Newport

 

Newport, the county town of the Isle of Wight, is situated at the heart of the island and at the end of the River Medina, which flows north towards the Solent. As with elsewhere on the island, there are signs of Roman settlement (Newport Roman Villa) which has one of the best preserved Roman bath suites with under-floor heating.

In 1377, much of the town was burnt down by the invading French. Newport has two elegant squares around which sit fine Victorian and Georgian town houses. Its architecture is an impressive mix of old and new, side by side. Many of the old warehouses situated on the town’sonce important quay have been converted into luxury flats, but retain their characteristic exteriors. The impressive Guildhall was built in 1816 and now houses the Museum of Island History.
Newport offers a wide range of pubs and clubs to choose from and it is home to a multiplex cinema, superstores, fine restaurants, the island’s Quay Arts Centre and even a ghost walk. Although Newport has no beaches itself, all the island is easily accessible from there as both the A3020 and A3054 meet in Newport. Therefore, travelling to any of the island’s many beaches is easy from Newport by car or bus.

Carisbrooke Castle which dates back to the Norman period is steeped in history and can be found towering on a hill at the west of the town. It was there that Charles Ι was imprisoned for 14 months before his trial and execution. Now-a-days, the castle houses a museum, and the working Carisbrooke donkeys.
Newport hosts two big music festivals that have gathered legendary status not just on the island. The famous Isle of Wight Festival is renowned for the many iconic artists that have played there such as David Bowie, The Rolling Stones and The Prodigy. It also has many new and upcoming artists and a big electric scene. The list of headlines for 2011's Isle of Wight Festival fails to disappoint with acts such as The Kings of Leon, Pulp, Foo Fighters and Kasabian.
The second festival at Newport considered by many as the last of the season, is the aptly named Bestival, situated at one of the island’s most popular attractions, the beautiful Robin Hill Country Park. The Bestival is the island’s alternative music festival, brainchild of BBC Radio One's alternative DJ Rob da Bank. It has gained notoriety as an award-winning festival for its wide range of music and arts.
The Isle of Wight festival is held in June and the Bestival takes place in September. Both are three-day-events which completely electrify the island. People travel from all over to attend and to have a good time.
On the outskirts of Newport, there are many attractions such as Arreton Barns Craft Village, Robin Hill Adventure Park, The Isle of Wight Lavender Farm, Butterfly World, and many more.

Fascinating fact

In November 1647, Charles Ι of England fled Hampton court to the Isle of Wight where he stayed at Carisbrooke Castle hoping the island’s governor of the time, a Colonel Robert Hammond, would be sympathetic. Unfortunately many of the island’s residents were not supporters of the king and he was imprisoned at the castle. After two failed escape attempts, the Royal prisoner was taken by military officers to London to face execution in Whitehall.

 

 

Isle of Wight Attractions