Discover the Wild Heart of Newport! Step into the Newport Wetlands Nature Reserve—an industrial landscape reclaimed by nature. Just minutes from urban life at the mouth of the River Usk, you’ll find a breathtaking escape teeming with wildlife, adventure, and unforgettable experiences for all ages.
Wander through over 438 hectares of stunning reedbeds, tranquil lagoons, lush wet grasslands, and wild estuary mudflats—perfect feeding grounds for wading birds and wildfowl. It’s not just a place to visit, it’s a place to explore.
Bird lover?
Spot Avocet and Curlew on the saltmarsh, Bitterns and Bearded Tits hiding in the reeds, Little Owl and Cuckoo perched in the trees or Kingfisher and Marsh Harrier hunting for their prey.
Wildlife enthusiast?
Watch dragonflies glitter over the water, a Water Vole scamper into a reen, the rare Shrill Carder Bee buzzing through the wildflowers and orchids, and even a Grass Snake basking in the sun. You might even spot an Otter or a Stoat!
Bringing the family?
Uncover the secrets of the reserve in the RSPB Visitor Centre, relax in the café, and let the kids go wild in the interactive Discovery Zone on the Adventure Play Equipment.
History aficionado?
Discover the fascinating story of preserved 7,500-year-old human footprints and ancient giant Auroch bones. See the evidence of how humans have shaped this landscape from the Romans to Medieval Monks and more recently the industrial activity that has created this special habitat.
And don’t miss the magical winter spectacle—as dusk falls, tens of thousands of Starlings take to the skies in a swirling, dancing murmuration that will leave you in awe.
Newport Wetlands Nature Reserve—where every visit is a new adventure!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Discover exciting events at Newport Wetlands! Join us for a guided Bumblebee ID in summer, or hire a guide for a unique and exclusive tour of Newport Wetlands, tailored to your interests!
Download our trail map, to help you plan your visit.
Holidaycottages.co.uk is working with the RSPB to restore UK woodland for future generations to enjoy. Every booking with Holidaycottages.co.uk supports woodland restoration projects at key RSPB reserves around the country, protecting the wildlife that makes the UK an extraordinary place for a holiday.
New to Holidaycottages.co.uk portfolio of handpicked self-catering holiday cottages is the Showcase Collection: Near RSPB Reserves. At these extraordinary homes, immerse yourself in the diverse landscapes of RSPB reserves and get up close to some of the UK’s most cherished native wildlife.