Newport - St James Square

About Newport

Newport is the County Town of the Island and it is ideally placed geographically in the centre of the county. Newport was once a thriving port, but today is only host to Isle of Wight Grain and Aggregates which are based along the quay side at Little London and Dodnor.

Newport, as you would expect, has an array of shops, but unlike the Mainland which has just well known shops, there is a range of speciality shops for clothing foods and other goods. In recent years the town centre has been developed with a new Sainsbury's, Safeway's, Somerfield and Marks & Spencer's. This coupled with a new Cinema Complex at Coppins Bridge Roundabout has seen Central Newport Change a lot. However, there are still quaint little shops, an interesting quay side with Arts Centre and a beautiful walk along the banks of the river Media to Cowes and East Cowes. To the southwest of Newport is Carisbrooke, a pretty village with several good pubs and of course, Carisbrooke Castle. Charles I was held prisoner her before being taken to London for his execution. The castle is open to the public and is well worth a trip.

Whatever you do, don't dismiss Newport as a busy town not worth visiting, whilst the ladies shop the gents can walk down to the quayside and enjoy the view and a pint.