Located as it is on theconfluence of the Rivers Usk and Severn, Newportcity is truly a product of both its history and its geography. A port sincemedieval times, it has a rich history of industrial and strategic relevance,and its proud heritage can be enjoyed today with sights such as the NewportTransporter Bridge, Newport Castle, NewportCathedral and TredegarHouse.And yet for all this history of industry,Newportalso lies at the heart of an area of outstanding natural beauty. TheForest of Deanand the Wye Valley are both right on the doorstep, whilst theBrecon Beaconsare just a short drive away.
Culturein Newport
Newport is home to threemajor museums: the Newport Museum and Art Gallery houses collections of Art andNatural History, Social History and Archaeology the National Roman LegionMuseum in Caerleon, one of the National Museums of Wales houses an array ofRoman artifacts from currency to uniforms and occupies the remains of theCaerleon fortress, the westernmost defence point of the Roman Empire and TheRoman Baths Museum affords the view of Europe’s only remaining Roman legionarybarracks as well as the UK’s largest restored amphitheatre.
Newportalso has a thriving arts scene, with the Riverfront Arts Centre offering asteady diet of music, comedy and theatre whilst the Caerleon Arts Festival, whichtakes place annually in early July, offers a scintillating array of theatre,music and storytelling for all ages.
Sport inNewport
The prestigious NationalVelodrome makes Newport an international cyclinghub and the home of Team GB’s cycling team since 2004, as well as the host toboth the Australian and American Paralympic Olympic squads in 2012.
Golf is another importantsporting activity in the city: it boasts 30 golf courses within easy drivingdistance, and one of these, CelticManor, was the first ever golf course to be purpose built to host TheRyder Cup.
What’s more, withNewport’s world-renowned Newport RFC based a shortwalk from the city centre, rugby also has a massive presence in thecity.
Nature inNewport
Newportlies at the heart of some of Britain’s most beautiful landscapes: theForest of Dean is one of the UK’s last ancientroyal forests and the Wye Valley is an area of such outstanding natural beautythat in the 18th century it was the birthplace of British Tourismitself.
The Vale of Usk attractsfishermen from every corner of the country (and beyond) for its fantasticsalmon fishing and there are many other great spots nearby to cast yourline.
Less than an hour’s drivenorth lies the spectacular Brecon Beacons NationalPark, where you will discover South Wales’s highest mountainpeak Pen y Fan.
Enjoy Newport
Newport is very much acity on the rise, attracting international attention and stature through eventsas diverse as NATO summits and The Ryder Cup. Its industrial past, contemporaryculture and the abundant natural beauty that surrounds it makeNewport a rewarding destination indeed.
