Croeso i Gasnewydd! That’s Welsh for ‘welcome to Newport’, a city that may fly under the radar but is well worth a trip. Perfectly placed between the coast, countryside and some of South Wales’ most popular attractions, it offers a mix of convenience, history and Welsh character. From exploring the city’s Roman roots to discovering nearby castles, mountain landscapes and coastal towns, there’s plenty to see and do both in Newport and beyond.
Read on for our guide to Newport and South Wales, and find out how to experience the very best the region has to offer.
Things to do in Newport
Tredegar House
You’ll find plenty to enjoy right here in the city. The logical first stop to any trip to Newport is Tredegar House, a National Trust mansion with more than 500 years of history within walking distance of the Holiday Inn Express Newport! Discover the grand stately home as well as it’s gardens and parkland.
If history is your thing, you can also visit the Roman remains of Caerleon on the outskirts of the city. Home to an amphitheatre, Roman baths and more, the archaeological site of Isca Augusta in Caerleon is one of only 3 Roman legionary fortresses in Great Britain.
Roman Amphitheatre in Caerleon
Nature lovers have to head to the Newport Wetlands Nature Reserve, one of the best places in Wales for spotting wildlife. With a variety of habitats, keep an eye out for kingfishers, otters or birds of prey.
Enjoy a spot of golf? Newport is home to several golf courses, including Newport, Llanwern, and Tredegar Park, as well as the world-class Ryder Cup venue Celtic Manor. And for those of us who can’t play like Rory McIlroy, there is also a mini-golf course.
Egret taking flight at the Newport Wetlands
Finally, no trip to Newport would be complete without spending some time in the city centre. Browse the shops then grab a bite to eat at Newport Market, one of the city’s top food and drink spots. If you’re keen to learn more about the area’s history, pop into the Newport Museum and Art Gallery or visit Newport Cathedral, which dates back to the 5th century. Take a stroll along the banks of the River Usk and check out two of Newport’s most iconic landmarks – the Footbridge and the famous Transporter Bridge, one of the few remaining bridges of its kind anywhere in the world.
Newport City Footbridge across the River Usk
Day trips from Newport
One of the best things about staying at Holiday Inn Express Newport is the convenient location close to the M4. Central Cardiff is just a 20-minute drive away, making the Welsh capital city the perfect choice for a day trip. Check out some of the top attractions in Cardiff, such as the Cardiff Castle, Cardiff Bay and the Wales Millennium Centre. You’ll also be well-positioned for concerts and sporting events at the Principality Stadium, before heading back to Newport.
View of Cardiff
Nearby to Cardiff is the town of Caerphilly, best known for it’s cheese and castle. Surrounded by a moat, Caerphilly Castle has a history of almost 800 years and is one of the largest castles in the UK. If you’re keen to explore more castles and ruins, head east from Newport towards the English border to Chepstow Castle and Tintern Abbey. Only a few miles apart, it makes it easy to see both in a single day. While you’re in the area, don’t miss the chance to take in the views over the Severn Estuary from the Eagle’s Nest Viewpoint.
Chepstow Castle
Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (a.k.a. the Brecon Beacons) is know for its hiking routes and beautiful landscapes. Here you can find Pen Y Fan, the highest peak in South Wales. Standing at 886m, it is a popular destination for hikers from all over the country with incredible views from the top. Perhaps for a more laid-back way to discover Bannau Brycheiniog, journey by vintage steam train past breath-taking scenery on the Brecon Mountain Railway.
Brecon Mountain Railway in Bannau Brycheiniog National Park
While we’re on the subject of staying active, why not hit the trails at BikePark Wales? With mountain bike routes for every ability, it’s an exhilarating, action-packed way to experience the Welsh countryside on two wheels. Don’t have your own bike? No problem! Equipment hire is available on site. Located just outside Merthyr Tydfil, around 28 miles from Newport, it’s an exciting day out for anyone looking for a bit of adventure.
Why stay in Newport for visiting South Wales?
When planning a trip to South Wales, choosing the right base can make all the difference for the convenience of your getaway. With it’s ideal location between Cardiff, the Wye Valley and Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, as well as plenty to offer on its own, Newport puts the region’s biggest attractions all within easy reach.
View from Bannau Brycheiniog
Newport also offers a more relaxed environment than the larger cities nearby, like Cardiff or Swansea. There a plenty of options to eat, drink and experiences Wales’ famous friendly hospitality. Finally, Holiday Inn Express Newport provides a comfortable place to stay after a day of sightseeing, hiking, biking or whatever else you choose to get up to during your trip.
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How to get to Stevenage
Newport is easily accessible by the M4 motorway, which runs from London all across southern England and South Wales. For those travelling by car, Holiday Inn Express Newport provides free parking for hotel guests, as well as charging points for EVs.
Prince of Wales Bridge crossing into Wales
Newport Railway Station offers direct services across the UK to destinations like London, Bristol and Birmingham. Also, both Bristol and Cardiff airports are within an hour’s drive, serving destinations across the UK and Europe, for those travelling from further afield.
Useful Welsh phrases for your visit to Newport
While English is spoken throughout Wales, why not have a go at learning a few Welsh phrases during your visit? You may be greeted with a friendly “Shw mae!” (Hi!) or a cheerful “Bore da!” (Good morning!) and later in the day, “Prynhawn da!” (Good afternoon!). Show your gratitude by saying “Diolch yn fawr!” (Thank you very much!) to really impress the locals. Other words to look out for on your trip include “Croeso”, which means welcome, “Cymru” meaning Wales, or “cwtch”, a widely-used Welsh phrase that refers to a hug.
Bilingual sign welcoming you to Wales
Why stay at Holiday Inn Express Newport?
Holiday Inn Express Newport is the ideal base for exploring South Wales. Located conveniently by Junction 28 of the M4, the hotel is easy to access by car and has free parking, as well as EV chargers. Central Cardiff and the Principality Stadium are just 20 minutes away by car. Alternatively, Newport railway station is just over 3 miles away in the city centre and is well-connected to destinations across Wales and England.
Holiday Inn Express Newport
Unwind in your room with free Wi-Fi and en-suite bathrooms. Tuck in to an evening meal in our Great Room lounge and sip on a drink from the bar. Plus, every stay at our hotel includes free breakfast in the morning. The hotel offers everything you need for a relaxing stay while enjoying your Welsh adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions about Newport
Is Newport a good base for exploring South Wales?
Absolutely. Newport is ideally located for discovering some of South Wales’ most popular attractions, with Cardiff, the Wye Valley, Bannau Brycheiniog National Park and the South Wales coastline all within easy reach.
What are the best attractions near Newport?
There are plenty of attractions to explore both in Newport and nearby. Popular highlights include Caerleon’s Roman Amphitheatre and Baths, Tredegar House, Newport Wetlands National Nature Reserve, and Newport Market.
How many days should I spend in Newport?
A stay of two to four nights is ideal for most visitors. This gives you enough time to explore Newport’s own attractions while also enjoying day trips to places such as Cardiff, Caerphilly, the Wye Valley and Bannau Brycheiniog National Park.
Is Newport cheaper than staying in Cardiff?
Many visitors find Newport offers excellent value compared to staying in Cardiff city centre. As well as the competitive accommodation prices, you’ll still be within easy reach of all that Cardiff has to offer, making Newport a smart choice for travellers looking to explore South Wales without stretching their budget.