Suggested itineraries and ideas for great days and weekends out in South East Wales.
Itinerary 1 – Ancient and Modern
The furthest outpost of the Roman Empire, Caerleon was occupied by the 2nd Augustan legion for 200 years as one of only three permanent legionary fortresses in Britain, along with York and Chester.
Step back in time at the National Roman Legion Museum, Roman Fortress and Baths and Amphitheatre, and see what makes Caerleon the most varied Roman site in Britain today.
Enjoy lunch at one of the historic inns in the village, such as the Hanbury Arms or Priory Hotel and visit some of the local craft and artisan shops.
More high street retail therapy is available at Friars Walk in Newport city centre, where there is also plenty of choice in chain and independent restaurants.
Free coach parking and easy level walking in Caerleon, and convenient coach drop-off points in Newport city centre.
Itinerary 2 – Fascinating Heritage
Ride across the River Usk on the gondola of the world-famous Edwardian Transporter Bridge, one of only six still operating in the world.
See the motors in the engine house and climb up to the top walkway for views across the city and surrounding countryside.
Reward yourself with a delicious lunch opposite the Bridge at the historic Waterloo Hotel, which once boasted the longest bar in the world.
Take the afternoon to enjoy a ‘Behind the Scenes’ tour of the spectacular and beautiful Tredegar House.
Restoration mansion and one of the architectural wonders of Wales, it was home to the eccentric Morgan family for around 500 years and is now run by the National Trust. Finish your visit with afternoon tea in the Brewhouse café.
Free coach parking and group discounts at both Transporter Bridge and Tredegar House, driver tearoom voucher at Tredegar House.
Itinerary 3 – Industrial Heritage and Beer!
See impressive engineering and industrial heritage at the Fourteen Locks Canal Centre, where the flight of locks rises 160 feet in just half a mile.
Enjoy a talk by one of the knowledgeable guides and see the locks restoration during your walk along the canal.
Just a mile away, visit the award-winning Tiny Rebel Brewery for lunch, brewery tour and your chance to try Cwtch, the 2015 Champion Beer of Great Britain!
Free parking at Tiny Rebel, parking available at Fourteen Locks, charges currently under review
Itinerary 4 – Wild, Wild World
Take a guide and walk a section of the Wales Coast Path, the first to encompass an entire country, awarded World's Greatest Region in the best-in-travel Lonely Planet 2012 Guide.
The coast path crosses the RSPB Newport Wetlands Reserve, a haven for wildlife, with rare species attracting twitchers from all over the country, and beyond.
Enjoy the uninterrupted views across the Severn Estuary, which has the second highest tidal range in the world.
Relax over lunch while watching the wildlife from the glass viewing area in the Reserve’s café, or visit one of the historic pubs on the historic Gwent Levels for a cosy lunch by the fire.
Try the Rose Inn in Redwick, or the Waterloo Inn in Nash, where they serve the very local Stank Hen IPA, named after the local moorhen and brewed on the Levels since 2012.
After lunch, visit Dewstow Gardens, built around 1895, buried under tons of soil just after World War II and rediscovered in 2000. Discover a labyrinth of underground grottoes, tunnels and sunken ferneries.
Parking at Newport Wetlands Reserve, £3 charge, free parking at Dewstow Gardens with concessionary entry rate for groups and free entry for driver and courier.
For help in organising your group or tour email tourism@newport.gov.uk or telephone +44(0)1633 233663