Newport Castle

Visitor Notice

This site is now open to view or visit with no pre-booking required. (External viewing only)

Check our opening times and facilities below; please act responsibly and be respectful of the local area during your visit.

Please adhere to Welsh Government social distancing guidelines and coronavirus restrictions at all times and do not attempt to access enclosed spaces.

Overview

Final remains of a significant waterfront fortress

Though it has largely been swallowed up by the modern-day city, you can still get a sense of Newport Castle’s scale by viewing it from the bridge across the River Usk. From here, its central tower with water dock come into view, flanked by two further towers which mark the fortress’s north and south ends.

The castle’s curtain wall was originally surrounded by a deep moat, which was filled with water at high tide – a key benefit of its riverside location. Built in the 14th century, it replaced an earlier motte-and-bailey castle close to the cathedral on Stow Hill.