry important information for generations so I look closely to see what has been written You realise that being a part of something bigger is very good reassurance in living life where mistakes are always going to happen Absolution is only a repent away 😇😊🤗

Wow 5th century cathedral one of the first apostles churches in the UK Wales. Beautifully placed on the top of the hill in Newport city. The new church integrated with the old church . The old arch and the superb preserved columns in a Corinthian style sounds throughout the centuries kirie eleison, Amen. In their touch one can feel the past, thousands of services and liturgies(ΘΕΊΑ ΕΥΧΑΡΙΣΤΙΑ), throughout the centuries brings the past in front of you in quietness. Really worth visiting when you stop at the Newport town. Past and present and still more into the future.

Attended a London Film Orchestra concert here. I'd never been to the Cathedral before and as a disabled person I'm always a bit apprehensive with new places but I needn't have worried. On arrival at the queue I was immediately escorted to the accessible entrance after being asked if I'd wanted to go to the bar or toilet before going in. Everyone was really helpful and attentive. The concert was amazing and I had a fantastic evening.

St Woolos Cathedral has been a site of worship since the early 6th century. According to legend, the soldier-prince Gwynllyw was converted to Christianity when he was told in a dream to search for a white ox with a black spot on its forehead and, when he found it, to build a church as an act of penitence. Gwynllyw’s church, founded on Stow Hill, was almost certainly made of mud and wattle and has therefore been lost. The modern church dates back to the Norman period including the arched entrance and nave, constructed 1140-1160. The present building consists of a 12th century Norman church enclosed within a later mediaeval structure, restored in Victorian times and with a recent east end extension. In 1921 the diocese of Monmouth was created and the church was designated a cathedral and the east end was enlarged in 1960.

Went for the open door. A marvelous place. Even watched around Newport from the roof. An amazing day out.

Tiny, but the Norman parts are well maintained. The modern area by the main altar looks out of place at first but it grows on you

Have been to two concerts here with family recently, the acoustics were fantastic and the concerts were great value for money. It really is a beautiful, welcoming cathedral and nice to attend a service, light a candle to remember loved ones or just reflect on life. Highly recommend a visit.

Absolutely stunning fantastic place. It's up a bumpy road, ideal place for weddings and events. But bring your own food. Or catering. Wonderful new rocks and coast line. It's also a farm area on reclaimed land. A wonderful place.

Amazing wedding venue, stunning location, no corkage, blank canvas set up (perfect for creative DIY weddings) and wheelchair friendly. The owners are wonderful, so helpful and accommodating. West Usk Lighthouse is a hidden gem! ☺️

Beautiful beautiful place, worth a getaway and recoup with nearby places to visit including pubs restaurants supermarkets etc you can drive to and from and a lovely walk along the sea wall. The views are amazing, a great place to relax in the sun and a nice firepit to end the night while star gazing! The hosts were amazing, so friendly and helpful, thank you ! Will definitely come again! <3

I wholeheartedly recommend West Usk Lighthouse in Newport as a wedding venue for couples looking to create a truly extraordinary and memorable experience. From the stunning natural surroundings to the impeccable service and attention to detail, this venue offers everything needed to make any wedding a dream come true. As a photographer, I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of such a remarkable celebration, and I look forward to returning to this magical location in the future.

My husband and I had the most wonderful stay. It was absolutely fantastic, beautiful scenery, hot tub and a fire pit we lit on the evening. Where we stayed was very clean and had lots of character also the hosts where lovely. We will defiantly be regulars! Thank you so much.

Such a beautiful place to come back to, I took my watch off on Friday and didn't put it back on until we left on Sunday, who needs to know the time when you are here! This was our second stay and we'll definitely be back again.

Me and my husband got married here on July 29th. Beautiful venue, booked the lodge to stay the night before and after the wedding. Lovely views, the weather stayed dry as well. Danielle, Frank and Archie (their dog) great hosts. Thank you very much.

Bellevue Park is lovely I was happy there was a good parking spot in the middle level because I only knew about the entry points at the top and bottom of the park It is on a hillside of course The parking in the middle brings you within 20 metres of the cafe that was a hot-house for tropical plants in years gone by when I visited as a child with my grand-dad - he loved to take me and my sister to the bandstand where a brass band played on a Sunday... happy days The Cafe is nice, it has lots of rooms and good areas for people with dogs, there were lots of nice dogs in the park The Cafe has good food and good coffee, I had scones, jam and cream. We had a family get together to celebrate grancha's birthday, he was a wonderful man The park is memorable for it's beautiful first trees I think There are great views We sat on the terrace which was lovely, on a delightful summers day There was no rush and we stayed out in the sun quite sometime before going inside We sat in comfortable chairs in a shaded area and chatted some more before leaving We had a lovely day

Even in October, it's a beautiful place with magnificent huge elderly trees and extensive views. Very peaceful place. Reasonable parking mid day mid week but I suspect can be busy at weekends. Excellent tea rooms with quality coffee and delightful choice of cakes.

This was a surprisingly large park with lots of pretty areas to explore.

Beautiful park all year round, great for dog walking and talking the kids to the ply area. If you are lucky, there are events on in the Pavilion, and the coffee shop is always worth treating yourself.

I'll confess I thought twice before reviewing a park, but, gosh, it's a very fine park indeed. Worth a visit for the trees alone - some really magnificent specimens- the park also features both superb floral displays and wildflowers one comes across while ambling around. Birdsong is plentiful, and there are tennis courts and a bowling green. There's a lovely bandstand that hosts various concerts in the summer months, a multitude of seats, some in secluded corners, and a tea-room that serves exactly what you'd expect it to. Best of all for anyone local to the park is the opportunity to experience the seasons as they change. Right now the park boasts a magnificent array of colours, and the busy main road running adjacent to the park just seems to fade away.

This park is a slice of tranquility in the centre of Newport. I found it 3 years ago when I moved here and I've been visiting ever since. Its so beautiful to visit in the spring and summer with all the wonderful flowers and trees. The grounds are really well maintained and it is such a great place to walk your dog. Some of the levels of walking are quite steep so be mindful if you struggle with that. A wonderful cafe at the top entrance, serving drinks and food, seating indoors and outdoors. Really friendly staff. This place will always be one of my favourite.

Beautiful park; especially now in October/autumn as leaves are changing colour. Pleasant walks, albeit some quite hilly. Nice cafe to enjoy refreshments. Recommend a visit.

We love Beechwood park. They have small cafe with lovely ice cream. Tennis courts, and football court for the kids. The park itself beautiful

My favourite local park. Two good play areas and a lovely cafe

Such a beautiful place to be, no matter the weather. Beechwood park has two children’s parks (top & bottom) and a lovely cafe for you to refresh, refill and relax. The park also have some stunning plants, trees and is brimming with wildlife. Come here to relax and forget about things for a while...

Perfect lovely local park to walk & catch up with friends & other dog walkers

It was sunny. Brilliant park with lot of space to walk around. Nice section for the kids area, both top and bottom half of the section. Nice area to possibly have a picnic and beautiful magnolia trees planted at the park.

Love beechwood park for my outdoor natural, relaxed portrait photography. Plenty of gorgeous backdrops and places for capturing memories of family times together. So many satisfied customers after hiring me to document their happy times together. Much better than a studio environment. Park is well kept and planted. Autumn shoots are spectacular here. Awesome views of the Bristol Channel, tennis courts, great places to walk and exercise. Definitely recommend.

Plenty to do and see in this lovely Newport park. Great for kids, tennis players, football, and dog walkers. Do yourself a favour and sample the lovely little cafe too! 👍