Newport, England Tourist Attractions
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The Isle of Wight's main town is Newport (pop. 22,500), situated roughly in the middle, and the center of administration, business and transport.Seaclose Park in Newport is the site of the annual Isle of Wight Music Festival, this event began in 1968 and has featured numerous notable artists. The Postal Museum in Newport features a private collection of vintage postal equipment.
St James' Square
St James' Square with its statue of Queen Victoria lies at the center of Newport.
Old Grammar School
Near St James Square stands the old Grammar School (1614), in which Charles I agreed the Treaty of Newport with parliament in 1648. The king's 15-year-old daughter, Princess Elizabeth, is buried in St Thomas' Church. She died in 1650 while a prisoner in Carisbrooke Castle and a monument to her by Marochetti was commissioned by Queen Victoria in 1856.
Town Hall
The town hall in the High Street of Newport was opened in 1816 and is the work of John Nash.
Market
Noisy Newport market, held on Tuesdays and Fridays and really a cattle market, attracts many visitors.
Roman Villa
It is peaceful in Newport's Roman villa (second century), where mosaic floors, parts of the baths and the hypocaust can be seen.
Carisbrooke Castle
Carisbrooke Castle (1mi/2km southwest of Newport) is idyllically situated on a hill and stands on the site of a former Roman fort. The keep is Norman (early 12th century) and offers fine views, while most of the rest of the castle dates from the 13th century. Charles I prior to his execution and his daughter Elizabeth were held captive here in 1647/1648; the simple royal rooms can be viewed. The Governor's House contains a museum devoted to the island's history. Behind the house lies the 148ft/45m-deep castle well.Carisbrooke Castle was first founded as a Saxon camp in the eighth century and bought from the Redvers family by Edward I in 1293.The keep offers panoramic views over the sweeping ridge.
Robin Hill Adventure Park
The 88 acre/36ha Robin Hill Adventure Park is reached some 3mi/4.5km east of Newport. Its attractions include dodgems, a Santa Fe railroad, a jungle house and a water garden.
Arreton Manor
Arreton manor house dates from 1639 and lies 4mi/6.5km southeast of Newport. In addition to pieces of 17th century furniture, it also has a large collection of dolls. The National Radio Museum is housed in a nearby building.
