Newport
Pembrokeshire (often called Newport Pembs) is a delightful
seaside resort situated on the North Pembrokeshire Coast between
Cardigan and Fishguard in the county of Pembrokeshire, South-West
Wales. Although no longer a port town, it derives its name from the
Welsh title ‘Trefdraeth’,
simply meaning ‘Town
of the Beach’. Newport is situated on the estuary of the River
Nevern, providing plenty of beautiful and magnificent views of
Cardigan Bay and further a field toward the Llyn Peninsula.
With just over 1,122 inhabitants, it provides a quiet yet exciting retreat
for all the family.
Town centre
Newport is a bright, friendly and busy town, with a variety of shops
catering to different needs. From craft shops to antique shops, you
can also find book shops and quaint coffee shops to sit in and watch
the world go by, as well as plenty of restaurants for something a little
more filling. For keen artists, there are also several art galleries
to be visited within Newport, where you can appreciate some of the
best art to come out of Wales during the last century.
Attractions
Many attractions are to be found within Newport and the surrounding
area of north Pembrokeshire. As mentioned in further detail below this
historic town still retains some of the ancient marcher customs and
the mayoral beating of the bounds is a popular tourist attraction in
late July and early August each year.
Newport has its own Golf Links
Club.
Situated just a mere two minutes from the town centre and nestled under
Carningli (mountain of the Angels) Newport Links Golf Club offers an
outstanding 80 year old links course on the beautiful Nevern estuary.
But if you’re
no fan of the sport don’t
let this deter you from spending a holiday close by. The area can be
appreciated by taking a peaceful walk through the hills and the countryside,
before making your way down to the glorious beaches which surround Newport.
If fishing is more of your fancy, the stretch of the River Nevern besides
the town can be found as an excellent spot for catching salmon. Stopping
for a moment for a bite to eat, you can dine at the Golf Links Club’s
own restaurant any time of the day, whether it be breakfast or a larger
meal. Enjoy the delicious food whilst appreciating the beautiful views
of the Nevern estuary.
Other sports and attractions to be found in Newport include the town’s
own boating club. Set in an old warehouse built between 1758 and 1825,
the warehouse was first purchased by the Newport Boating Club 
in 1976.
With a friendly atmosphere, the Boating Club includes sports such as
rowing, fishing, canoeing, sailing or for a more peaceful activity, simply
hiring a boat and rowing at your own pace around the estuary. Shower
and washroom facilities are up to an excellent standard and the Boating
Club also has its own bar, where you can take a break away from the water
and enjoy the prestigious views of the estuary instead.
Why not go green at Newport’s own Eco Centre? Established in 1980,
the centre has plenty of ideas and suggestions on cutting your of energy,
including projects emphasising environmental education, fuel poverty
and renewable energy. With its hands-on workshops and presentations,
this is definitely one attraction to take the kids to for an enjoyable
education visit.
Wildlife is rife within Newport and the town attracts numerous birdwatchers
each year, particularly during the summer months. From various spots
within the town, all sorts of wildlife from herring gulls, feral pigeons,
buzzards and shags can be watched in their natural habitat. Also you
may be lucky enough to spot some of the seals and their pups across the
estuary on the inaccessible beaches, a delightful sight for any animal
lover!
The Surrounding Area
Many more attractions can be found in the area surrounding Newport
town itself.
The village of Pentre Ifan, just 2 miles from the town,
is well worth a visit for its Neolithic dolmen, a single-chamber megalithic
tomb which attracts many visitors throughout the year.
Pembrokeshire is renowned for its Coastal Path and the attraction to
walkers is obvious. You will see seals on almost any walk along the local
cliffed sections of the Coastal Footpath, at any time of year. Dolphins
and porpoises roll in the bay and in the summer months when the sea is
calm sizeable groups or 'pods' can frequently be seen in the waters close
inshore beneath the cliffs. Many stretches of the coastal cliffs abound
with bird life, and attract bird-watchers during the summer months.
If a walk through the countryside attracts you more, a stroll through
the Preseli Hills is highly recommended. A range of hills in the northern
part of Pembrokeshire, the highest peaks rise to a tall 536 
metres and
historians will be impressed with the prehistoric remains of Neolithic
settlements to be found in various spots on the hills. Again, views from
the Preseli Hills are to be much appreciated.
The area of Carn Ingli mentioned previously is definitely well worth
a visit, particularly on brighter days and during the summer, when the
view of the sun shining upon the Nevern estuary can only be described
as spectacular. Why not enjoy a picnic at the various beauty spots throughout
the area?
A little further afield, the St Mary Magdalene Church in the Parish
of Wiston, Haverfordwest, is a small sight to be appreciated when visiting
or staying at Newport. Founded by ‘Wizo the Fleming’ (yes
that was his real name) during the 12th century, it has become an attraction
in its own right and admired by visitors nationwide as well as the local
inhabitants of Haverforwest.
History
In the early 12th Century the Norman invaders under the leadership of Robert
FitzMartin captured Nevern (Nanhyfer), a Welsh motte and bailey castle,
located just a few miles from the present town of Newport. Nevern castle
was strengthened by FitzMartin as the Marcher Lord established his hold
on south west 
Wales. By the late 12th Century the Welsh under the Lord
Rhys had recaptured the castle from the FitzMartins and banished the
Normans from Nevern. The Anglo-Normans however, by now under the leadership
of William FitzMartin, did not move far, and in 1197 they established
a new castle, a town and a church some few miles south west at Trefdraeth
(town of the beach) ... the present town of Newport.
Newport Castle remained within the FitzMartin family until the death
of the last family member, William, in 1326. The castle suffered many
attacks during the turbulent history of south west Wales causing the
stone walls to be rebuilt several times until eventually we arrive at
the present structure which is part castle and part home. The castle
is owned by the current Lady Marcher of Cemais, and is only rarely open
to the public. The impressive residence, constructed between the
old gatehouse towers, is viewable from the surrounding area only.
The town of Newport became a "marcher" borough and continues to be so
to this day. Indeed, the Mayor of Newport, population 1,122 and the Mayor
of London, population several million, are the only two civic heads in
the United Kingdom still appointed to office. The selection is made by
the Marcher Lord on November 9th from a list of four names submitted
by burgesses of the town. One of the responsibilities of the Mayor is
the "Beating of the Bounds", a custom dating from the 5th century
when the boundaries of a 
parish were established. Today, walking the
boundaries takes place in Newport annually. The procession of town folk
and children halt at boundary marks where small boys are whipped, afterward
treated with cakes, so they will always remember where the boundaries
are located. This, I might add, is now only symbolically done at one
place on the boundary walk.
Accommodation
There is plenty of accommodation to be found in Newport and the surrounding
countryside. For a quiet break away you have the choice of
hotels or holiday cottages within Newport or the surrounding countryside
of North Pembrokeshire. There is a also a comfortable
hostel within Newport for a holiday away that won’t
impact too much on your bank account! Wherever you stay, you can be guaranteed
to have an enjoyable and relaxing stay in Newport.
