Attractions Nearby Newport, Day Trips and Excursions

(Newport, Gwent, South Wales, UK)



Image of Cardiff's Millennium CentreMore attractions lie close to Newport than you could possibly have time to visit and so if you are planning day trips and excursions, you will have plenty to choose from. Some of the most popular attractions nearby Newport can be found in Wales' two biggest cities of Cardiff and Swansea, both of which can be reached by car, bus or train.

Also close to Newport and especially popular with families with young children is the Barry Island Pleasure Park, where fast rides and roller coaster attractions will not fail to thrill.



Picture showing the University of Cardiff

Cardiff

The buzzing city of Cardiff is just 26 km / 16 miles from Newport, lying to the south-west. With a drive time of approximately 25 minutes, Cardiff is well worth the relatively short trip and is brimming with world-class attractions, shopping and restaurants. The capital of Wales, Cardiff is a popular day trip from Newport and is home to many sightseeing opportunities, such as the magnificent Wales Millennium Centre and also the city's National Museum and Art Gallery. Many people travel from Newport to enjoy one of the regular concerts on offer at the Cardiff International Arena or St. David's Hall, while others come here simply to enjoy the numerous waterfront attractions around the Mermaid Quay and Cardiff Bay.

Photo of Swansea's marina area

Swansea

Swansea is the second-biggest city in the whole of Wales, standing around 80 km / 50 miles west of Newport, with a journey time of around one hour and ten minutes. Swansea is known for its coastal attractions, with a number of superb sandy beaches stretching alongside the bay itself, where many water sports are popular, such as wind surfing and sailing. Also of interest is the Liberty Stadium in the Landore area, where regular football and rugby games take place in front of crowns numbering up to 20,000 people, while the marina is the perfect place for a leisurely cruise around the city's shoreline.

View of Bristol's Clifton Suspension Bridge

Bristol

Home to the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge, two extremely popular football clubs, several exceptional theatres and many top attractions, the city of Bristol stands in nearby England, being accessed across the Severn Bridge. Located roughly 48 km / 30 miles south-east of Newport, the main attractions in Bristol include the award-winning zoological gardens, the SS Great Britain steam ship, the outstanding 'At Bristol' attractions and also the renovated harbourside area, where a variety of trendy bars and restaurants await. Each year Bristol hosts many huge events, including one of the UK's largest hot-air ballooning festivals, which takes place each summer at the spacious grounds of Ashton Court.

Merthyr Tydfil

A large town with a population of approximately 60,000 and an important industrial past, Merthyr Tydfil is located approximately 53 km / 33 miles to the north-west of Newport, with the journey taking around 45 minutes by car. Merthyr Tydfil is worth visiting for its mountain trains alone, which run long a narrow gauge railway line once used to transport coal from the mines. Other attractions include Cyfarthfa Castle, which was built in the early 19th century and is surrounded by 160 acres / 65 hectares of landscaped gardens, and the nearby row of 19th-century cottages along Chapel Row.

Barry Island

Barry Island can be found 40 km / 25 miles south-west of Newport and was joined to the mainland after the expansion of the nearby town of Barry at the end of the 19th century. Now part of a long peninsula, Barry Island is best known for its beach and endless family attractions at the Barry Island Pleasure Park, which is a popular theme park with more than 50 different rides in total, including roller coasters, a log flume and also a traditional carousel. Also expect to find dodgems, rides for younger children, plenty of eateries and amusement arcades. Entrance to the actual Pleasure Park itself is free, with a small charge being payable for each of the rides.