Reserve Closure
This reserve will close on Thursday 14 November for an all-staff meeting. Please check locally for site specific closure times and details.
What's here? at Newport Wetlands
Available on site
130 spaces 10 Blue Badge spaces 180 metres from the visitor centre. Tarmac surface, path to visitor centre compacted with limestone chippings and dust. 2 metre height restriction.
There are accessible toilets available on ground floor of Visitor Centre with level, step-free access from car park.
Two baby changing facilities available.
Pushchair Accessible
There are three mobility scooters and two wheelchairs available for use on the reserve. Whilst booking is not essential, we recommend checking availability in advance by contacting the Visitor Centre.
To borrow mobility equipment please bring a RSPB membership card, or photo ID and proof of address if not a RSPB member.
There is a mobility passport scheme for the convenience of regular users, please ask at reception for details. All trails are level on compacted gravel and dust, with one incline using a zig-zag. Floating walkways have been used by wheelchairs, scooters and pushchairs but caution should be taken due to buoyancy. A wheelchair-accessible hide and viewing screens overlook the reedbeds and main lagoons.
Toilets available. All toilets have level, step-free access from car park.
Entrance by wooden walkway with a maximum gradient of 1:40. Manually operated doors. Non-slip tiled surface. Low section on service counter. Hearing loop system is installed at the service counter and in the education rooms. Good natural and artificial lighting. Staff can give assistance with doors and read out any literature if required.
Our café is open 10am to 4pm, serving a delicious selection of hot and cold food and drinks. Both indoor and outdoor seating is available.
Ramp access is available to outdoor areas. Step-free level access. Outside deck viewing area. Tables are well spaced apart. Good natural and overhead lighting. Non slip tiles.
Binoculars are available to hire for £3, £5 or £7 for the day.
Guided Walks
There are natural viewing opportunities throughout the reserve and viewing screens located at points of interest. A wheelchair-accessible hide and viewing screens overlook the reedbeds and main lagoons.
Download our trail map, to help you plan your visit.
There are four trails at Newport Wetlands. All the coloured trails are suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. To avoid disturbing wildlife, all dogs must be kept on leads and stay on the permissive paths. Trails can get muddy, so suitable footwear is recommended.
Sculpture trail - A mile-long (1.6 km) stroll through the reedbeds, over the floating bridge, past a selection of sculptures and the 120-year-old lighthouse Orchid trail - A short walk (1 mile, 1.6 km) In late spring and early summer, look out for different types of orchids. Ideal for wheelchair users.
Woodland and estuary trail - 1.5 miles (2.3 km) route Wander through ever-changing surroundings – reedbeds, woodland, past open water and the estuary The wetlands experience - Our longest trail at 3 miles (4.5 km) Combines the orchid trail, the woodland and estuary trail and part of the Wales Coast Path.
You can find our shop in the visitor centre, open 10am to 4.30pm. It stocks a good selection of binoculars and telescopes, bird food, bird feeders and gifts.
The shop has level entry, step-free, with no doors. Non-slip tiled surface. Ample room. Well-lit with daylight and fluorescent lighting. Staff can provide assistance.
Bring your science and geography lessons to life with our curriculum linked sessions run by our learning team on the reserve. We offer a variety of hands on, practical sessions which you can choose from. Find out more about our school visits on our reserve home page or email newport-wetlands@rspb.org.uk
Playground
Level access from the main reserve facilities Shallow gradient/ramp access. Level access from the car park. Natural surfacing. Four picnic tables with wheelchair access outside visitor centre.
Not available on site
BBQs are a fire risk, endangering other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here. They are not permitted on the reserve at any time.
Restrictions
There is one permissive dog walking route on the perimeter of the reserve marked by pawprint signs. You can get a map from the visitor centre, where there are tethering rings and a drinking bowl at the entrance. Limited dog-friendly outdoor seating is provided at the front of the Visitor Centre.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.
Cycling on the reserve is restricted to a designated route.