5 Historic Outings in the Newport Area
Newport is rich in history. Why not plan your next adventure with a senior, with one of these historic locations.
Staying active and learning new information is a great way to stay engaged, active and happy in senior life. Next time you are planning a day out why not look at the past and discover more about your local area. Have fun remembering and learning together with curious elderly relatives.
Tredegar House
Tredegar House is a 17th-century Charles II-era mansion on the southwestern edge of Newport, Wales. For over five hundred years it was home to the Morgan family, later Lords Tredegar; one of the most powerful and influential families in the area. Described as “The grandest and most exuberant country house” in Monmouthshire and one of the “outstanding houses of the Restoration period in the whole of Britain”, the mansion stands in a reduced landscaped garden of 90 acres forming the non-residential part of Tredegar Park. The property became a Grade I listed building on 3 March 1952 and has been under the care of the National Trust since March 2012.
There are plenty of activities around Tredegar House to get involved with. Why not enjoy the walled gardens, which are some of the most important early eighteenth century garden landscapes in Wales. If gardening isn’t you cup of tea, then discover the mansion house. Explore some of the most impressive spaces from the glistening Gilt Room to the modest Servant’s Hall. Step back in time as you uncover Tredegar House’s history. After getting your fill of history why not fill your bellies at the Brewhouse Café. Once a brewery the cafe offers a great place to rest and refuel after your day of exploring and learning. Car parking in free for blue badge holders and Tredegar House also have a limited number of wheelchairs and one mobility scooter for visitors to borrow.
“I love coming here with my family. We took my grandfather on a visit to the house and he spent the time talking about the past and what it was like in his day. We all enjoyed that day.” Ben – Home Instead Newport
Caerleon Roman Fortress and Baths
Life was hard for a Roman legionary in first-century Wales. But here in Isca, one of just three permanent legionary fortresses in Britain, there were compensations. They could always hang out with friends at the fortress baths – or take a stroll to the amphitheater to watch the gladiators.
Inside a modern covered building in today’s Caerleon you can still explore the remains of the immense natatio, or open-air swimming pool, that once held more than 80,000 gallons of water. Thanks to the wonders of film projection, you’ll glimpse a Roman soldier still diving the depths today. You can also see the cramped rooms where the men slept and stored their weapons – the only Roman legionary barracks still on view in Europe. And you can walk through the great north entrance into the most complete Roman amphitheater in Britain and imagine the din of 6,000 people baying for blood.
Explore the historic site all year round. Price start at £4.60 for Seniors and £4.80 for adults. There are light refreshments available and a gift shop where you can buy a wide range of products and guidebooks. Mobility and Hearing Accessibility Facilities are available.
Newport Cathedral
The cathedral has deep spiritual roots and has been a sacred site for over fifteen hundred years. Here St Woolos (Gwynllyw) founded a place of prayer in the fifth century, following a vision and calling by God. Today Newport Cathedral is a vibrant house of prayer and worship, offering an open and inclusive welcome to all. The arts have a central place in the church life and they host any concerts, exhibitions and events.
There is plenty to do and see at the church and surrounding area. Whether you are religious or not the church will offer you an insight of the local history going back centuries. Explore inside this beautiful church and wonder in the beautiful architecture or religious art on offer. This church is an active church and visiting the site is only available out of payer service only, Times are posted on the local website. The community church shop is fairtrade and specializes in cards and gifts suitable for ordinations, christenings, and other thoughtful religious expressions. There are disabled facilities on site. An outdoor ramp is in place for those wanting to visit the toilet downstairs and there is also a side entrance for those accessing the Cathedral itself.
Chepstow Castle
Beautifully preserved Chepstow Castle stretches out along a limestone cliff above the river Wye like a history lesson in stone. There’s no better place in Britain to see how castles gradually evolved to cope with ever more destructive weaponry – and the grandiose ambitions of their owners. For more than six centuries Chepstow was home to some of the wealthiest and most powerful men of the medieval and Tudor ages.
The building was started in 1067 by Earl William Fitz Osbern, close friend of William the Conqueror, making it one of the first Norman strongholds in Wales. In turn William Marshal (Earl of Pembroke), Roger Bigod (Earl of Norfolk) and Charles Somerset (Earl of Worcester) all made their mark before the castle declined after the Civil War.
Today the Castle is open for everyone wanting to learn about the history and developments over the years. They hold various events over the year to bring the castle to life again. Events include soldiers of the civil war, let’s discover medieval medicine and let’s discover herbs and heritage. Please be aware that the internal pathway running the length of the castle is on a slope and is steep in places. The nearest public toilets are situated in the car park in front of the castle.
Caldicot Castle
Visit Caldicot Castle in its beautiful setting of tranquil gardens and a wooded country park. Founded by the Normans, developed in royal hands as a stronghold in the Middle Ages and restored as a Victorian family home, the castle has a romantic and colourful history.
Find out about its past, explore the medieval towers and take in the breath-taking views of the parklands and surrounding area from the battlements. You will be able to travel through time and discover the home of Welsh castle life, from medieval times to the twentieth century. The castle was developed as a fortress by Royal hands in the Middle Ages and restored as a Victorian family home. The River Nedern winds its way through the park, and the wildlife pond is home to a variety of wildfowl.
Spend time visiting the castle, the grounds, or the woodland area. After a busy day walking through history the Caldicot Castle team room is a great place to relax with a full range of teas and coffees as well as hot chocolate, wine, beer and more. Relax, chat, and maybe pick up a memento from the gift shop.
There is plenty of history to explore in Newport and an abundant of easy to reach attractions ready to stretch your knowledge. Look back in time when planning your days out not forward.
Find out more about supported living in this area and see if home care in Newport, Cwmbran and Chepstow could be right for your loved ones.