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About Newport

Geographically located in the centre of the Island, Newport is its principal town and main shopping centre. Excellent roads and bus services make it easy to reach from anywhere on the Island and the Southern Vectis bus terminus is right in the centre of town. Enjoy browsing in the major chain stores or the many individual and intriguing little shops to be found in the lanes leading off the High Street and two main squares.

At the furthest navigable reach of the Medina river, Newport was a market town with a busy port until the mid nineteenth century. In the 3rd century the Romans built a fine Roman Villa in Cypress Road and in the 11th century the Normans established a stronghold on the site of a Saxon Fort at Carisbrooke, then the Island's capital. Richard de Redvers founded the town of Newport, laying out streets in a grid pattern, with a straight road from Quay to Castle. His grandson Baldwin de Redvers rebuilt Carisbrooke Castle in stone during the reign of King Stephen. Nowadays the castle opens daily to provide visitors with a fascinating living history experience.

Newport has two elegant squares and many fine town houses date from Georgian and early Victorian times. The colonnaded Guildhall, designed by John Nash, now houses the Museum of Island History and the Tourist Information Centre. Historic buildings have been restored to provide the tiny Apollo Theatre in Pyle Street and the Quay Arts Centre, housed in former warehouses, on the western bank of the river, where you will find pubs, sports facilities and a cycle way to Cowes. Leisure sports are available at Seaclose Park and at the nearby Mountbatten Centre, a modern complex with indoor swimming pool, theatre and adjoining Arboretum.

Newport harbour provides facilities for the visiting yachtsman and the Riverside Centre, which is accessible to all, has a waterfront restaurant. Car and coach parks beside the river are convenient for visiting the Classic Boat Museum, the Bus and Coach Museum and the craft studios at Jubilee Stores.

Whatever your age or interest, you will enjoy a great evening in Newport. Try the multiplex cinema or fast food diners at Coppins Bridge or join a guided Ghost Walk. Visit a nightclub or choose from a whole host of interesting pubs and restaurants offering a range of mouth-watering culinary delights.